The purpose of this article is to promote cost containment, prevent unnecessary duplication of health care facilities and services, guide the establishment of health facilities and services which will best serve public needs, and ensure that high quality services are provided in health facilities in this State. To achieve these purposes, this article requires:

1. (1) the issuance of a Certificate of Need before undertaking a project prescribed by this article;
2. (2) adoption of procedures and criteria for submittal of an application and appropriate review before issuance of a Certificate of Need;
3. (3) preparation and publication of a State Health Plan;
4. (4) the licensure of facilities rendering medical, nursing, and other health care.