NC H1075

Increases minimum catchment area population requirements for area authorities to 300,000 by July 1, 2012 and 500,000 by July 1, 2013 to implement statewide 1915(b)/(c) Medicaid Waiver expansion.

Restructures area authority boards to have 11-21 voting members with specific required representation including county commissioners, consumers, family members, and professionals with expertise in health care, administration, finance, insurance, and social services.

Prohibits county withdrawal from multicounty area authorities for two years beginning July 1, 2012 and requires the Secretary to adopt rules establishing a disengagement process by January 1, 2014.

Allows area authorities to pay directors and employees salaries exceeding State Personnel Commission ranges with prior approval from the Director of the Office of State Personnel, supported by documentation of comparable regional salaries.

Creates confidentiality protections for competitive health care information in area authority contracts while maintaining public record access to contracts unless they contain competitive information subject to court review.