Greene County Commission Rejects Proposal to Repeal State COPA Laws

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In Greeneville, Tennessee, the Greene County Commission convened on Monday and took decisive steps regarding local governance. During the meeting, commissioners voted in favor of the first reading to abolish the position of constable. Additionally, they dismissed a resolution that sought to encourage the state to repeal specific healthcare regulations, namely the Certificate of Public Advantage (COPA) and Certificate of Need (CON) laws.

The agenda for the commission’s meeting included a proposal that, if passed, would have officially positioned Greene County as an advocate for the repeal of COPA and CON laws. The intent behind this resolution was to dismantle healthcare monopolies, thereby enhancing competition, reducing costs, and improving the quality and accessibility of healthcare services.

In other news, a Newport Police officer has been charged with domestic assault and false imprisonment.

The proposed resolution was specifically targeting Ballad Health, the predominant operator of hospitals in the region. However, when it came to a vote, the resolution did not garner sufficient support, with 15 commissioners opposing it and only five in favor. The details of the vote have been documented in the image below:

(H): Consideration of A Resolution Of The Greene County Commission Urging The State Of Tennessee To Repeal Certificate of Need (CON) and Certificate of Public Advantage (COPA) Laws to Eliminate Healthcare Monopolies, Restore Competition, and Improve Access, Affordability, and Quality of Care

Ballad Health provided News Channel 11 with the following statement regarding the failed resolution:

Before the formation of Ballad Health, the hospitals in Greene County were financially unsustainable and at risk of closure. Since consolidating the facilities, Ballad Health has invested millions of dollars into Greeneville Community Hospital—expanding the Emergency Department, introducing robotic surgery and advanced cancer care, and upgrading numerous patient care areas. The Strong Futures program, which launched in the former Takoma Regional Hospital, has transformed countless lives and earned support from the Greene County Commission. Greeneville Community Hospital now ranks among the highest-rated in Tennessee. Without Ballad Health’s support, Greeneville could have joined the growing list of rural communities losing hospital access, which is why we remain committed to keeping care local and accessible.

Ballad Health

The commission also voted on first reading to abolish the office of constable within the county. That resolution must pass a second reading before taking effect. The outcome of that vote can be viewed below: