NC H173

Exempts licensed North Carolina ophthalmologists from obtaining a Certificate of Need (CON) when establishing ambulatory surgical facilities for ocular surgical procedures in their offices, provided they meet specified criteria.

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 that does not constitute an ambulatory surgical program.

Requires ophthalmologists seeking the exemption to submit license applications by December 31, 2019, verify the facility was operational or had a building permit application submitted by the effective date, obtain accreditation from an approved organization, and commit to serving indigent and underserved populations.

Establishes that all other persons seeking to establish ocular surgical facilities must still obtain a CON, and the State Medical Facilities Plan cannot include policies limiting the number of approved ocular surgical procedure rooms.

Becomes effective October 1, 2019.