In determining whether a certificate of need shall be issued, the department and council shall consider the availability of alternative, less costly, or more effective methods of providing the proposed institutional health services. Additionally, the council shall grant a certificate of need for a new institutional health service or changed institutional health service only if it finds any existing facilities providing institutional health services similar to those proposed are being used in an appropriate and efficient manner.

Directs the Department of Public Health to compile “all relevant financial and utilization data in order to have available the statistical information necessary to properly monitor hospital and health care facility charges and costs.” The Department is also mandated to collect a current rate schedule and any subsequent modifications from all hospitals and healthcare facilities.