NC S161

Appropriates $1,000,000 in nonrecurring funds for each year of the 2021-2023 fiscal biennium to the Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Rural Health.

Allocates funds to East Carolina University Center for Telepsychiatry and e-Behavioral Health to establish five new NC-STeP program sites.

Addresses mental health provider shortage in North Carolina, where 31 counties lack a psychiatrist and 90 counties are designated as mental health shortage areas.

Expands the existing Statewide Telepsychiatry Program (NC-STeP) to increase access to psychiatric services through telehealth technology.

Becomes effective July 1, 2021.