H173 Summary

• Exempts veterinarians from reporting controlled substance dispensing to the North Carolina Controlled Substances Reporting System.

• Reduces prescription reporting timeline from monthly/twice-monthly to within three business days of delivery, with encouragement to report within 24 hours.

• Adds method of payment as a required reporting element and exempts 48-hour emergency supplies from reporting requirements.

• Expands data access to sheriffs and police investigators conducting specific investigations and allows practitioners to delegate data access authority with Department approval.

• Increases civil penalties for unauthorized information release from $5,000 to $10,000 per violation and clarifies confidentiality protections for good-faith reporters.