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Bill Summary · SB 870

Summary of North Carolina SB 870 (Session 2025)

Short Title

Funds for Veterans/HBOT

Purpose and Intent

  • Establish a state-funded program to provide hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) to North Carolina veterans who have traumatic brain injury (TBI) or posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
  • Ensure access to an evidence-informed, nonpharmacologic treatment option for veterans, with the goal of improving health outcomes and quality of life.

Key Provisions

1) Program Establishment

  • Creates a program to deliver HBOT to eligible NC veterans at no cost to the veteran.
  • The HBOT program is administered by HBOT 4 HEROES, a nonprofit corporation.
  • Treatment will be delivered through a structured process that includes:
    • Clinical intake
    • Delivery of HBOT treatment
    • Pre- and post-treatment outcome assessments
  • HBOT provided under this act must conform to relevant state regulations (referencing Part 5 of Article 6 of Chapter 122C of the General Statutes).

2) Funding/Appropriation

  • Authorizes a one-time (nonrecurring) appropriation of $3,000,000 from the General Fund to the Department of Health and Human Services (DMH/DD/SUS) for the 2026-2027 fiscal year.
  • The funds are a directed grant to HBOT 4 HEROES and are intended to cover:
    • An estimated 15,000 HBOT treatments
    • Service to approximately 350 veterans
    • Direct treatment services, program administration, and required reporting
  • The funds shall not revert and shall remain available until expended.

3) Accountability and Reporting

  • HBOT 4 HEROES must submit a report by June 30, 2027, to:
    • Joint Legislative Oversight Committee on Health and Human Services
    • Fiscal Research Division
  • The report should cover:
    • Provision of HBOT to veterans
    • Number of veterans served
    • Counties of veterans’ residence
    • Aggregate treatment outcomes
    • Accounting of state funds used

4) Effective Date

  • The act becomes effective July 1, 2026.

Who is Affected

  • Eligible population: North Carolina residents who are veterans diagnosed with traumatic brain injury (TBI) or posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
  • Service delivery: HBOT 4 HEROES, a nonprofit entity, as the administrator and grant recipient.
  • State entities: North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (DMH/DD/SUS) administers the grant and oversees reporting requirements.

Timeline and Procedural Highlights

  • Effective date: July 1, 2026.
  • Funding available for 2026-2027 fiscal year (nonrecurring $3,000,000).
  • HBOT 4 HEROES to implement program and deliver services, with an anticipated 15,000 HBOT treatments for roughly 350 veterans.
  • By June 30, 2027: mandatory program outcomes report to legislative oversight and fiscal staff.
  • Funds are to be used solely for direct treatment, administration, and reporting; no funding reversion.

Potential Impact

  • Expands access to HBOT for veterans with TBI/PTSD in North Carolina.
  • Aims to reduce suffering and improve functional outcomes through a nonpharmacologic treatment option.
  • Creates a state-directed funding mechanism and accountability framework to monitor veterans served and treatment outcomes.
  • Could serve as a model for targeted veteran health interventions and inform future policy decisions based on the reported outcomes.

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

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