Healthcare Competition Reforms.

This bill creates a new review process in North Carolina to oversee major transactions involving hospitals, aiming to preserve competition in healthcare services. It requires hospital entities and acquiring parties to notify the State Auditor, Attorney General, and State Treasurer before selling or transferring control of at least 50% of a hospital's assets, provided the deal involves $5 million or more. These officials must jointly review the proposed transaction within a set timeframe and can object if they determine it would harm competition, though they may also choose to take no action. The law applies to licensed hospitals and their affiliated organizations, including holding companies and subsidiaries, but excludes routine business activities unless specifically waived by the reviewing officials. Additionally, the bill includes provisions to protect healthcare workers as whistleblowers and limits CEO compensation for non-profit hospitals that receive state funds.