Over 350 NCAPA members took action, sending over 600 emails to NC legislators to support important provisions in the COVID-19 Recovery Act. On May 2nd, the COVID-19 Recovery Act bill was signed into law. This legislation included policies and funding around health care, education, government, and the economy. Among the numerous healthcare policies, the following provisions were included:
- Prohibits the NC Medical Board from enforcing regular Quality Improvement meetings for PAs and NPs;
- Grants healthcare facilities and providers immunity from civil and criminal liability for acts and omissions in the course of arranging healthcare services under certain COVID-19-related circumstances;
- Encourages the Centers for Medicaid and Medicare to provide increased healthcare coverage through audio-only communication, which will be particularly crucial for those without reliable internet access or video-conferencing systems.
The provision regarding Quality Improvement meetings will be effective through December 31, 2021.
You can read the text of both bills: HB 1043: 2020 COVID-19 Recovery Act and SB 704: COVID-19 Recovery Act.