An application must be processed for a capital improvement over $400,000, any new institutional services over $250,000, and any modification to the number of beds. The preparation and filing of a COPN application is the most time consuming part of the review process. The applicant must provide extension information about their company and its financial standing. They must prove there is a need for the project and that they can acquire sufficient financing for it. Most importantly, the applicant must present a detailed plan on how their project will be the most cost efficient for the government. It is difficult to ascertain with any certainty the cost of preparing a COPN application. The Virginia Hospital Association estimates that the fee for just applying for a COPN can range anywhere from $500 to $10,000 depending on the project type and size. Once the application is finished, it is sent to the Bureau of Resources Development (BRD) which is a department within the State Department of Health. BRD then forwards a copy to the Health Systems Agency (HSA) where the proposed project is located. BRD and the HSA must jointly agree that the application is complete before the formal review process is triggered. Once this has occurred, there is an initial public hearing. At this hearing, people are allowed to voice their opinion on the need for the project and make recommendations for the project. After the public hearing, the HSA Board may receive recommendations on a project from two other bodies: the Sub-Area Council and the Project Review Committee. Both the Sub-Area Council and the Project Review Committee is made up of HSA members. The final recommendation of the Board must be forwarded to the Health Commissioner within sixty days of the time an application is accepted for review. Following the HSA review, the Facilities Review Committee holds another public hearing at which the applicant and the HSA each testify. The Comm...
