The bill amends section 50-24.1-47 of the North Dakota Century Code to establish and operate a family paid caregiver service pilot project. It introduces new provisions that require the Department of Health and Human Services to manage the project, which will provide payments to legally responsible individuals who offer extraordinary care to eligible individuals participating in Medicaid 1915(c) waivers. The bill specifies that the project must include funding for extraordinary care, which is defined as care that exceeds typical household activities and is necessary to ensure the health and welfare of individuals in need of care. Additionally, the bill mandates that the department adopt rules for managing the project and determining eligibility, while ensuring that payments do not duplicate other services provided by the department.

Furthermore, the bill includes an appropriation of $7,300,000 from the general fund for the establishment and payment issuance of the family paid caregiver service pilot project for the biennium from July 1, 2025, to June 30, 2027. It also establishes the role of the cross-disability advisory council in providing feedback on the project’s planning and implementation, as well as input on the assessment method for determining the need for extraordinary care. The bill emphasizes that payments made under this project must align with the rates for family caregiving in existing Medicaid waivers.

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