I agree that the CoN process is anti-competitive to the extreme, and I understand that there is no ability to take an appeal or obtain further review of the decision of the single person that makes the decision for the State. Quite a position of power. However, "deregulation" should also mean that a local zoning commission does not prevent one hospital from providing services merely to "protect" another hospital's perceived exclusive turf.

There are far too many restrictions, both official and practical, that limit competition under the guise of ensuring good service. The tension is between those providers that want to get into the game but are precluded from doing so, and those providers that currently CAN provide services who seek to prevent others from doing so. Norwalk Hospital took that position recently against Stamford Hospital, and Stamford Hospital took that position in the past with Norwalk Hospital's cardiac care proposal. The result -- consumers lost.