HB 514 defines the scope of practice for Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRNs) in North Carolina, including nurse practitioners (NPs), certified nurse midwives (CNMs), certified registered nurse anesthetists (CRNAs), and clinical nurse specialists (CNSs). The bill explicitly outlines the specific responsibilities for each role - such as CNMs managing reproductive health care, NPs diagnosing and treating illnesses, and CRNAs administering anesthesia - removing ambiguity in current law. It directly affects over 20,000 APRNs in North Carolina who currently face restrictions due to undefined practice parameters. The legislation aims to align North Carolina with 36 other states that have clarified APRN authority without compromising patient safety, as supported by research cited in the bill. This statutory definition is intended to improve healthcare access and reduce costs by enabling APRNs to practice to the full extent of their training.
SB 679, the Women's Care Act, requires North Carolina courts to defer imprisonment for 12 weeks after a pregnant person’s delivery (or end of pregnancy) if they pose no threat to the community. It directly affects pregnant female persons sentenced to prison, mandating courts to postpone incarceration while requiring them to maintain perinatal care, participate in community programs, and report monthly via phone or electronic means. The bill also allows probation supervision without fees during this period and requires prisons to report annual data on pregnant incarcerated women starting in 2026. The law applies to sentences issued on or after its effective date.
HB 522 prohibits crisis pregnancy centers (CPCs) in North Carolina from falsely advertising that they provide abortion or emergency contraceptive services when they do not. It defines this as a deceptive practice, requiring CPCs to clearly disclose staff qualifications and service offerings (like abortion care) on-site or via corrective advertising. The bill establishes a complaint process for the Attorney General to enforce violations, with civil penalties up to $5,000 per violation, and mandates a state health department evaluation of CPCs’ impact on reproductive healthcare access by 2026. This directly affects CPCs operating in the state, particularly those receiving public funds and targeting marginalized communities.
HB 509, the Right to Reproductive Freedom Act, codifies the constitutional protections for abortion access established in Roe v. Wade and Planned Parenthood v. Casey by prohibiting North Carolina from imposing restrictions that create an undue burden before fetal viability. The bill allows state restrictions only after fetal viability to preserve life or health and defines "undue burden" as any substantial obstacle to accessing abortion care. It removes barriers such as unnecessary parental consent requirements for minors and expands the scope of healthcare providers (including nurse practitioners and certified nurse midwives) who can perform or assist with abortion care. Additionally, the bill requires health insurance plans to cover abortion services and related complications, ensuring broader access for insured individuals.
House Bill 635 requires certain large group health benefit plans to provide coverage for fertility diagnostic care, treatment, and preservation services. This bill directly affects individuals covered by these plans, aiming to increase their access to fertility-related medical care. Key provisions include mandatory coverage for at least three in vitro fertilization (IVF) cycles per insured, provided procedures follow American Society of Reproductive Medicine guidelines and are performed at licensed facilities. However, the requirements do not apply to plans offered by religious institutions or self-insured group health plans, and explicitly exclude experimental procedures or nonmedical costs for donor gametes or surrogacy.
SB 247 redirects $6.25 million annually from crisis pregnancy centers to evidence-based maternal and infant health programs administered by North Carolina's Department of Health and Human Services, starting July 2025. It requires the State Auditor to audit Carolina Pregnancy Care Fellowship by March 2026 and mandates detailed reporting from all crisis pregnancy centers receiving state funds. These centers must disclose service types, demographics of clients, funding sources, and whether they misrepresent as medical facilities. The bill aims to increase transparency and reallocate resources toward proven maternal health initiatives.
