Relating to pharmacy benefits managers and a pharmacy benefit manager enforcement fund; to amend and reenact subsection 1 of section 26.1‑01‑07, sections 26.1‑27.1-01, 26.1‑27.1‑02, 26.1‑27.1‑04, 26.1‑27.1‑06 and 26.1‑27.1‑07 of the North Dakota Century Code, relating to pharmacy benefits managers; to repeal section 26.1‑27‑01.1 and chapter 26.1‑36.10 of the North Dakota Century Code, relating to pharmacy benefits managers and prescription drug costs; to provide a penalty; to provide an appropriation; to provide for a transfer; to provide an effective date; to provide an expiration date; and to declare an emergency.
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 2316 proposed creating four regional service areas in North Dakota to provide long-term care for patients requiring ventilator support or psychiatric services. The bill would have required the state department to contract with providers in each region or pay for out-of-state care if local providers weren't available, while allowing collaboration with neighboring states. Facilities serving these patients could receive additional funding if they documented prior out-of-state care for the same patients. The bill specifically targeted patients with complex medical or psychiatric needs requiring ongoing specialized care. It failed to pass in the North Dakota legislature in February 2025.
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.
SB 2171 amends North Dakota's emergency mental health procedures to clarify timelines and requirements for individuals detained due to mental health crises. It requires mental health facilities to examine individuals within 24 hours (or 72 hours for serious physical conditions) and either release them or file a court petition if emergency standards are met. Courts must schedule a hearing within four days (excluding weekends/holidays) with appointed legal counsel if the person hasn't been released or voluntarily admitted. This affects mental health facilities, individuals in emergency detention, and local courts handling these cases. The bill establishes a streamlined process for temporary detention while ensuring timely judicial review.
SB 2196 amends North Dakota law to allow students with asthma or anaphylaxis to self-administer their prescribed medication (like inhalers or epinephrine auto-injectors) at school without requiring a nurse or staff member to be present. This directly affects students diagnosed with these conditions and their school staff, who must follow updated protocols. The key provision clarifies that schools must permit students to carry and use their own medication during school hours and school activities, provided it is prescribed and stored properly. The change updates existing school health policies to align with current medical guidelines for student safety.
SB 2070 is a legislative bill that updates existing laws concerning the rights of individuals residing in health care facilities in North Dakota. Specifically, it amends and reenacts sections 50-10.2-01, 50-10.2-02, and 50-10.2-02.1 of the North Dakota Century Code. This bill directly affects health care facility residents by modifying the legal framework that defines their rights.
HB 1364 amends North Dakota's legal code to adjust how courts handle partial sentence suspension for individuals who successfully complete specialized court programs. The bill modifies a specific section of the Century Code to allow courts to partially suspend a defendant's sentence upon completion of drug court, mental health court, or veterans treatment dockets. This means participants in these programs may avoid serving the full sentence, potentially reducing prison time or enabling community-based alternatives. The change directly affects defendants in these programs who meet completion requirements, without altering program eligibility or structure.
SB 2146 creates North Dakota's participation in an interstate occupational therapy licensure compact. It allows licensed occupational therapists from participating states to practice in North Dakota under a "compact privilege" without needing a separate state license, provided the patient is physically located in North Dakota during care. This mutual recognition improves access to therapy services for patients across state lines while preserving each state's authority to regulate practice and protect public safety. The compact also standardizes how states share disciplinary information and handle complaints between member states.
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.
