NC S328

Exempts ophthalmologists licensed in North Carolina from obtaining a certificate of need to establish ambulatory surgical facilities for office-based cataract surgery in ocular surgical procedure rooms.

Defines "office-based cataract surgery" as cataract surgery requiring local, regional, or general anesthesia with less than 24 hours of post-operative observation that does not constitute an ambulatory surgical program.

Requires ophthalmologists seeking the exemption to obtain accreditation from specified healthcare accreditation organizations and provide a plan for serving indigent and medically underserved populations.

Continues existing exemption for gastrointestinal endoscopy procedures in nonlicensed settings, with similar accreditation and community service requirements.

Adds legislative finding that demand for office-based cataract surgery is increasing due to growth of elderly population and advancements in procedure safety and efficacy.