HB 1597 provides state financial assistance to eligible public ambulance services in North Dakota during 2025-2027. It calculates funding based on an ambulance service’s average annual runs (multiplied by $2,023 per run, with a $125,000 minimum) minus reimbursements ($795 per run) and property taxes (5 mills on response area valuation), capping total aid at $225,000 per service. Eligible services include city/county-operated ambulances or rural district services, excluding those within 15 miles of another operation with fewer than 50 annual runs. The bill ensures funding is distributed based on these formulas, with prorated payments if state appropriations are insufficient. It directly affects public ambulance providers by adjusting their state financial support.
HB 1468 appropriates $16 million from North Dakota's general fund to the Department of Health and Human Services for grants supporting behavioral health facilities. It requires grantees to increase inpatient behavioral health beds by 30 in the west central region and operate facilities for at least 10 years, with repayment required if they fail to meet this term. Grant funds are disbursed only after infrastructure is complete and staffing plans are approved. The bill directly affects entities building or expanding behavioral health facilities in the specified region.
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.
Relating to diagnostic breast examination and supplemental breast examination cost-sharing restrictions; to provide for a report to the legislative assembly; to provide for application; and to provide an expiration date.
SB 2138 allocates $250,000 from North Dakota's general fund to the Department of Health and Human Services for grants to organizations providing care for elderly residents in rural areas. The funding is designated for the 2025-2027 biennium to support these providers directly. This is a funding measure, not a new policy, and specifically targets rural care organizations. The bill was signed into law on April 7, 2025.
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.
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.
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.
SB 2190 would expand North Dakota's medical assistance program to cover five specific services: family training for behavioral therapy support, dental screenings and assessments, dental case management for special populations (like children, elderly, and medically fragile individuals), asynchronous teledentistry to improve access, and applied behavioral analysis (ABA) therapy for behavioral issues. These services would directly affect medical assistance recipients, particularly those with special healthcare needs or in underserved communities. The bill explicitly states these new benefits would not apply to Medicaid expansion programs. The provisions aim to integrate oral health care with general health services and reduce barriers to dental and behavioral support.
