Opinion ID: 1980709
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 2

Heading: The Commencement Decision and Subsequent Review Decision

Text: [¶ 9] In December 2003, SMMC/MMC made a request to the Department for an extension for its CON. [4] Because of the ongoing litigation of York I and site approval difficulties, the Department granted this request, and on January 22, 2004, extended the CON for two six-month extensions, the first extension expiring on August 4, 2004. In July of 2004, SMMC/MMC made a second request to extend its CON. The Department again extended the CON because of ongoing litigation, and also made a determination that the project had commenced for purposes of 22 M.R.S.A. § 317-A(3) (2001). [¶ 10] In August 2004, SMMC/MMC submitted a request to the Department for subsequent review of its CON pursuant to 22 M.R.S.A. § 304 (2001). The cost of SMMC/MMC's CON project was expected to increase by roughly $493,700; the location of the project was changed from Wells to South Sanford; and Goodall Hospital was added as a partner to the project. [¶ 11] In his decision dated September 13, 2004, the Commissioner approved both the subsequent review changes and commencement determination. SMMC/MMC's CON was amended accordingly. The Collaborative's petitions for reconsideration on both the Commencement and Subsequent Review Decisions were denied. [¶ 12] On August 25, 2004, pursuant to M.R. Civ. P. 80C, the Collaborative filed a petition for review of the Commencement Decision, arguing that SMMC/MMC's CON had lapsed because its project had not commenced within twelve months as required by statute. On October 13, 2004, the Collaborative filed another petition pursuant to M.R. Civ. P. 80C for review of the Subsequent Review Decision, challenging the Department's jurisdiction over the subsequent review process. On November 23, 2004, these petitions were consolidated for proceedings in the Superior Court. [¶ 13] On October 9, 2007, the Superior Court affirmed the Commencement and Subsequent Review Decisions. The Collaborative filed a timely notice of appeal with this Court on October 11, 2007.