Open Heart Campaign—Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is Certificate of Need, and why is it needed?
2. Who manages the CON process?
3. Where will GMC set up its open heart program?
4. Will the program require new construction?
5. Can’t the program go into the new patient tower?
6. How will GMC pay for the necessary facility additions to support open heart services?
7. How can I help?

Q 1. What is Certificate of Need, and why is it needed?
A. Under Georgia law, a hospital is required to prove there is a genuine need in the community before it is allowed to add new services, beds or additional facilities. Certificate of Need, or CON, is meant to prevent unnecessary duplication of facilities or services that could potentially drive up healthcare costs in competitive environments.

Q 2. Who manages the CON process?
A. Georgia’s Department of Community Health manages the process and is responsible for granting approvals.

Q 3. Where will GMC set up its open heart program?
A. The open heart program will be established at GMC’s main campus in Lawrenceville. The hospital is centrally located within Gwinnett County and serves as the best location for meeting the needs of our county’s residents.

Q 4. Will the program require new construction?
A. Yes, there are additional facilities required to support the program. GMC is currently constructing the new facility that will house space for the open heart surgery operating rooms.

Q 5. Can’t the program go into the new patient tower?
A. The new patient tower will help pave the way for expanded services, but open heart will require additional dedicated space.

Q 6. How will GMC pay for the necessary facility additions to support open heart services?
A. A combination of reinvestment and support from the community will fund the new program and its facility needs. GMC has already received over $6.5 million in donations, but more is needed. If you would like to help, please visit our how you can help page.

Q 7. How can I help?
A. Your support, and the help of your friends, family and associates, is critical. It can be as simple as, helping to spread the word in our community or making a contribution to assure that Gwinnett’s open heart program is among the best in the nation. To learn more, please visit our how you can help page.