NC S562

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, costs, and liability recommendations.

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

Creates new Article 1B in Chapter 122C of the General Statutes establishing the statewide telepsychiatry program to deliver acute mental health and substance abuse care through two-way real-time audio or video between consulting providers and patients in emergency departments.

Requires the Commission to adopt rules specifying patient health and safety requirements, participation and equipment standards for all sites and providers, and payment rates for telepsychiatry services.

Section 2 (appropriations) becomes effective July 1, 2013; Section 3 (statutory requirements) becomes effective January 1, 2014; remainder effective upon enactment.