1. (1) The availability of less costly, more efficient, more appropriate, or more effective alternatives to the proposed facility or service to be offered, expanded, or relocated will be considered.

   1. (a) In the consideration of the availability of alternatives, priority may be given to those alternatives that are in existence.
   2. (b) Less costly alternatives must be judged against the need for greater accessibility, availability, and the impact on the total health care system.

Statutory Authority: Code of Ala. 1975, §§22-21-264, 274.