Max Baucus: “The committee certainly understands that many states will not license a hospital as operational until the facility is…”

“The committee certainly understands that many states will not license a hospital as operational until the facility is constructed. I believe the committee's intent was to ensure that approvals with respect to the construction of the hospital (i.e., building permits, etc.) have been secured by June 12, 2003. The lack of a license to operate would certainly not prohibit a hospital, which is deemed to be ``under development,'' from the purpose of the statute.”