A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT to provide physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech therapy coverage for individuals up to age twenty‑one under the State medicaid Program.
The General Assembly of North Carolina enacts:
SECTION 1.  Physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech therapy services shall be covered under the Medicaid program for individuals over the age of 21.  Payments for these services shall be at rates negotiated by the Department of Health and Human Services and shall be made to qualified providers when therapy services are rendered in outpatient hospital settings, outpatient rehabilitation agencies, a provider's office, and the home. Medicaid shall recognize both independent practitioners and outpatient therapy services providers. Physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech therapy services are subject to utilization review and prior approval, if applicable. If a waiver from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services is necessary to secure the federal share for these services, the Department shall apply for and implement the waiver.
SECTION 2.  This act becomes effective July 1, 2009.