HB 1078 amends North Dakota law to require state reimbursement for certain medical expenses incurred by National Guard members while on duty. It directly affects North Dakota National Guard service members who face out-of-pocket costs for medical care related to their military service. The bill changes Section 37-01-44 of the North Dakota Century Code to establish this reimbursement process. The legislation also declares an emergency to expedite its implementation, as noted in the official abstract. The bill was signed into law by the Governor on March 26, 2025.
Relating to medical costs transparency for health care facilities; to amend and reenact section 26.1‑47‑02 of the North Dakota Century Code, relating to health care facility and preferred provider compliance with medical cost transparency requirements; and to provide a penalty.
SB 2140 amends North Dakota's dementia care program to expand support for individuals with dementia or mild cognitive impairment and their caregivers. The bill requires the state department to contract with private providers for a statewide program that identifies regional services, educates medical professionals and the public about dementia symptoms and early detection, assesses needs, and facilitates referrals to care. Key provisions include training for care providers, consultation services for clients and caregivers, and promoting awareness of treatments and research opportunities. This law directly affects dementia patients, their families, and regional human service centers across North Dakota.
HB 1154 extends a moratorium on adding new basic care and nursing facility bed capacity in North Dakota from August 1, 2023, through July 31, 2029. It prohibits new licenses for basic care beds unless facilities convert existing beds, demonstrate high demand (90% occupancy within 50 miles for 12 months), or receive department approval. The bill also restricts nursing facilities from changing bed configurations more than twice annually, except for specific conversions or relicensing after July 31, 2011. This law directly affects nursing homes and care facilities seeking to expand or reconfigure bed capacity across the state.
SB 2101 amends North Dakota's emergency medical services (EMS) response time requirements under Section 23-27-04 of the Century Code. The bill modifies specific standards that ambulance services and emergency response agencies must meet when responding to medical emergencies. It directly affects EMS providers statewide by updating their operational compliance requirements. The bill became law on March 19, 2025, after final approval by the Governor.
SB 2223 creates North Dakota's adoption of the Dietitian Licensure Compact, enabling licensed dietitians from participating states to practice across state lines without obtaining separate licenses in each state. This directly affects licensed dietitians seeking to work in multiple states and healthcare facilities serving patients in those states. The key mechanism establishes a "compact privilege" that functions like a license in other member states, while requiring uniform education and examination standards and allowing states to share disciplinary information. The compact aims to increase patient access to dietetic services, reduce administrative burdens for professionals and states, and maintain each state's authority to regulate practice and protect public health and safety.
HB 1252 creates a dedicated tribal health care coordination fund in North Dakota's state treasury, providing ongoing state funding to tribal governments for public health services. Funds are distributed based on each tribe's federal care coordination funding, with strict requirements: tribes must use funds for core public health services (limiting capital construction to 50% until 2027, then 35%), submit annual reports, and undergo biennial independent audits. The state department of health withholds funds for missing reports or improper use, and can restore distributions once compliance is verified. This bill directly affects North Dakota's tribal nations by establishing formalized, accountable funding for health programs aligned with federal public health priorities.
SB 2332 creates a new $25 million annual fund from state legacy earnings to support emergency services and public safety across North Dakota. The bill establishes an advisory board with representatives from fire, police, EMS, local governments, and tribal entities to award grants for specific priorities like recruiting personnel, modernizing response systems, expanding mental health crisis teams, and improving communications technology. These grants will directly assist local emergency services providers, rural fire districts, tribal governments, and communities seeking to enhance public safety coverage. The fund is funded through a dedicated annual transfer from the legacy earnings fund, with the Department of Emergency Services administering the grant program.
HB 1471 requires dental benefit plans in North Dakota to offer payment methods other than credit cards to dentists, preventing plans from requiring credit card payments only. It mandates that plans notify dentists about any fees for specific payment methods, explain available options, and provide clear instructions for selecting fee-free alternatives. The bill also prohibits charging transmission fees for electronic payments unless the dentist consents, and restricts plans from sharing credit card company profits to cover claim payments. This directly affects dental benefit plans, their vendors, and health maintenance organizations when paying dentists in North Dakota.
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.
