NC H344

Adds a finding that demand for ocular surgical procedures is increasing due to elderly population growth and technological advancements in safety and efficacy.

Defines "ocular surgical procedure" as a surgical procedure on the eye or its adnexa requiring local, regional, or general anesthesia with less than 24 hours of post-operative observation, excluding ambulatory surgical programs.

Exempts ophthalmologists licensed in North Carolina from certificate of need requirements to license ocular surgical procedure rooms in their offices, provided the license application is postmarked by December 31, 2017.

Requires exempt ophthalmologists to verify the facility is operational or had a completed building permit application by the effective date, obtain accreditation from specified organizations, and commit to serving indigent and medically underserved populations.

Retains certificate of need requirements for all other persons proposing to establish ambulatory surgical facilities for ocular procedures and prohibits the State Medical Facilities Plan from limiting approved ocular surgical procedure rooms.