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Bill

SB 369

Relating to greenhouse gas regulation; prescribing an effective date.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by David Smith

Allows NC-licensed telehealth providers to enroll in Medicaid without a physical in-state office, expanding access for beneficiaries while licensure rules stay in place.

In committee upon adjournment.
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · SB 369

Summary — SB 369: Medicaid Telehealth Services (Telehealth Provider Enrollment)

Status: Passed 1st Reading (introduced Feb–Mar 2025). Effective date: upon enactment (bill directs immediate implementation by DHHS).

Purpose

SB 369 directs the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), Division of Health Benefits, to remove in‑state physical presence/address requirements for certain telehealth providers when determining eligibility for Medicaid enrollment. The intent is to allow health care providers and provider groups licensed in North Carolina that deliver care exclusively via telehealth/telemedicine to enroll as Medicaid providers without maintaining a physical office location in the State.

Key provisions

  • DHHS/Division of Health Benefits must ensure that:
    • An individual health care provider who is duly licensed in North Carolina and who provides services exclusively through telehealth is not required to maintain a physical in‑State presence in order to be eligible to enroll as a Medicaid provider.
    • A health care provider group composed of providers duly licensed in North Carolina that exclusively offers telehealth services is not required to have an in‑State service address to be eligible to enroll as a Medicaid provider group.
  • The bill applies to Medicaid enrollment eligibility requirements only; licensure requirements (i.e., the provider must be licensed in North Carolina) remain in force.
  • No changes to Medicaid benefit coverage, payment rates, or provider licensing statutes are made by this bill.

Who is affected

  • Medicaid beneficiaries in North Carolina (potentially improved access to telehealth services).
  • Telehealth providers and telehealth‑only provider groups licensed in North Carolina (expanded ability to enroll in NC Medicaid).
  • DHHS Division of Health Benefits (responsible for updating enrollment policies and processes).
  • Medicaid program operations (provider enrollment, program integrity, oversight).

Procedural and implementation notes

  • DHHS must operationalize the change in its provider enrollment policies and systems (forms, verification, monitoring).
  • The bill is effective immediately upon becoming law; operational timelines will depend on DHHS rulemaking, enrollment system changes, and guidance to providers.
  • The bill does not appropriate funds or change reimbursement policy; administrative resources may be needed to revise enrollment procedures and to maintain program integrity.

Potential impacts and considerations

  • Expected benefits: increased pool of Medicaid telehealth providers, improved access to care (notably for rural or underserved populations), and greater flexibility for telemedicine practice models.
  • Implementation considerations: DHHS will need to ensure adequate controls to prevent fraud/abuse, verify provider identity/licensure and quality, and maintain continuity of care standards. Medicaid network adequacy, beneficiary protections, and oversight mechanisms will be important to monitor as telehealth‑only enrollment expands.

If you want, I can draft suggested DHHS guidance elements (verification steps, monitoring triggers, or template enrollment language) to help agencies implement the bill.

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

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