Healthcare

HB 1349 proposes capping noneconomic damages (like pain and suffering) in North Dakota health care malpractice lawsuits at $500,000 initially, with scheduled annual increases to $1.5 million (2026), $2 million (2027), and $2.5 million (2028). It directly affects patients filing malpractice claims and healthcare providers facing such lawsuits, while exempting claims involving unborn fetuses. The bill requires courts to reduce jury awards to meet the cap without informing juries of the limit. The legislation failed to pass in the North Dakota legislature on February 7, 2025, with 30 votes in favor and 61 against.

Relating to certified community behavioral health clinics and the financing of health and human services; to amend and reenact section 12.1‑04‑06, subsection 4 of section 20.1‑03‑04, sections 25‑03.1‑03.1 and 25‑03.1‑04, subsection 3 of section 25‑03.1‑08, section 25‑03.1‑10, subsection 3 of section 25‑03.1‑11, subsection 1 of section 25‑03.1‑19, subsection 2 of section 25‑03.1‑26, subdivision b of subsection 2 of section 26.1‑36‑08, subdivisions c and d of subsection 2 of section 26.1‑36‑09, subsection 9 of section 43‑12.1‑04, subsection 6 of section 43‑41‑02, subdivision b of subsection 1 of section 44‑04‑18.30, sections 50‑06‑01, 50‑06‑01.4, 50‑06‑01.7, 50‑06‑05.1, 50‑06‑05.2, 50‑06‑05.3, 50‑06‑05.4, 50‑06‑05.5, 50‑06‑06.2, 50‑06‑06.5, and 50‑06‑06.13, subsections 1 and 3 of section 50‑06‑15, sections 50‑06‑33 and 50‑06‑41.3, subsection 1 of section 50‑06‑42, subsection 1 of section 50‑06‑42.1, and sections 50‑06‑46, 50‑06.2‑01, 50‑06.2‑02, 50‑06.2‑03, 50‑06.3‑02, and 50‑06.3‑04 of the North Dakota Century Code, relating to the powers and duties of the department of health and human services, treatment hearing timelines, and membership of the cross-disability advisory council; to provide for a legislative management study; and to provide an expiration date.

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.

HB 1481 creates new sections within North Dakota's insurance code, establishing specific requirements for dental insurers. The bill focuses on regulating how dental insurance rates are determined and mandates new reporting procedures for these companies. These provisions are designed to introduce new oversight for dental insurers operating in the state, directly affecting their operations and potentially their policyholders.

Relating to dental and oral health care status among Medicaid recipients and workforce support to improve access for low-income children, Native American children, and individuals with disabilities.

HB 1430 would amend North Dakota's social work regulations to allow licensed social workers to offer counseling aligned with heterosexuality or a client's biological sex without violating ethics rules. It directly affects licensed social workers in North Dakota who provide counseling to individuals questioning their sexuality or gender identity. The bill requires social workers to disclose the nature of such treatment and obtain written consent from the client or their parent/guardian before proceeding. This legislation, which failed to pass in March 2025, focuses on defining ethical boundaries for specific counseling approaches under professional regulation.

SB 2375 creates a new section in chapter 43-28 of the North Dakota Century Code. This bill allows dental providers to engage in joint negotiations with dental insurers. Essentially, it permits dentists to collectively negotiate terms and conditions with insurance companies. The bill directly affects dental practices and health insurance providers operating in North Dakota.

SB 2286 proposes authorizing the University of North Dakota (UND) to borrow up to $55 million through a line of credit from the Bank of North Dakota during 2025-2027, with interest capped at rates for state entities. It also appropriates $95 million in one-time funding for UND to construct a new health sciences facility at its School of Medicine and Health Sciences. The facility aims to expand health workforce capacity in areas like behavioral health and wellness, while supporting research and academic programs. The bill failed to pass in the legislature on April 8, 2025, with 6 votes in favor and 87 against.

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.

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.