NC H580

Department of Health and Human Services must develop and submit a plan by June 1, 2013 for a statewide telepsychiatry program modeled after the Albemarle Hospital Foundation program operating in 12 eastern North Carolina hospitals, including implementation steps, program costs, and liability recommendations.

Appropriates $2,000,000 for fiscal year 2013-2014 and $2,000,000 for fiscal year 2014-2015 to establish and administer the telepsychiatry program, purchase equipment for state-owned hospitals, and contract with outside vendors for program management.

Creates Article 1B of Chapter 122C of the General Statutes establishing the statewide telepsychiatry program, enabling consulting providers at consultant sites to deliver acute mental health and substance abuse care via two-way real-time audio or video to patients in emergency departments at referring sites.

Commission must adopt rules specifying patient health and safety requirements, participation and equipment requirements for consultant sites and providers, and payment rates for telepsychiatry services.

Department shall periodically evaluate the effectiveness of the statewide telepsychiatry program.