GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF NORTH CAROLINA

SESSION 1993

H	1 

HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION 1434*

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Sponsors: Representatives Richardson; and Bowman.

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Referred to:  Rules, Calendar, and Operation of the House.

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May 17, 1993

A JOINT RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE LEGISLATIVE RESEARCH COMMISSION TO STUDY THE ISSUE OF RECOVERY CARE CENTERS AND THEIR ROLE IN DEVELOPING A SYSTEM OF AFFORDABLE, QUALITY HEALTH CARE.
Whereas, health care costs are rising faster than the economy; and 
Whereas, the rising costs of hospital maintenance and hospital care are fueling these increases; and
Whereas, there have been significant advances in medicine over the last two decades as a result of ambulatory surgery; and
Whereas, other states have begun programs in which their ambulatory surgical centers have been operating as "recovery care centers", keeping surgical patients for up to 72 hours after their operations; and
Whereas, if true health reform is to be achieved, North Carolina must look to bold new programs that, while they might pose some small risk, have the potential for producing great benefits;
Now, therefore, be it resolved by the House of Representatives, the Senate concurring:
Section 1.  The Legislative Research Commission may study the issue of recovery care centers and their role in developing a system of affordable, quality health care.  This study may consider allowing certain ambulatory surgical facilities operating as recovery care centers to admit patients needing extended recovery care for a period not to exceed 72 hours and may consider how such a change would affect our State's ever-rising health care costs as well as our State's ongoing need for quality health care.
The Commission may make an interim report, including any legislative proposals, to the 1993 General Assembly, Regular Session 1994, and a final report, including any legislative proposals, to the 1995 General Assembly.
Sec. 2.  This resolution is effective upon ratification