This bill amends existing North Dakota law regarding abortion procedures and introduces new continuing education requirements for physicians. Specifically, it stipulates that a physician must review educational information created under section 43-17-27.1 within two years prior to performing an abortion, with an exception for medical emergencies. Additionally, the bill mandates that all physicians performing abortions must have admitting privileges at a hospital within thirty miles of the abortion facility and that an ultrasound must be offered to women at least twenty-four hours before the procedure. Failure to comply with these provisions can result in penalties, including a class A misdemeanor for physicians and a class B felony for non-physicians performing abortions.

Furthermore, the bill establishes a new subsection to section 43-17-27.1, which requires the state medical board to provide access to an instructional course on relevant legal chapters related to medical practice. This course will be developed with the assistance of the office of management and budget and must be periodically updated to reflect current state law. An appropriation of $50,000 is allocated for the development of this instructional course, which is to be awarded to a qualified individual or organization. The effective date for the amendments and new requirements is set for January 1, 2026, while the appropriation measure is declared an emergency.

Statutes affected:
Prepared by the Legislative Council staff for Representative Rohr: 14-02.1-04
FIRST ENGROSSMENT: 14-02.1-04
Prepared by the Legislative Council staff for Senator Myrdal: 14-02.1-04
Enrollment: 14-02.1-04