The state has approved a 16-bed psychiatric hospital in Hermiston, Oregon.
It’s just as well because the health system building it has almost finished construction.
Health systems can’t simply build new hospitals. States are required to gauge demand first, then issue a "certificate of need."
The idea is to have services distributed throughout Oregon so there’s no duplication and costs stay under control.
Lifeways will finish construction of the new Hermiston hospital this summer. CEO Tim Hoekstra said he wasn't sure what the company would have done if it hadn't received the certificate of need.
“Well, I don’t want to conjecture on that," he said. "Where we are is we’re nearing the completion of the construction phase. Oregon Health Authority will be informing us, Lifeways, of the next steps, after which time we’ll be in a better position to answer further questions.”
The new hospital will be called Aspen Springs Hospital.
Anyone who doesn’t like the idea can still ask the Oregon Health Authority for an administrative hearing before final approval.