Service Availability and Continuity

Service Availability and Continuity. The Department may consider whether the proposed project promotes or adversely affects the continuity and availability of health care services to the population to be served. This criterion is particularly relevant in applications involving relocation, change of ownership, consolidation of services, or discontinuation of any existing service. Factors that may be considered include: Page 66 — Mississippi State Department of Health 1. The effect of the project on the maintenance of essential services currently provided in the service area; 2. The degree to which the project promotes or disrupts coordination of care and continuity of care for existing patients; 3. The degree to which the project promotes or disrupts integration of health services in the service area; 4. The Applicant’s emergency preparedness planning and its effect on continuity of operations; 5. The effect of the project on the continuity of operations of other health care facilities in the service area; and 6. Other relevant considerations concerning the ongoing availability of health care services to the population to be served. Nothing in this rule shall require approval of a project solely because it maintains existing services, nor shall it require denial of a project solely because it may alter existing service patterns, provided the applicant demonstrates that the health care needs of the affected population will continue to be adequately served.