NC S370

Repeals Article 9 of Chapter 131E, which contains North Carolina's Certificate of Need (CON) laws requiring state approval before healthcare facilities can be built, expanded, or offer new services

Removes Department of Health and Human Services CON-related appeal authority to the Court of Appeals and eliminates restrictions on attorney's fees in CON contested cases, effective for cases arising on or after January 1, 2026

Eliminates the provision allowing hospitals to temporarily increase bed capacity during emergencies notwithstanding CON requirements, since CON approval would no longer be needed

Updates statutory definitions across multiple chapters to remove cross-references to repealed CON provisions, including definitions for health care facilities, hospices, hospitals, and home health agencies

Effective date of January 1, 2026