House committee substitute makes the following changes to the 1st edition.

Amends the long title of the bill.

Amends GS 15A­533(f1). Deletes the reference to aggravating factors in sentencing in the definition of violent felony. Redefines drug offense to mean a violation of GS 90­95, other than a violation of GS 90­95(a)(3) punishable pursuant to GS 90­95(d) (currently the exception is for violation for mere possession of a controlled substance).

Amends the caption for Part IV of the bill. Clarifies that the judicial authorization required for a law enforcement agency to securely transport an alien does not come from the Governor, but that executive authorization does. Deletes Sections 4(b), 4(c), and 4(d) of the bill (instructing the Secretary of Revenue to withhold certain funds from a county or city in violation of the statute).

Adds new part V (Creation of additional incentives for local governments to comply with state laws related to immigration). Enacts new GS Chapter 64, Article 3, Local Government Noncompliance with State Laws Related to Immigration, setting out specific findings of the General Assembly, including that the policy objectives of the General Assembly are frustrated when cities, counties, and law enforcement agencies do not uniformly comply with State law, and that supreme power and complete discretion over State funds appropriations can be used to create additional incentives for compliance. Sets out three definitions in use for the Article, including affected local government, law enforcement agency, and state law related to immigration­­defined as  GS 153A­145.5 (prohibition on adoption of sanctuary ordinances), or GS 160A­205.2 (prohibition on adoption of sanctuary ordinances).

Directs the Attorney General (AG) to create a form upon which individuals can allege that a city, county, or law enforcement agency is currently not in compliance with a State law related to immigration. The form is to be made available on the AG's website and once completed the form should be sent to the AG. No Social Security number or notarization is required on theform. Anonymous statements submitted on a nonprescribed form are not prohibited from consideration, but all complaints orallegations must be made having a good faith belief.

Requires the AG to begin an investigation into the allegations of noncompliance within 45 days of receipt of filed statement, with a final determination and conclusion of the investigation within 60 days of the investigation's commencement. The AG is authorized to ask for assistance from the State Bureau of Investigation in conducting the investigation. Further directs local governments to produce records or documents related to the investigation within 10 business days of request by the AG. Provides that statements, records, reports, and other investigative documents are confidential and not public records until the investigation is complete or 60 days have elapsed since the investigation was commenced. Authorizes local governments to request that confidential documents be made public.

Sets out consequences of a determination that an affected local government is not in compliance with State law related to immigration. The five consequences include ineligibility for specified state distributions for a fiscal year and that the AG will notify the affected local governments, the chairs of the Appropriations Committees of the Senate and House of Representatives, the chairs of the Joint Legislative Commission on Governmental Operations, the Office of State Budget and Management, and the Secretary of Revenue of the non­compliance determination and of the duration of the period of ineligibility to receive funds. Also includes provisions detailing consequences of the AG receiving notification of noncompliance with E­verify. Sets out specific entities to which the consequences of noncompliance with E­Verify regulations apply. No enactment must be construed as an exception to the statute unless it specifically mentions this statute.  Sets out procedures and administrative guidelines for the AG, including reporting requirements. Requires the AG to maintain a database of those entities ineligible for funds and to report to the Joint Legislative Commission on Governmental Operations on a quarterly basis concerning the numbers of statements, investigations, consequences rendered, and the names of those entities found not to be in compliance. Further states that the AG's determination is only appealable to the extent required by the United States and North Carolina Constitutions, and delays the imposition of consequences for noncompliance while the appeal is pursued. Consequences last for the same length of time after an unsuccessful appeal as they would had no appeal been made, regardless of which fiscal years the consequences would occur in. Authorizes the AG to designate an official to carry out the duties of this regulation, and that the AG must promulgate rules needed to implement this Article.

Provides for a private enforcement action against entities that are not in compliance with State law concerning immigration, in the Superior Court of Wake County; an individual can seek relief in the form of declaratory and injunctive relief. Allows prevailing parties to receive attorneys' fees and court costs.

Amends GS 143­133.3 to direct the Commissioner to notify the AG of any violation of GS 143­133.3 by a political subdivision of the state, so that the AG can take action. Further directs the Commissioner to notify the AG if, within 60 days of the Commissioner's determination of a violation, the subdivision fails to demonstrate compliance.

Directs the AG's office to take reasonable steps to notify local governments of the provisions of this act so the local governments can take appropriate steps to comply.

Makes conforming changes to GS 136­41.1, GS 105­113.82, GS 105­164.44F, GS 105­164.44I, GS 105­164.44L, and GS 105­187.19(b)

Amends GS 143B­919 to authorize the State Bureau of Investigation to investigate local government noncompliance with State laws related to immigration, at the request of the AG.

New Part V is effective August 1, 2017.

House committee substitute makes the following changes to the 1st edition. Changes the requirements for exclusion from the motorcycle learner's permit or motorcycle endorsement requirements to require that the scooter have a motor that produces less than (was, more than) eight horsepower.

House committee substitute makes the following changes to the 1st edition.

Amends GS 115C-296(e) as follows. Makes clarifying organizational changes. Adds that a principal may determine that a retired teacher is the most appropriate mentor for a new teacher.

 

Amends GS 20-11(e)(2), as the title indicates. 

Repeals GS 90­171.80 through GS 90­171.94 (Nurse Licensure Compact).

Enacts new GS 90­171.95 through GS 90­171.95J, as described below.

Specifies legislative findings and the purposes of the nurse licensure compact.

Defines several terms, including alternative program (nondisciplinary monitoring program approved by a licensing board), coordinated licensure information system (CLIS) (integrated process for collecting, storing, and sharing information on nurse licensure and related enforcement activities, administered by a nonprofit organization composed of and controlled by licensing boards), home state (party state which is the nurse's primary state of residence), and party state (any state that has adopted the Compact).

Provides that a multistate license to practice registered or licensed practical/vocational nursing issued by a home state to its resident will be recognized by each party state as authorizing a nurse to practice as a registered nurse (RN) or licensed practical/vocational nurse (LPN/VN) under a multistate licensure privilege. Requires states to implement specified procedures for considering the criminal records of applicants for initial multistate license. Specifies 11 requirements for an applicant to obtain or retain a multistate licensure privilege, including educational and criminal record requirements. Authorizes all party states to take adverse action against a nurse's multistate licensure privilege, and directs states who take such action to promptly notify the administrator of the CLIS. Directs the administrator to promptly notify the home state of any adverse actions by remote states. Requires nurses practicing in a party state to comply with the nursing practice laws of the state where the client is located, and subjects a nurse practicing in a party state under a multistate licensure privilege to the jurisdiction of that state's licensing board, courts, and laws. The Compact does not affect the requirements established by a party state for the issuance of a single­state license. Provides that any nurse holding a home state multistate license, on the effective date of this Compact, may retain and renew the license issued by the nurse's then­current home state, so long as a nurse who changes primary state of residence after the Compact's effective date meets the licensure requirements to obtain a multistate license from a new state, and a nurse whose failure to satisfy the licensure requirements due to a disqualifying event occurring after this Compact's effective date is ineligible to retain or renew a multistate license.

Directs the licensing board in a party state to ascertain, through the CLIS, whether an applicant for a multistate license has ever held a license issued by any other state, whether there are any encumbrances on or adverse actions against a license held by the applicant, and whether the applicant is participating in an alternative program. Directs that a nurse may only hold a multistate license in one party state at a time. Requires a nurse who changes primary state of residence to apply for licensure in the new home state. Authorizes nurses to apply for licensure in advance of a change in primary state of residence, and directs that the new home state not issue a license until the nurse provides satisfactory evidence of a change in primary state of residence and satisfies all applicable multistate license requirements. If a nurse moves from a party state to a nonparty state, the multistate license issued by the prior home state will convert to a single­state license, only valid in the former home state.

Authorizes a licensing board to take adverse action against a nurse's multistate licensure privilege to practice within a party state, to issue cease and desist orders on a nurse's authority to practice within that state, to complete pending investigations of a nurse who changes primary state of residence during the course of an investigation, to issue subpoenas, to obtain and submit fingerprint or other biometric information to the Federal Bureau of Investigation for criminal background checks, to recover from affected nurses the costs of investigations and disposition of cases resulting from adverse actions against that nurse as allowed by state law, and to take adverse action based on the factual findings of a remote state. Provides that adverse actions taken by a home state against a multistate license deactivates the multistate licensure privilege in all other party states. Directs that a home state licensing board must deactivate a multistate licensure privilege for a nurse participating in an alternative program, for the duration of the nurse's participation in the program.

Directs all party states to participate in a CLIS. Directs the Interstate Commission of Nurse Licensure Compact Administrators (Commission) to formulate necessary and proper procedures for the identification, collection, and exchange of information under this Compact. Directs licensing boards to promptly report to the CLIS any adverse action, current significant investigative information, application denials, and participation in alternative programs known to the licensing board. Provides that certain information in the CLIS may be transmitted only to party state licensing boards, and may not be shared with nonparty states or disclosed to other entities, and provides for the expungement of information in the CLIS consistent with state laws. Directs the Compact administrator of each party state to furnish a specified uniform data set to the Compact administrator of each other party state, as well as all investigative documents requested by another party state.

Establishes the Commission. Directs that each party state has one administrator (the head of the state licensing board or designee), entitled to one vote with regard to the promulgation of rules and creation of bylaws. Directs that the commission meets at least once during each calendar year, with additional meetings held consistent with the Commission's rules and bylaws. Meetings are open and public, and require public notice. Authorizes the Commission to meet in a closed, nonpublic meeting to discuss any of ten specified topics, including the noncompliance of a party state with its Compact obligations, and employment matters. Directs the Commission to keep minutes of a closed meeting, and to provide a summary of actions taken, and the reasons therefor, including a description of the views expressed, to be kept under seal subject to release by a majority vote of the Commission or court order. Directs the Commission to prescribe bylaws and rules to govern its conduct, including the establishment of the Commission's fiscal years, procedures for calling and conducting meetings, and other topics. Directs the Commission to publish its bylaws and rules on its website. Directs the Commission to maintain its financial records, and to meet and take actions consistent with the Compact and its bylaws. Delegates fifteen powers to the Commission, including the power to adopt rules to facilitate the administration of the Compact, having the force of binding law on all party states, to bring and prosecute legal proceedings in its name, and to borrow money. Directs the Commission to pay for the reasonable expenses of its establishment, organization, and activities. Authorizes the Commission to levy and collect annual assessments from party states to cover the costs of its operations. Directs the Commission not to incur obligations prior to securing the funds adequate to meet them. Directs the Commission to keep accurate accounts of all receipts and disbursements, subject to annual audit. Provides that the administrators, officers, executive director, employees, and representatives of the Commission are immune from suit and liability for any claim arising within the scope of Commission employment, duties, or responsibilities, except for intentional, willful, or wanton misconduct, and directs the Commission to defend against any such suit against its administrators and so forth and to indemnify and hold harmless any such administrator and so forth for the amount of any settlement or judgment obtained against that person arising from the scope of their Commission employment, duties, or responsibilities.

Directs the Commission to exercise its rule­making powers subject to the criteria set forth in this Article and the rules adopted thereunder. Directs that rules have the same force and effect as provisions of this Compact. Directs that rules or amendments are to be adopted at regular or special meetings of the Commission. Requires 60 days' notice of the promulgation and adoption of a final rule by the Commission, including the time, date, and location of the meeting at which the rule will be considered and voted upon, the text of and reason for the proposed rule, a request for comments, and the manner of submitting comments. Directs Commission to allow the public to submit written data, facts, opinions, and arguments, and to hold a public hearing prior to adopting a rule, as specified. Directs the Commission to consider all written and oral comments received, and to take final action on the proposed rule by majority vote of all administrators. Allows the consideration and adoption of an emergency rule without prior notice, opportunity for comment, or hearing, so long as the usual rule­making procedures described above are retroactively applied to the rule as soon as reasonably possible, and no later than 90 days after the effective date of the rule. Defines  emergency rules  as those that must be adopted to meet an immediate threat to public health, safety, or welfare, to prevent a loss of Commission or party state funds, or to meet a deadline for the promulgation of an administrative rule that is required by federal law or rule. Authorizes the Commission to direct technical revisions to a previously adopted rule, subject to posting on the Commission's website, and challenge by any person within 30 days of posting, as specified.

Directs each party state to enforce and effectuate the Compact. Authorizes the Commission to receive service of process and have standing in any proceeding that may affect the powers, responsibilities, or actions of the Commission. Directs the Commission to provide written notice to any state that defaults on its Compact obligations of the nature of the default, the proposed means of curing the default, and any other Commission actions, and to provide remedial training and assistance regarding the default. Directs that a state that fails to cure a default may be terminated from membership in the Compact by a majority vote of the administrators. Termination shall only be imposed after all other means of securing compliance have been exhausted, and requires notice of intent to terminate to be given to the governor of the defaulting state, the executive officer of the defaulting state's licensing board, and each of the party states. Holds a terminated state responsible for all assessments, obligations, and liabilities incurred through the effective date of termination. Directs that the Commission does not bear any costs related to a state found to be in default, except as agreed upon in writing. Authorizes appeal by the defaulting state to the US District Court for the District of Columbia, or the federal district in which the Commission has its principal offices. Authorizes attorneys' fees for the prevailing party. Directs Commission to attempt to resolve disputes between party states related to the compact, and between party states and nonparty states. Directs Commission to promulgate a rule providing for mediation and binding dispute resolution. Authorizes party states to submit issues unresolvable by the Commission to an arbitration panel, composed of individuals appointed by the Compact administrator in each of the affected party states, and an individual mutually agreed upon by the Compact administrators of all the party states involved in the disputes, to be resolved by a decision of a majority of the arbitrators. Directs the Commission to enforce the provisions and rules of the Compact. Authorizes the Commission to initiate legal action in the US District Court for the District of Columbia, or the district in which the Commission has its principal offices against a party state in default to enforce compliance.

Directs that the Compact is effective and binding on the date that 26 or more states enact the Compact, or December 31, 2018, whichever is earlier. Directs that all party states that were also party states to the prior Nurse Licensure Compact are deemed to have withdrawn from that prior compact within six months after the effective date of this compact. Directs each party state to continue to recognize a nurse's multistate licensure privilege to practice in that party state under the prior compact, until the party state has withdrawn from the prior compact. Authorizes party states to withdraw from the Compact by legislatively repealing it. Legislative repeal may not take effect until six months after enactment of the repealing statute. Withdrawal does not affect the state's licensing board's continuing requirement to report adverse actions and investigations prior to the effective date of the withdrawal. The Compact does not invalidate or prevent any nurse licensure agreement or other cooperative arrangement between a party state and a nonparty state that is made in accordance with the other provisions of this Compact. Authorizes amendments to the Compact, but prevents amendments to the Compact from taking effect until enacted by all party states.

Contains liberal construction and severability clauses.

Directs the North Carolina Board of Nursing to report to the Revisor of Statutes when the Compact has been enacted by 26 member states.

Effective upon the earlier of when at least 26 states have enacted the Compact, or December 31, 2018.

Enacts new GS Chapter 143, Article 12I (Special Separation Allowances for State and Local Firefighters).

Applies to firefighters employed both by State departments, agencies, or institutions, and by employers participating in the Local governmental Employees' Retirement System.

Provides firefighters who meet specified criteria with an annual separation allowance equal to .85% of the annual equivalent of the base rate of compensation most recently applicable to the firefighter for each year of creditable service, to be paid in equal installments on the payroll frequency used by the employer, beginning in the month in which the firefighter retires under basic service retirement. To qualify, the firefighter, must have either completed 30 or more years of creditable service or attained 60 years of age with 25 or more years of creditable service, must have not attained 62 years of age, and must have completed at least five years of continuous service rendered on or after July 1, 2017, as a firefighter immediately preceding a service retirement. Payment ceases upon either the death of the firefighter, the last day of the month in which the firefighter attains 62 years of age, or the first day of reemployment by any State department, agency or institution, or local government employer in any capacity, with certain exceptions required by other statutes. Does not affect other State, local, federal, or private retirement benefits. Directs the head of each state department, agency, or institution, or the governing body of a local employer, to determine the eligibility of employees for the benefits of this statute. Authorizes the Director of the Budget to authorize the transfer of funds within the budgets of each State department, agency, or institution to carry out the statute. Directs the head of each State department, agency, or institution, or governing body of a local employer, to make the payments described above.

Enacts new GS 50B­4(g) to make domestic violence protective orders enforceable during their appeal to the appellate division. Authorizes the court in which the appeal is pending, upon motion by the aggrieved party, to stay an order of the trial court until the appeal is decided, as justice requires.

Effective October 1, 2017.

Amends GS 14­269.2 (Weapons on campus or other educational property) to exclude land, buildings or other facilities owned, leased, or controlled by educational institutions but not primarily used for educational purposes; religious institutions whose facilities are used part­time as a school while not currently in use as a school; roads and other public thoroughfares that cross educational campuses; and medical facilities whose primary purpose is patient care rather than education from the definition of  educational property . Enacts new subsection (b2) to exempt persons not participating in an extracurricular activity from the restrictions on carrying a firearm at an extracurricular activity described in subsection (b) provided that the extracurricular activity is conducted in a public place. Specifies that the statute does not apply to persons exempted by GS 14­269(b)(1 through 5).

Amends GS 14­269.4 to authorize the Governor and his or her immediate family to carry a weapon on the property of the Executive Mansion and the Western Residence of the Governor.

Repeals GS 14­404(e1)(5), regarding the application requirements for a permit to purchase a weapon, thereby no longer requiring a signed release for disclosure of court orders concerning the applicant's mental health or capacity.

Amends GS 14­415.10 to revise the definitions of qualified former sworn law enforcement officer, qualified retired correctional officer, and qualified retired probation or parole certified officer to include individuals retired from service in those positions who have been retired for five years or less (was, two years or less).

Amends GS 14­415.11(b) to extend the validity of permits to carry concealed handguns under GS 14­415.12(b)(7) from five to ten years.

Amends GS 14­415.12(b)(7) to require sheriffs to deny concealed handgun permits to applicants who were are or have been discharged from the Armed Forces under dishonorable conditions (was, under conditions other than honorable).

Amends GS 120­32.1 to add that legislators and legislative employees with concealed handgun permits are authorized to carry a concealed handgun on the premises of the State legislative buildings and grounds, notwithstanding any rule by the Legislative Services Commission (Commission). Authorizes the Commission to adopt a rule requiring the legislator or employee to provide notice to the Chief of the General Assembly Special Police before carrying the handgun on the premises. Authorizes the Legislative Services Commission to adopt a rule prohibiting the carrying of a firearm in the gallery of the State legislative building.

Amends GS 14­415.27 to authorize legislators and legislative employees with concealed handgun permits to carry a concealed handgun on the premises of the state legislative building and grounds, subject to notice requirements adopted by the Commission.

Amends GS 14­269.1 to clarify that weapons used in specified crimes must be returned to their rightful owners under specified conditions, unless the rightful owner is the convicted defendant, in which case the presiding judge may dispose of the weapon as specified at the judge's discretion.

Amends GS 15­11.1 to make a conforming change.

Enacts new GS 14­277.6 (Going armed to the terror of the people). Creates a new Class 1 misdemeanor for persons who arm themselves with an unusual and dangerous weapon for the purpose of terrifying others, and go about on public highways in a manner to cause terror to the people. Provides that no person may be convicted of this crime based only upon the person's possession or carrying of a handgun, whether openly or concealed.

Effective September 1, 2017.

Enacts new GS 62­133.1A (Fair value determination of government­owned water and wastewater systems). Authorizes water and wastewater public utilities to elect to establish rate base by using the fair value of the utility property instead of original cost when acquiring an existing water or wastewater system owned by a municipality or county or an authority or district. Establishes criteria for the determination of the fair value, including evaluation and assessment by two separate appraisals, and a licensed engineer jointly retained by the acquiring and selling utilities to conduct an assessment. Establishes procedure for application to the Commission for a determination of the rate base value of the system to be acquired, including requirements for submission of specified information. Directs the Commission to issue its final order approving or denying an application that meets the requirements within four months of the date on which the application was filed. An order approving an application must determine the rate base value of the acquired property for rate­making purposes. Clarifies that the Commission retains its authority to set rates for the acquired system in future rate cases.

Makes conforming changes to GS 62­133.

As title indicates. Additionally, allows the State to receive donations of land and to purchase other needed lands for those specified areas with existing funds in the Clean Water Management Trust Fund, Parks and Recreation Trust Fund, the federal Land and Water Trust Fund, and other avilable funding sources. 

Amends GS 143-166.2 by adding the following to the list of cancers that are considered occupational diseases for death benefits: rectal cancer, esophageal cancer, oral cavity cancer, brain cancer, non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, and multiple myeloma. Applies to deaths occurring on or after the date that the act becomes law.

Amends GS 90­351, making a clarifying change.

Amends GS 90­352 making technical changes and to add and define new terms including ACEND, certified nutrition specialist, diplomate of the American Clinical Board of Nutrition, medical nutrition therapy, nutrition, registered dietitian nutritionist, and telepractice. Amends the definition of nutrition care services.

Amends the membership of the NC Board of Dietetics/Nutrition (Board) as follows, now requiring (1) three members to be dietitians/nutritionists, (2) two members to be nutritionists, (3) one member to be a physician, and (4) one member to represent the public at large. Amends the qualification requirements of the members above as specified, including requiring that the licensed physician member of the Board be a citizen of the United States and a resident of North Carolina.

Amends GS 90­354, concerning the appointment and removal of the above Board members, providing that the Governor will appoint one licensed dietitian/nutritionist as specified, the licensed physician, and the public member (previously appointed the professional member and two public members). Provides that the Speaker of the House and the President Pro Tempore each will appoint one licensed dietitian/nutritionist and one licensed nutritionist, with qualification requirements as specified. Provides that members appointed prior to July 1, 2017, must continue to serve until their terms expire and they are not reappointed, so long as, beginning July 1, 2017, two members on the Board are licensed nutritionists as required.

Amends GS 90­356, concerning the powers and responsibility of the Board, making technical changes and providing that as of July 1, 2017, no rule making can be performed by the Board until two licensed nutritionists are appointed. Also adds the requirement that the Board (1) publish and make publicly available the records of any Board action that resulted in disciplinary action or criminal action by the State and (2) request that the Department of Public Safety conduct criminal history record checks of licensure applicants.

Repeals GS 90­357, requirements for licensing as a dietitian/nutritionist.

Enacts GS 90­357.5, License requirements, setting out procedures and application requirements for applicants to become licensed as a dietitian/nutritionist, including criteria that must be met to qualify for the license, such as specified education, supervised practice experience, and examination requirements. Also sets out procedures and application requirements for applicants to become licensed as a nutritionist, including specified education, supervised practice experience, and examination requirements and criteria that must be met, such as successful completion of the examination administered by the Board for Certification of Nutrition Specialists or another approved examination.

Enacts GS 90­357.6, Criminal history record checks of applicants for licensure, requiring applicants to consent to a criminal history record check, and authorizing and directing the Board to request and ensure a criminal history record check is conducted on all applicants. Provides that the applicant will bear the cost of the criminal history record check and fingerprinting. Directs the Board to consider seven listed factors when determining whether to issue a license to an applicant with a criminal conviction, including the level of seriousness and date of the crime. Authorizes the applicant to appear before the Board to appeal its decision, and provides that an appearance exhausts administrative remedies. Grants civil immunity to the Board, its officers, and employees, for denying a licensure to an applicant based on information in the applicant's criminal history record check.

Amends GS 90­359, concerning competency examinations, requiring that the examination include several listed examinations administered by several listed organizations. Authorizes the Board to include other examinations accredited by the National Commission for Certifying Agencies for specified graduates from certain colleges and universities that are approved by a two­ thirds vote of the Board.

Amends GS 90­360, concerning the granting of licenses without examination, providing that licenses can be granted for dietitians/nutritionists or nutritionists to individuals that have met the examination requirements of GS 90­359 and hold a valid license or certification form another state or territory (previously, a license to be a dietitian/nutritionist could be granted in North Carolina without meeting any examination requirements if the person holds a valid license to be a licensed dietitian/nutritionist from another state or territory).

Amends GS 90­361, concerning provisional licenses, making conforming and technical changes.

Amends GS 90­363, concerning the suspension, revocation, and refusal to renew licenses, making clarifying, conforming and technical changes.

Amends GS 90­365 to make it illegal to provide medical nutrition therapy without a license. Also provides that without a license you cannot use the title "dietitian/nutritionist" or "nutritionist," use the words "licensed nutritionist" or hold oneself out as a dietitian or nutritionist. Makes technical changes and conforming changes. Adds new subsection (b) setting out provisions which highlight the permissive uses of titles and designations by specified licensed individuals. Effective October 1, 2017, and applies to acts committed on or after that date.

Enacts new GS 90­365.5, Telepractice, requiring an individual providing dietetic/nutritional services by telepractice to comply with the licensing and disciplinary provisions of Article 25 of GS Chapter 90.

Enacts new GS 90­365.6, Enteral and parenteral nutrition therapy. Defines the therapy and requires it to be ordered by a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist, a Certified Nutrition Support Clinician, or an individual who is otherwise in compliance with the requirements set forth in rules adopted by the Board. Does not restrict the authorization of other licensed health care practitioners to order therapeutic diets within the scope of their license.

Amends GS 90­368 concerning the applicability of the provisions of this Article, making conforming, clarifying and technical changes. Also adds language that provides that the provisions do not apply to individuals who provide nutrition services without pay to family members and those that provide specified nutrition information and guidance that does not constitute medical nutrition therapy, provided they do not hold themselves out as one of the specified licensed professionals. Removes the provision exempting employees or independent contractors of a hospital or health care facility.

Enacts new GS 143B­966 to authorize the Department of Public Safety to provide the Board with a criminal history record for applicants for licensure by the Board, and specifies the requirements for the Board's request.

Except as otherwise stated, effective July 1, 2017.