Massachusetts health officials Thursday gave final approval to Boston Children's Hospital for a $1 billion expansion, rejecting arguments by opponents that project would undercut the state's efforts to contain medical spending.
The 10-0 vote by the Massachusetts Public Health Council gives the hospital a green light but imposes conditions that would penalize Children's if it fails to keep health cost increases within limits. The council's decision followed the recommendation of the state Department of Health and support from Governor Charlie Baker.
Children's plans a new 11-story building on its Longwood campus, eventually adding 71 new beds to the 404 beds already there. The hospital also will renovate part of the campus and construct a new outpatient center in Brookline. A state report indicated the project might not be fully completed until 2025, though hospital officials did not provide a timeline Thursday.
