HB 1467 requires North Dakota's Department of Health to create a website linking to the federal vaccine adverse event reporting system (VAERS) and compile state-specific data on vaccine side effects and administration errors. Healthcare providers must report adverse events and errors (like wrong dosage or expired vaccines) using department-prescribed forms, while the public can also submit reports. The bill establishes a $100,000 fund to support this system and mandates annual legislative reports on its effectiveness. It directly affects healthcare facilities, providers, and the public by creating a standardized process for tracking and reporting vaccine-related incidents.
HB 1457 would create a new exemption allowing individuals to avoid required vaccines (for school, work, or licensing) if the vaccine doesn't meet specific safety and effectiveness standards. These standards require the FDA-approved vaccine to have undergone at least one year of safety testing against a placebo, with injury data publicly posted, a lower risk of serious harm than the disease itself, and manufacturer liability for deaths or injuries. The North Dakota Department of Health must publicize this exemption and prohibit state agencies from requiring conditions inconsistent with it. The bill failed to pass during its second reading in February 2025.
HB 1519 requires North Dakota's Department of Health to compile and maintain individual death and vaccination records from the state's immunization and death registration systems. It mandates tracking specific details like vaccine type, date of vaccination, sex, race, and death dates within 720 days post-vaccination. The department must publish quarterly public reports on its website showing death rates for each vaccine type administered to over 20,000 people in the previous quarter, broken down by demographic groups and time intervals after vaccination. This bill directly affects the state health department's data management and public reporting processes.
HB 1337 would provide $10 million in state funds to counties for mental health and substance use disorder treatment services for people in jail. The bill requires counties receiving grants to report annually on how funds were used and outcomes, and the health department to submit a summary report to lawmakers by 2026. This funding would cover the 2025-2027 biennium and aim to expand access to mental health care for incarcerated individuals.
HB 1478, if enacted, would create new protections in North Dakota law for access to contraceptives. It defines contraceptives broadly (including pills, IUDs, condoms, and patches) while excluding abortion drugs, and guarantees individuals the right to receive, purchase, or use contraception under evidence-based medical guidelines. The bill also protects health care providers who decline to provide contraception based on religious or moral objections, and ensures health insurers cover contraceptive care. It allows lawsuits against state entities that restrict these rights, with penalties including court-ordered relief and attorney fees for successful plaintiffs.
HB 1451 would require North Dakota's medical assistance program (including Medicaid) to cover comprehensive obesity treatment, such as intensive behavioral therapy, bariatric surgery, and FDA-approved antiobesity medications. The bill mandates that coverage criteria for antiobesity medication align with FDA approvals and prohibits separate cost-sharing (like higher deductibles or copays) for obesity treatment compared to other medical conditions. It also requires the state to provide written notice to enrollees about this coverage by December 31, 2025. This bill directly affects Medicaid enrollees in North Dakota seeking obesity-related treatments.
Relating to minimum standards for coverage of antiobesity medication; to provide for a report to the legislative assembly; to provide for application; and to provide an expiration date.
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 1433 would create North Dakota's dementia response program within the Department of Health, administered by a dedicated state dementia coordinator. The program requires developing and updating an Alzheimer's/dementia state plan every three years through a work group including people living with dementia, caregivers, healthcare professionals, and advocacy organizations. It also mandates collecting dementia-related data via existing state systems and launching a statewide public awareness campaign to reduce stigma and promote early detection. The bill allocates $250,000 for the program and coordinator position over the 2025-2027 biennium.
