NC H179

Authorizes the HIE Authority to assess civil penalties against providers and entities that fail to connect to NC HealthConnect (the state's health information exchange network) and submit required demographic and clinical data.

Sets civil penalty amount at a maximum of $10.00 per claim failed to be submitted through the HIE Network during any period of noncompliance.

Requires penalized entities or providers to take one of four actions within 30 days: pay the full penalty, contact the HIE Authority to execute a participation agreement, request an exemption or hardship extension from relevant state departments, or file a contested case petition with the Office of Administrative Hearings.

Authorizes the HIE Authority to institute superior court action to recover unpaid civil penalties 30 days after a final decision affirming the penalty if the entity or provider fails to pay, and allows such action without relieving other applicable legal penalties.

Becomes effective October 1, 2021, and applies to violations occurring on or after that date.