/>iUPCOMING EVENTS
April 8, 2025
NC Chamber Spring Member Roundtable - Raleigh
April 14, 2025
Raleigh Chamber Business After Hours - Raleigh
April 16, 2025
Federalist Society Housing Policy and Regulation in NC – Raleigh
April 17, 2025
Raleigh Chamber Young Professionals Network Social - Raleigh
NC Chamber Building NC - Durham
April 22, 2025
NC Chamber Spring Member Roundtable – Asheville
April 24, 2025
RTAC – Association of Corporate Counsel Spring Reception – (Raleigh)
April 28, 2025
Thinkers Lunch: Rob Christensen
LEGISLATIVE NEWS
PHARMACY BENEFIT MANAGERS LEGISLATION ADVANCES
A bill advancing in the North Carolina legislature, House Bill 163, could change prescription costs for consumers, but opinions differ on its impact. Pharmacists believe the bill would limit profits for pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs), while PBMs argue that restrictions would raise drug prices for patients. Critics claim PBMs are motivated to keep prices high, with only three companies managing 80% of U. S. prescriptions.
PBMs play a significant role in healthcare by negotiating drug prices and determining costs for insurers and pharmacies, often lacking transparency. They can also require patients to use specific pharmacy chains, hurting competition.
The bill would mandate PBMs to pay pharmacies at least the national average drug cost and a $10 dispensing fee, allow patient choice of pharmacies, and share drug rebates with consumers. It passed the House Health Committee, following a similar bill from last session that did not progress in the Senate.
CON LEGISLATION ADVANCES TO RULES COMMITTEE
State lawmakers in North Carolina are once again looking to change the certificate-of-need rules, which regulate the approval of new healthcare equipment or facilities. On Wednesday, the Senate Health Committee discussed Senate Bill 370, which aims to repeal these rules, and recommended it for further consideration by the Senate Rules Committee.
The North Carolina Healthcare Association supports keeping the rules, stating they help ensure access to care for underserved populations and prevent excess supply, which can raise costs. Opponents argue that the rules limit competition
While the legislature has made minor adjustments to these laws recently, broad repeal efforts have faced strong opposition from the hospital industry. Additionally, a recent ruling from the North Carolina Supreme Court could challenge the rules’ constitutionality. During the committee meeting, various health groups voiced differing opinions on the proposed changes.
FOSTER CARE LEGISLATION INTRODUCED
House Bill 612, a bill seeking to improve the state's child welfare system by helping move children from foster care to permanent homes and preventing them from staying in unsafe environments, was introduced on Monday. The bipartisan bill has almost 70 co-sponsors in the House.
Representative Allen Chesser (R-Nash), the bill's lead sponsor, emphasized that the focus is on achieving better life outcomes for children, promoting an environment that supports permanency and reunification. The Department of Health and Human Services sets policies, but counties implement them, leading to inconsistent practices.
Key points of the bill include:
- County social services directors must update reporters of child abuse or neglect within five days about investigations.
- Parental rights will not be lost due to inability to pay for care.
- Lawyers for county agencies need six hours of yearly training.
- Open adoptions are allowed with parental consent and end at age 18.
- Foster parents and relatives caring for children over a year can meet judges before placement changes.
- The DHHS can review cases and require remedies for rule violations.
The bill has been referred to the House Health Committee.
BILL TO EXPAND TREATMENT BY PHARMACISTS
A bill making its way through the Senate, Senate Bill 335, aims to expand pharmacists' roles in testing and treating influenza and strep throat during a serious flu season. This season, 484 people have died from the flu, including five children, prompting the need for quicker access to treatment.
The bill, whose primary sponsor is Senator Benton Sawrey (R-Johnston), seeks to reduce the time it takes for patients to receive medication. Supported by the North Carolina Board of Pharmacy and the North Carolina Association of Pharmacists, it allows pharmacists to use accurate CLIA-Waived tests to provide rapid results.
The legislation outlines protocols for pharmacists, with some patients still needing referrals to a primary care doctor. Additionally, it mandates insurers to cover care similarly to visits to doctors or urgent care. The bill has passed the Senate Health Committee unanimously and may soon be voted on in the Senate.
NC SENATE ELECTS NEW MAJORITY LEADER
The Senate Republican Caucus has selected Senator Michael Lee as its new Majority Leader. Lee, serving his fifth term, represents New Hanover County. The position became available after Paul Newton resigned unexpectedly and was appointed general counsel at UNC-Chapel Hill.
Lee was elected by acclamation, as he was the sole candidate. The Majority Leader is the third-highest ranking Senate leader, following Senator Phil Berger (R-Rockingham) and Deputy President Pro Tempore Ralph Hise (R-Alleghany). The Majority Leader leads caucus meetings, where members discuss policies and votes. Before becoming Majority Leader, Lee chaired the Senate Appropriations/Base Budget and Education/Higher Education committees.
WHAT WE’RE LISTENING TO
- Under the Dome Podcast
- Do Politics Better Podcast
- WUNC Politics Podcast
- Carolina Newsmakers Podcast
- NC Capitol Wrap Podcast
