On May 31, 2007, Governor Blagojevich extended the Certificate of Need program until August 31, 2008. The law requires that a task force study potential reforms of the CON program and make recommendations to the legislature by March 1, 2008. The legislation was approved almost unanimously by the Illinois House and Senate. The Certificate of Need program is designed to prevent unnecessary construction of health care facilities, while promoting cost containment, improved planning by health care providers and access to services based on community need.