The Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services granted Pikeville Medical Center a Certificate of Need. The move was opposed by several local hospitals, including Highlands Regional Medical Center, and the Appalachian Regional Healthcare facilities. PMC cited that community hospitals were transferring a high volume of patients to them, establishing the facility as a regional referral center. The hospital plans to construct a new 29 bed intensive care unit, and the remaining beds will be added to the 8th floor of the Elliot Building following its renovation.
