Determination of Need Program

Please note that the Department of Public Health's Determination of Need Program is moving on August 25, 2009.

Telephone and fax numbers will remain the same.

The new mailing address will be:

Massachusetts Department of Public Health
99 Chauncy Street
Boston, MA 02111

Mission Statement

The Determination of Need Program (DoN) promotes the availability and accessibility of cost effective quality health care services to the citizens of Massachusetts and assists in controlling health care costs. DoN was established by the Legislature in 1971 to encourage equitable geographic and socioeconomic access to health care services, help maintain standards of quality, and constrain overall health care costs by eliminating duplication of expensive technologies, facilities and services. DoN receives applications from health care facilities planning substantial capital expenditures or substantial change in services. It is the responsibility of DoN to evaluate proposals and make recommendations to the Public Health Council members who then approve or disapprove the expenditures and/or new services. Applications are reviewed using specific standards and guidelines.

Determination of Need Topics

• Overview
• Applying for Determination of Need
• Guidelines and Information Bulletins
• Pending Projects
• Transfers of Innovative Services and New Technology - Informational Hearing

Contact Information

2 Boylston Street, 3^rd Floor,
Boston, Massachusetts 02116
Telephone number: (617) 753-7340

Joan Gorga, Director of Determination of Need