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Hospital Executives from across the state met in Tallahassee this afternoon to urge lawmakers to protect the certificate of need. The certificate of need sets strict standards for hospitals. If the certificate was eliminated, a company could set up a limited service hospital. Members of Florida’s Hospital Association say if the standards are lowered new hospitals wouldn’t have to live up to a higher standard of service. Texas is one of a few states that eliminated the certificate of need. A Tracy Spivey from the lone star state told reporters she tried to save her husband’s life but no one at the limited service hospital was able to help her.

“When the surgeon came around a few minute later he demanded to know why I was the one doing CPR. He assessed the situation and exclaimed, ‘is there nothing in this room to help this man,’ when he was told no he ordered the staff to call 911,” said Tracy Spivey.

Governor Charlie Crist recommended eliminating the certificate of need as part of his proposed health care package.