Healthcare

HB 1550 would create a program where the Bank of North Dakota guarantees loans for constructing or renovating nursing and basic care facilities. The Bank would administer the program, establish a special reserve fund (using up to $100 million from a state strategic fund), and reimburse lenders if borrowers default. This directly affects nursing and basic care facilities seeking financing for facility upgrades or new construction.

Relating to the creation of an abortion approval committee, a framework for abortion, and an emergency medical exception; to amend and reenact sections 12.1‑19.1‑03, 14‑02.1‑02, 14‑02.1‑02.1, 14‑02.1‑02.2, and 14‑02.1‑03, subsection 1 of section 14‑02.1‑03.1, sections 14‑02.1‑05, 14‑02.1‑07, 14‑02.1‑08, 14‑02.1‑09, and 14‑10‑15, and subsection 3 of section 14‑10‑19 of the North Dakota Century Code, relating to abortion procedures, consent, and reporting requirements; and to repeal sections 14‑02.1‑03.4, 14‑02.1‑03.5, and 14‑02.1‑04 of the North Dakota Century Code, relating to abortion restrictions.

HB 1349 proposes capping noneconomic damages (like pain and suffering) in North Dakota health care malpractice lawsuits at $500,000 initially, with scheduled annual increases to $1.5 million (2026), $2 million (2027), and $2.5 million (2028). It directly affects patients filing malpractice claims and healthcare providers facing such lawsuits, while exempting claims involving unborn fetuses. The bill requires courts to reduce jury awards to meet the cap without informing juries of the limit. The legislation failed to pass in the North Dakota legislature on February 7, 2025, with 30 votes in favor and 61 against.