The bill amends and reenacts section 50-24.1-47 of the North Dakota Century Code to establish a family paid caregiver service pilot project, which aims to provide financial support to legally responsible individuals who offer extraordinary care to eligible individuals participating in Medicaid 1915(c) waivers. Key changes include the insertion of the term "paid" to clarify the nature of the caregiver service, and the department is tasked with managing and operating the project. The bill outlines the criteria for extraordinary care, which exceeds typical household activities and is essential for the health and welfare of the individual in need of care. Additionally, it mandates that payments made under this project must align with the rates for family caregiving in existing Medicaid waivers.

Furthermore, the bill includes an appropriation of $7,300,000 from the general fund for the Department of Health and Human Services to support the establishment and payment processes of the pilot project for the biennium from July 1, 2025, to June 30, 2027. It also emphasizes the involvement of the cross-disability advisory council in the planning and implementation of the project, ensuring that feedback is incorporated into the assessment methods used to determine the need for extraordinary care. The bill aims to enhance support for family caregivers while ensuring that funding is appropriately managed and utilized.

Statutes affected:
INTRODUCED: 50-24.1-47
Adopted by the Senate Human Services Committee: 50-24.1-47
FIRST ENGROSSMENT: 50-24.1-47
Prepared by the Legislative Council staff for Senate Appropriations Committee: 50-24.1-47
SECOND ENGROSSMENT: 50-24.1-47
Enrollment: 50-24.1-47