BUCKHANNON — Buckhannon Mayor Robbie Skinner called on residents to speak out against the possible abolishment of the state’s “Certificate of Need” (CON) program, which Skinner says could have dire effects on healthcare providers like St. Joseph’s Hospital.

During his annual State of the City address at the Buckhannon City Council’s Feb. 6 meeting, Skinner spoke on concerns he and other community leaders have

“…we as leaders of this City as well as our citizens and business owners alike must stay informed and engaged in the discussions taking place at the State Capitol,” Skinner said during his address. “The future of our community depends on it. I’m going to be very honest… I am very concerned about our hospital.”

According to Skinner, out-of-state lobbying groups and some “outspoken” in-state representatives want to abolish the legislation surrounding the Certificate of Need program. The program is a facet of the West Virginia Health Care Authority that offers protections for “small, often financially fragile, rural hospitals and the underinsured population they serve,” according to the Health Care Authority website.

“This legislation acts as a checks-and-balance system, and is fair to all hospitals regardless of size or location,” Skinner said. “This law has been in effect for decades in West Virginia, and it must remain. The Certificate of Need process is protecting rural hospitals like ours… If it is repealed, St. Joseph’s Hospital as we know it today may cease to exist.”

The Certificate of Need program, according to the Health Care Authority, is a “regulatory element” used by the Authority to control healthcare costs, improve the quality and efficiency of the healthcare system, encourage collaboration and develop a system of healthcare delivery which makes health services available to all state residents.

According to the Health Care Authority, all healthcare providers in the state, unless otherwise exempt, must obtain a CON before:

•Adding or expanding health care services.

• Exceeding the capital expenditure threshold of $5,803,788.

• Obtaining major medical equipment valued at $5,803,788 or more.

• Developing or acquiring new health care facilities.

The program, which is outlined in W.Va. Code §16-2D was established in 1977 and was later integrated into the West Virginia Health Care Authority in 1983. 36 other states and the District of Columbia also have some form of CON review system.

According to Skinner, there has been a fight going on for several years to keep the legislation surrounding the program in place, but it appears things are more dire this legislative session.

“Myself, along with hospital leadership — both here and at WVU, as well as fellow hospital board members have been fighting hard for several years at the State Capitol urging representatives in both houses to keep the Certificate of Need legislation alive,” Skinner said. “This year, even though the 2025 legislative session has not even officially begun, we are already seeing more opposition to this than ever.”

Skinner urged Buckhannon residents to contact state representatives to voice their concerns with the possible abolishment of the program, citing the history and importance of St. Joseph’s Hospital for the area.

“Write letters, make phone calls and if able, travel to the State Capitol to meet with our representatives face-to-face,” Skinner said in his address. “Not only is St. Joseph’s Hospital the largest private employer in Upshur County, but it also provides critical access to healthcare in our region. We cannot afford to lose our now more than 100-year-old hospital.”

While Skinner added that the intention of his message was “not to scare anyone,” he stated that it was important to get the information out there and to have a call-to-action for the sake of the hospital and the community.

“At the present time, our hospital is doing great. Skip Gjolberg is a fantastic CEO, and his team is dedicated to the well-being of not only the hospital itself, but most importantly, to the total health of everyone it serves,” Skinner said. “Our mission is to make sure we’re all doing our part to ensure that the right care stays right here, close to home.”