No person shall construct, modify, or establish a freestanding emergency center in Illinois, or acquire major medical equipment or make capital expenditures in relation to such a facility in excess of the capital expenditure minimum, as defined by this Act, without first obtaining a permit from the State Board in accordance with criteria, standards, and procedures adopted by the State Board for freestanding emergency centers that ensure the availability of and community access to essential emergency medical services.
20 ILCS 3960/5.1a