A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT to direct the department of health and human services, Division of Medical Assistance, to establish a pilot program to evaluate the Use of Telemonitoring equipment for home and community based recipients, And to prohibit the issuing of licenses for home care agencies for one year.
The General Assembly of North Carolina enacts:
SECTION 1.  The Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Medical Assistance, shall implement a pilot program to evaluate the use of telemonitoring equipment in home and community based services.  As determined by the Division, the Department shall provide remuneration to home care agencies and other providers for participation in the pilot program.  The pilot program shall be implemented by October 1, 2006, and shall evaluate the use of telemonitoring equipment as a tool to improve the health of home and community based recipients through increased monitoring and responsiveness, and resulting in increased stabilization rates and decreased hospitalization rates.  The evaluation must include a representative number of older adults.  The Department shall report to the Study Commission on Aging by August 1, 2007.  The report shall include findings and recommendations on the cost‑effectiveness of telemonitoring and the benefits to individuals and health care providers.
SECTION 2.  Beginning January 1, 2007, and for a period of one year thereafter, the Department of Health and Human Services shall not issue any licenses for new home care agencies that intend to offer in‑home aide services.  This shall not restrict the Department from issuing licenses to certified home health agencies that intend to offer in‑home aide services or to agencies that need a new license for an existing home care agency being acquired.  This will allow the Department the time necessary to implement newly adopted home care rules.
SECTION 3.  This act is effective when it becomes law.