Contains whereas clauses.
Names the act the “Fair Wages in Health Care Act.” Contains five NCGA findings concerning the importance of home care aides, direct support professionals, certified nursing assistants, psychiatric aides, and licensed practical nurses and the persistent workforce shortages and turnover in the industry. Specifies that the act’s purpose is to establish occupational minimum wages for specified direct care and health care support occupations to improve recruitment and retention, reduce turnover, and protect the health, safety, and welfare of State residents relying on these services.
Adds new GS 95-25.3B, requiring every employer to pay the following hourly minimum wages:

Home care aide: $18
Direct support professional (DSP): $18
Certified Nursing Assistant (CAN): $20
Psychiatric aide: $22
Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN): $24

Defines CNA, DSP (an employee whose primary job duties consist of providing direct, hands-on assistance, supervision, habilitation, or support services to an individual with an intellectual or developmental disability in a home- or community-based setting, including under a Medicaid waiver, regardless of job title), home care aide, LPN, and psychiatric aide or technician. Clarifies that GS 95-25.3B does not reduce any employee’s rights under federal law, GS 95-25.3, or other any employer policy or contract providing a higher wage. Directs that the applicable minimum wage is the highest rate required under GS 95-25.3B, GS 95-25.3, or federal law. Prohibits an employer from avoiding the requirements of GS 95-25.3B by assigning a different job title to an employee whose primary job duties meet the definitions described above. Specifies that if an employee performs the duties of a covered occupation for 25% or more of hours worked in a workweek, the minimum wage applicable to that occupation applies for that workweek, and if multiple covered occupations apply, the highest applicable minimum wage applies. Applies the provisions of Article 2A applicable to enforcement, remedies, and retaliation to new GS 95-25.3B.
Instructs the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) to take all actions necessary to implement the minimum wage requirements established in this act for services financed in whole or in part with State or federal funds administered by DHHS, including Medicaid and State-funded or federally authorized waiver programs, including the three actions described. Directs each State agency that procures or funds services in which covered employees provide care or support funded in whole or in part by State funds to the extent authorized by law and subject to appropriations, adjust contract rates, reimbursement schedules, or other payment terms as necessary to avoid undermining compliance with the minimum wage requirements of this act.
Requires DHHS to submit an implementation plan as described to the specified NCGA committees and division by October 1, 2027.
Effective July 1, 2026, appropriates $500,000 from the General Fund to DHHS for 2026-27 to implement the act. Specifies that the funds are not subject to GS 143C-1-2(b) (concerning appropriations).
Except as otherwise provided, effective January 1, 2028, and applies to work performed on or after that date.