NC S226

Extends mandatory participation deadlines for the NC HealthConnex health information exchange network by one year: general providers from October 1, 2021 to October 1, 2022; ambulatory surgical centers, dentists, psychiatrists, and the State Laboratory from June 1, 2021 to June 1, 2022; and pharmacies and state health care facilities from June 1, 2021 to June 1, 2022.

Allows the Department of Information Technology to grant limited time extensions to providers demonstrating good-faith efforts to connect, with a final deadline of December 31, 2022 for any hardship exemptions.

Authorizes the HIE Authority to assess civil penalties of up to $10.00 per claim against providers and entities that fail to connect to the network and submit required demographic and clinical data.

Provides providers 30 days after receiving a civil penalty notice to either pay the penalty, execute a participation agreement, request an exemption or extension, or file a contested case petition.

Takes effect October 1, 2021 and applies to violations of mandatory participation requirements occurring on or after that date.