LEGISLATURE 2011: Bill aims to limit high-tech hospitals

(AP) - Officials at University Medical Center in Las Vegas say too many high-tech hospitals may not be a good thing.

UMC chief executive Kathy Silver told a legislative panel Thursday that adding more centers doing open-heart surgery, organ transplants, or trauma care could raise costs because of the expensive equipment and specialists required.

Added competition could also cause some hospitals to lose certification if they don't meet minimum standards on the number of procedures performed.

The testimony came as the Nevada Senate Health and Human Services Committee heard SB10, which would require approval from the director of Health and Human Services before establishing certain new specialized units in Washoe or Clark counties.