Health care in North Carolina continues to be a key focus of the General Assembly’s efforts this session with pending legislation that affects tort reform, insurance regulation, the availability of patient data, and provider scope of practice. Amidst these discussions, appropriations leaders also continue to grapple with an almost $4 billion budget deficit. Approximately half a billion dollars is expected to be cut from the Health and Human Services budget, which could result in a 4% rate cut to Medicaid providers. Now is a very important time to advocate for your patients and your profession.
Legislation to Watch:
- HB 115 – NC Health Benefit Exchange Act (Dockham, R – Davidson). This bill received a favorable report from the House Health and Human Services Committee meeting on Tuesday and has been referred to the House Insurance Committee.
- SB 375 – Facilitate Statewide Health Information Exchange (Stein, D – Wake)
- HB 522 – Midwifery Licensing Act (Wilkins, D-Person)
- SB 467 – Naturopathic Licensing Act (Hartsell, R-Cabarrus)
- HB 444 – Expand Pharmacists’ Immunizing Authority (Wilkins, D – Durham)
- HB 540 – Remove Adult Care Homes From CON Review (Cook, R-Beaufort)
- HB 423 – Enact First Evaluation Program (Hurley, R – Randolph)
