NC H425

Authorizes local public health departments to bill Medicaid services through either the Health Information System (HIS) or an approved Medicaid clearinghouse, providing flexibility in billing options.

Allows the Division of Public Health to require aggregate data submissions from local health departments regardless of billing method, but prohibits requiring encounter-level patient data submissions.

Guarantees that local health departments using Medicaid clearinghouses receive the same reimbursement rates and cost settlement amounts as those billing through HIS.

Requires the Division of Public Health to provide aggregate data specifications for Medicaid cost study reimbursement purposes to departments using clearinghouses.

Adds definitions to statute for "aggregate data," "encounter level data," "Health Information System," and "public health program services," effective October 1, 2011.