HB 1039 amends a North Dakota law to clarify which medical professionals can join the state's Physician Health Program. It specifically updates the definition of "licensee" eligible for participation in this program, ensuring only certain licensed healthcare providers qualify. The change directly affects doctors and other medical license holders seeking support for health issues without jeopardizing their licenses. The bill was enacted into law after passing through the state legislature and receiving the governor's signature in March 2025.
HB 1030 renames "drug court" programs to "treatment court" across multiple North Dakota statutes, focusing on rehabilitation rather than punitive measures. It directly affects courts, judges, and individuals participating in these specialized programs by updating terminology in legal codes. The bill does not create new programs or funding but adjusts existing court procedures to align with the treatment-focused approach. The legislation was signed into law by the Governor on March 14, 2025, and is now effective.
HB 1108 amends North Dakota law to update rules for interstate contracts allowing mental health and substance use disorder treatment across state lines. It directly affects patients needing care outside North Dakota and healthcare providers coordinating treatment with other states. The bill establishes clearer requirements for these contracts, ensuring proper legal agreements between states to facilitate seamless patient care. The emergency declaration reflects the urgency of addressing gaps in cross-state treatment access for vulnerable populations.
HB 1457 would create a new exemption allowing individuals to avoid required vaccines (for school, work, or licensing) if the vaccine doesn't meet specific safety and effectiveness standards. These standards require the FDA-approved vaccine to have undergone at least one year of safety testing against a placebo, with injury data publicly posted, a lower risk of serious harm than the disease itself, and manufacturer liability for deaths or injuries. The North Dakota Department of Health must publicize this exemption and prohibit state agencies from requiring conditions inconsistent with it. The bill failed to pass during its second reading in February 2025.
HB 1339 amends North Dakota law to clarify which licensed ambulance services are exempt from forming rural ambulance service districts. It specifically exempts county-owned, city-owned, jointly operated (with cities/counties), tribal/federal government-owned, hospital-owned, and existing rural ambulance service districts from these requirements. The bill directly affects local ambulance providers by removing a regulatory burden for these specific service types. This is a procedural change to existing code, not a new policy requiring public funding or service expansion.
HB 1595 requires North Dakota pregnancy resource centers receiving state funding to meet specific health care and transparency standards. The bill mandates that funded centers must employ at least one licensed health care provider (like a nurse or physician), provide medically accurate and comprehensive pregnancy counseling, maintain HIPAA-compliant client records, and publish detailed organizational policies. Centers must also submit annual reports to the state including financial data, staff details, client service statistics (like pregnancy tests or ultrasounds provided), and material support given (e.g., diapers, baby supplies). These requirements apply directly to centers receiving state grants for pregnancy-related services. The bill was introduced in 2025 but failed to pass in committee.
Relating to public employee fertility health benefits; to provide for a report to the legislative assembly; to provide for application; and to provide an expiration date.
Relating to the statewide property tax levy of one mill for support of the state medical center at the University of North Dakota; and to provide an effective date.
HB 1478, if enacted, would create new protections in North Dakota law for access to contraceptives. It defines contraceptives broadly (including pills, IUDs, condoms, and patches) while excluding abortion drugs, and guarantees individuals the right to receive, purchase, or use contraception under evidence-based medical guidelines. The bill also protects health care providers who decline to provide contraception based on religious or moral objections, and ensures health insurers cover contraceptive care. It allows lawsuits against state entities that restrict these rights, with penalties including court-ordered relief and attorney fees for successful plaintiffs.
HB 1451 would require North Dakota's medical assistance program (including Medicaid) to cover comprehensive obesity treatment, such as intensive behavioral therapy, bariatric surgery, and FDA-approved antiobesity medications. The bill mandates that coverage criteria for antiobesity medication align with FDA approvals and prohibits separate cost-sharing (like higher deductibles or copays) for obesity treatment compared to other medical conditions. It also requires the state to provide written notice to enrollees about this coverage by December 31, 2025. This bill directly affects Medicaid enrollees in North Dakota seeking obesity-related treatments.
