Certificate of Need (CON)

New York's Certificate of Need (CON) process governs establishment, construction, renovation and major medical equipment acquisitions of health care facilities, such as hospitals, nursing homes, home care agencies, and diagnostic and treatment centers.

The objectives of the CON process are to promote delivery of high quality health care and ensure that services are aligned with community need. CON provides the Department of Health oversight in limiting investment in duplicate beds, services and medical equipment which, in turn, limits associated health care costs.

• How to Determine if CON Submission is Required
• How to submit a CON application
  • Project Resources and References
    • NYS Electronic CON System (NYSE-CON)
    • NYSE-CON Frequently Asked Questions
    • Tips for Submitting a Complete CON Application (PDF, 89KB)
    • Forms and Schedules
  • Midwifery Birth Centers
  • Drawing Submission Guidelines DSG-00, DSG-01, DSG-05
    • DSG-00 Design Submission Guidance Documents (PDF)
    • DSG-1.0 Required Schematic Design (SD) and Design Development (DD) Drawings (PDF)
    • DSG-05 Drawing Submission Guidelines for 100% Construction Documents (PDF)
  • Design Submission Guidelines for Life Safety Code
    • 2.18 LSC Chapter 18 Healthcare Facilities Public Use (PDF)
    • 3.20 LSC Chapter 20 New Ambulatory Healthcare Public Use (PDF)
    • 3.38 LSC Chapter 38 Business Occupancies Public Use (PDF)
  • Design Submission Guidelines for Outpatient Facilities
    • 3.2.0 Programmatic Design Guidelines for Primary Care Facilities (PDF)
    • 3.3.0 Programmatic Design Guidelines for Outpatient Diagnostic and Treatment Facilities (PDF)
    • 3.4.0 Programmatic Design Guidelines for Freestanding Birth Centers (PDF)
    • 3.5.0 Programmatic Design Guidelines for Freestanding Urgent Care Facilities (PDF)
    • 3.6.0 Programmatic Design Guidelines for Freestanding Cancer Treatment Facilities (PDF)
    • 3.7.0 Programmatic Design Guidelines for Outpatient Surgical Facilities (PDF)
    • 3.9.0 Programmatic Design Guidelines for Endoscopy Facilities (PDF)
    • 3.10.0 Programmatic Design Guidelines for Renal Dialysis Centers (PDF)
    • 3.11.0 Programmatic Design Guidelines for Outpatient Psychiatric Centers (PDF)
    • 3.12.0 Programmatic Design Guidelines for Outpatient Rehabilitation Therapy Facilities (PDF)
    • 3.14.0 Programmatic Design Guidelines for Dental Facilities (PDF)
  • Small Primary Care Clinic Guidelines
    • Small Primary Care Clinic Guidelines (PDF)
  • Birth Center Classification Guidelines
    • Birth Center Classification Guidelines (PDF)
  • Construction Waiver and Equivalency
    • Waiver and Equivalency Submission Guidelines (PDF)
    • DOH-5223 State Waiver Request Form (DOCX)
    • 10 NYCRR Part 711.2 Pertinent Technical Standards
  • Construction Pre-Opening Survey
    • Pre-Opening Survey
    • Environmental Documentation Checklist (PDF)
  • Dear Administrator Letter (DAL) Regarding Use of Batteries in Essential Electrical Systems (EES)
    • Dear Administrator Letter, DAL DHDTC 22-13 (PDF)
  • Public Health and Health Planning Council
    • Report of the Public Health and Health Planning Council on Redesigning Certificate of Need and Health Planning
    • Public Comment on CON Applications
    • Local Planning
    • Join the CON Listserv
  • CON Applications Distributed and Approved 1996-2010
    • 1997 - 2010 Applications Approved
    • 1996 - 2010 Applications Distributed to DOH Staff for Review
  • CON History and Historical Documents
    • Questions from Nursing Homes Applying to Enhance Vent Bed Services in New York City
    • State Hospital Review and Planning Council
    • Public Health Council
    • CON Reform
    • Dear Nursing Home Operator: Reinstatement of the Certificate of Need (CON) Application Process for Adult Day Health Care (ADHC) Applications (June 25, 2010)
    • History of Updates to the CON Schedules
      • Revisions in the Article 28 Certificate of Need (CON) Application