A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT to establish the north carolina hyperbaric oxygen therapy fund.
Whereas, North Carolina proudly has one of the largest veteran populations in the country; and
Whereas, hyperbaric oxygen therapy is a recognized and accepted treatment for non‑healing wounds and other medical conditions; and
Whereas, the people of North Carolina are grateful to all of our heroic veterans for their selfless service to our State and our nation; Now, therefore,
The General Assembly of North Carolina enacts:
SECTION 1.  Article 14 of Chapter 143B of the General Statutes is amended by adding a new Part to read:
"Part 12. North Carolina Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy Fund.
"§ 143B‑1317.  North Carolina Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy Fund; reimbursement.
(a)	Fund. – The North Carolina Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy Fund is established as a special fund in the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs. The Fund shall consist of all receipts derived from appropriations made by the General Assembly, donations, gifts, devises, and earned revenue. The Fund shall be used to provide financial assistance to veterans for hyperbaric oxygen therapy. The Secretary of Military and Veterans Affairs has sole authority in approving the use of the Fund for this purpose. The Secretary may consult with the Veterans Affairs Commission, North Carolina Military Affairs Commission, Department of Health and Human Services, or any other appropriate State entity regarding the use of the Fund.
(b)	Reimbursement. – If the Secretary discovers that funds were used to pay for therapy that was fully or partially covered by an insurer or other third party, the Secretary may seek that the Fund be reimbursed for the portion of the payment that was covered by the insurer or third party."
SECTION 2.  This act becomes effective July 1, 2019.