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Bill Summary · HB 893

Summary — HB 893: Chiropractic Investigatory Costs

Status: Passed 1st Reading (Introduced Nov. 12, 2024)
Primary sponsors: Representatives Campbell, Huneycutt, and Scott (NC)
Scope: North Carolina State Board of Chiropractic Examiners; disciplinary process; public meeting minutes; licensure applicants
Effective dates: Sections 1–2 take effect Oct. 1, 2025 (apply to disciplinary actions on or after that date); remainder effective on enactment.

Purpose / Intent

HB 893 narrows the amount the North Carolina State Board of Chiropractic Examiners may assess licensees as “costs” in disciplinary proceedings and strengthens transparency and recordkeeping requirements for Board meetings. The bill aims to limit financial exposure for licensees in disciplinary matters, require itemized and accurate billing, and ensure timely, detailed public minutes of Board proceedings.

Key provisions

  1. Caps on disciplinary costs (G.S. 90‑157.4)

    • The Board may recover costs only if the disciplinary action results in a disposition other than complete exoneration.
    • Maximum cumulative costs (including reasonable attorneys’ fees, investigative costs, meeting costs, etc.):
      • $1,000 for disciplinary actions settled by consent without a full Board hearing.
      • $3,000 for disciplinary actions adjudicated after a full Board hearing or referred to the Office of Administrative Hearings.
      • Exception: the Board may recover reasonable actual costs (including attorneys’ fees) above these caps where, after meeting subdivision (2)’s procedural requirements, the Board’s final decision contains findings that the licensee’s defense was dilatory or not made in good faith.
    • “Disciplinary action” is broadly defined to include investigations, informal evidentiary reviews, settlement conferences, probable cause hearings, committee meetings, full Board meetings, or combinations thereof.
    • Any provision in a settlement/consent order or final agency decision where a licensee agrees to pay an amount exceeding the statutory caps is void and unenforceable.

  2. Itemization and refunds

    • At the conclusion of a disciplinary action the Board must send the licensee an itemized description of assessed costs.
    • If there is a discrepancy between the itemized description and amounts charged, the licensee must be refunded the difference (and any overpayments already made).

  3. Public minutes and transparency (G.S. 90‑144)

    • The Board is required to keep full and accurate minutes of official meetings, including:
      • Summaries of treasurer, director, attorney, and committee reports (except where closed by statute).
      • Names of persons making public comments and summaries of those comments (including rationale/support/opposition).
      • Verbatim motion language for actions and each Board member’s vote on motions.
    • The Board must publish a draft version of minutes within 15 business days after each meeting and publish the final version immediately upon approval.
    • Applicants for licensure are required to comply with the minutes-related provisions.

  4. Implementation

    • The Board must adopt rules to implement the act.
    • Sections capping costs and requiring minutes apply to disciplinary actions on or after Oct. 1, 2025.

Who is affected

  • Licensed chiropractors in North Carolina who are subject to Board investigations or disciplinary processes — reduced potential cost obligations and stronger procedural protections.
  • The North Carolina State Board of Chiropractic Examiners — will face limits on cost recovery, new administrative duties (itemization, refunds, and more detailed minute-taking), and rulemaking obligations.
  • Members of the public who comment at Board meetings — their identities and comment summaries will be included in public minutes.
  • Licensure applicants — must comply with minutes-related rules where applicable.

Procedural / timeline notes

  • Sections 1 and 2 become effective Oct. 1, 2025, and apply to disciplinary actions on or after that date; the remainder is effective upon enactment.
  • The bill requires the Board to promulgate implementing rules.
  • The bill passed its first reading and is proceeding through the legislative process (committee referrals as noted in the bill record).

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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