SB 2169 requires physical therapists in North Dakota to communicate the overall treatment plan to patients and obtain their informed consent, or consent from a legally authorized representative. This law directly affects physical therapy patients and providers across the state by establishing a clear communication and consent standard. The key provision mandates that therapists explain care plans before treatment begins, ensuring patients understand their options. The bill became law after the Governor signed it on April 2, 2025. It focuses on patient autonomy in physical therapy care without altering other treatment protocols.
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.
This bill (SB 2377) changes North Dakota law to protect dental plan enrollees. It bars dental plans from controlling fees charged by dentists for services not covered by the plan (like routine checkups if not included in the plan). It also prevents plans from denying patients additional dental care when annual, lifetime, or frequency limits have been reached. The law directly affects dental patients and providers by ensuring they aren't restricted from accessing care when plan limits are exhausted.
This bill (SB 2209) prevents victims of sexual assault, domestic violence, and child abuse/neglect from being charged for medical exams used to gather crime evidence. It requires North Dakota's Attorney General to reimburse healthcare providers and children's advocacy centers for these exams using a $200,000 state appropriation. The law ensures victims (including children) and their guardians won't face direct billing for forensic exams or preliminary screenings. Evidence collected under this law cannot be used against victims for unrelated offenses. The funding supports domestic violence examiner programs and requires reporting on how funds are used and victim outcomes.
HB 1014 allocates $3.4 million from North Dakota's general fund to cover operational costs for the state's protection and advocacy project during the 2025-2027 biennium. The bill provides $7.79 million total (including $4.36 million from other sources), specifying funding for 28.5 full-time equivalent positions. It directly affects the project's ability to operate, without specifying particular beneficiaries or new policy changes. This is a procedural funding measure, not a substantive policy bill.
HB 1078 amends North Dakota law to require state reimbursement for certain medical expenses incurred by National Guard members while on duty. It directly affects North Dakota National Guard service members who face out-of-pocket costs for medical care related to their military service. The bill changes Section 37-01-44 of the North Dakota Century Code to establish this reimbursement process. The legislation also declares an emergency to expedite its implementation, as noted in the official abstract. The bill was signed into law by the Governor on March 26, 2025.
Relating to medical costs transparency for health care facilities; to amend and reenact section 26.1‑47‑02 of the North Dakota Century Code, relating to health care facility and preferred provider compliance with medical cost transparency requirements; and to provide a penalty.
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 2231 would require North Dakota's medical assistance program to cover specific dental and behavioral services, directly affecting recipients of medical assistance who need these services. The bill mandates coverage for family adaptive behavioral treatment guidance, dental screenings, dental case management for special populations (including children, elderly, and medically fragile individuals), and asynchronous teledentistry to improve access. It explicitly states these new coverage requirements do not apply to Medicaid expansion programs for children and adults. The bill failed to pass in the Senate on March 27, 2025, with 33 votes in favor and 59 against.
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.
