Bill Summary for H 626 (2021-2022)

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Summary date: 

Apr 20 2021

Bill Information:

View NCGA Bill Details2021
House Bill 626 (Public) Filed Tuesday, April 20, 2021
AN ACT TO REVISE THE LAW GOVERNING THE ASSISTANCE PROGRAM FOR VICTIMS OF RAPE AND SEX OFFENSES TO CLARIFY THE DEFINITION OF THE TERM "FORENSIC MEDICAL EXAMINATION" AND REQUIRE THE SECRETARY OF PUBLIC SAFETY TO ASSESS A CIVIL PENALTY ON A MEDICAL FACILITY OR MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL WHO BILLS A VICTIM, THE VICTIM'S PERSONAL INSURANCE, MEDICAID, MEDICARE, OR ANY OTHER COLLATERAL SOURCE FOR THE COST OF A FORENSIC MEDICAL EXAMINATION AND TO AUTHORIZE THE NORTH CAROLINA INNOCENCE INQUIRY COMMISSION TO PAY OUTSIDE COUNSEL WITH EXISTING FUNDS.
Intro. by Richardson, Goodwin.

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Bill summary

Amends GS 143B-1200 to bar a medical facility or medical professional that performs a forensic medical examination from billing the victim of rape or sexual offenses, the victim's personal insurance, Medicaid, Medicare, or any other collateral source for the examination and other eligible expenses, with violations punishable by a civil penalty of up to $25,000 per violation (currently prohibited with no civil penalty specified). Revises the definition given for the term forensic medical examination to require (was encouraged) at minimum an exam of physical trauma, a patient interview, a determination of penetration or force, a collection and evaluation of evidence, and any other act or procedure listed in the federal definition of the term (previously not specified). Adds that the term includes any costs associated with items listed under the definition, including equipment or supplies. Effective October 1, 2021.