State Licensure

• Licensure regulations (See 6 CCR 1011-1, Chapter II and Chapter XX)
• Letter of Intent for licensing and/or certification - initial application, changes and closure
• Licensure fees

Federal Medicare Certification

• Federal State Operations Manual - Appendix L: current regulations, survey guidance, deficiency tag information
• Letter of Intent (see link under State licensure)
• Survey priority guidance

Health Facilities

Ambulatory Surgical Centers

Ambulatory surgical centers are used for performing surgery on patients who do not require hospitalization and who are not expected to require more than a total of 23 hours for preparation, the surgery itself and for recovery. Surgical procedures performed in such facilities should generally not result in extensive blood loss, be life-threatening, or involve major or prolonged invasion of body cavities. General anesthesia as well as local anesthesia may be used.

Each facility must have at least one fully-equipped operating room; an area for preparing patients; x-ray equipment and clinical laboratory services and patient recovery rooms.

Most ambulatory surgery centers are free-standing facilities, although some may be co-located with a hospital, physician office or clinic. However, those sharing a location must meet all of the state's criteria for licensing. All surgical centers must have a registered nurse on duty at all times when patients are in the facility.

In addition, to being licensed by the state, ambulatory surgical centers may also obtain federal Medicare/Medicaid certification if they are in compliance with regulations promulgated by the federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS).  The division conducts certification and licensing surveys for compliance with federal and state regulations and investigates any complaints filed against one of these providers.

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