The Maryland Health Care Commission (MHCC) has given the green light to the University of Maryland (UM) Shore Regional Health’s certificate of need application, paving the way for a new regional medical center in Easton. This approval, which came on Jan. 18, is a significant milestone in the project’s development.
Governor Wes Moore’s fiscal year 2025 budget proposal includes $100 million in funding for the hospital over four years, further solidifying the commitment to the new medical center. The approved certificate of need allows UM Shore Regional Health to move forward with its project, with specified spending outlined in the application.
However, the approval comes with conditions set by the commission, including requirements for providing patients with out-of-pocket charge estimates before surgery and regular updates on progress towards securing state funding. If the projected state funding is not obtained by July 2027, the health system must seek a change in funding sources.
The proposed Easton medical center is estimated to cost $539.5 million and will feature significant upgrades such as all private rooms, heartbeat monitoring in every room, a dedicated observation unit, behavioral health holding rooms, and larger operating rooms. The new facility will replace the existing hospital on Washington Street in Easton and is expected to enhance healthcare services for Eastern Shore residents.
Easton Mayor Megan Cook expressed gratitude for the approval of the certificate of need, calling it a crucial step towards the construction of a state-of-the-art medical center. Governor Moore’s funding commitment, along with support from the Maryland General Assembly, reflects a dedication to rural healthcare and the Eastern Shore community.
Construction on the new UM Shore Regional Health medical center in Easton is anticipated to begin later this spring, with hopes of providing world-class care in a modern facility for generations to come. The project represents a significant investment in the future of healthcare on the Eastern Shore and underscores the importance of accessible and high-quality medical services for residents in the region.
The Maryland Health Care Commission (MHCC) has given the green light to the University of Maryland (UM) Shore Regional Health’s certificate of need application, paving the way for a new regional medical center in Easton. This approval, which came on Jan. 18, is a significant milestone in the project’s development.
Governor Wes Moore’s fiscal year 2025 budget proposal includes $100 million in funding for the hospital over four years, further solidifying the commitment to the new medical center. The approved certificate of need allows UM Shore Regional Health to move forward with its project, with specified spending outlined in the application.
However, the approval comes with conditions set by the commission, including requirements for providing patients with out-of-pocket charge estimates before surgery and regular updates on progress towards securing state funding. If the projected state funding is not obtained by July 2027, the health system must seek a change in funding sources.
The proposed Easton medical center is estimated to cost $539.5 million and will feature significant upgrades such as all private rooms, heartbeat monitoring in every room, a dedicated observation unit, behavioral health holding rooms, and larger operating rooms. The new facility will replace the existing hospital on Washington Street in Easton and is expected to enhance healthcare services for Eastern Shore residents.
Easton Mayor Megan Cook expressed gratitude for the approval of the certificate of need, calling it a crucial step towards the construction of a state-of-the-art medical center. Governor Moore’s funding commitment, along with support from the Maryland General Assembly, reflects a dedication to rural healthcare and the Eastern Shore community.
Construction on the new UM Shore Regional Health medical center in Easton is anticipated to begin later this spring, with hopes of providing world-class care in a modern facility for generations to come. The project represents a significant investment in the future of healthcare on the Eastern Shore and underscores the importance of accessible and high-quality medical services for residents in the region.