Outpatient surgery centers would submit written assurances before starting services

Centers would file written assurances at least 60 days before the planned start. This covers services a center has not previously provided that involve new equipment, staff, or procedures. Centers could start on their stated date or later only after meeting all requirements. Centers must keep supporting records available for state review. Separate construction requirements and state inspection powers would remain. These rules would take effect 60 days after enactment.

Centers would confirm that they meet readiness requirements for each covered new service. Covered services are those not previously provided that involve new equipment, staff, or procedures. Centers must describe the service, prepare policies, verify staff qualifications, and meet applicable state rules. Governing-body approval is required if the center’s own rules require it. Services using radiology equipment require applicable certifications and physicist’s reports.

Centers could perform procedures on the specified 2026 federal list while meeting applicable state rules. The list is the federal Ambulatory Surgical Center Covered Procedures List effective January 1, 2026. Listed procedures must meet applicable state rules, including licensing, staffing, and equipment requirements. The Health Department could not require an exception or waiver under the specified state criteria for outpatient surgery. These provisions would take effect 60 days after enactment.