NC S248

Adds hearing aid specialists licensed by the North Carolina State Hearing Aid Dealers and Fitters Board to the list of providers that patients have the right to choose under their health benefit plans.

Increases the maximum licensing fee for hearing aid specialists from $250 to $500, with the fee to be set by the Board and subject to proration.

Reorganizes G.S. 58-50-30 by consolidating provider types into a numbered list in subsection (b) while maintaining existing requirements and limitations for each provider category.

Updates cross-references throughout the statute to reflect the restructured provider list, including in G.S. 135-48.51(12).

Becomes effective October 1, 2013.