2005 North Carolina Code - General Statutes Article 4 - Organization and System for Delivery of Mental Health, Developmental Disabilities, and Substance Abuse Services.

Article 4.

Organization and System for Delivery of Mental Health, Developmental Disabilities, and Substance Abuse Services.

Part 1. Policy.

§ 122C‑101.  Policy.

Within the public system of mental health, developmental disabilities, and substance abuse services, there are area, county, and State facilities. An area authority or county program is the locus of coordination among public services for clients of its catchment area. (1985, c. 589, s. 2; 1989, c. 625, s. 13; 1993, c. 396, s. 3; 2001‑437, s. 1.4.)

 

§ 122C‑102.  State Plan for Mental Health, Developmental Disabilities, and Substance Abuse Services.

The Department shall develop and implement a State Plan for Mental Health, Developmental Disabilities, and Substance Abuse Services. The State Plan shall include the following:

(1)       Vision and mission of the State Mental Health, Developmental Disabilities, and Substance Abuse Services system.

(2)       Organizational structure of the Department and the divisions of the Department responsible for managing and monitoring mental health, developmental disabilities, and substance abuse services.

(3)       Protection of client rights and consumer involvement in planning and management of system services.

(4)       Provision of services to targeted populations, including criteria for identifying targeted populations.

(5)       Compliance with federal mandates in establishing service priorities in mental health, developmental disabilities, and substance abuse.

(6)       Description of the core services that are available to all individuals in order to improve consumer access to mental health, developmental disabilities, and substance abuse services at the local level.

(7)       Service standards for the mental health, developmental disabilities, and substance abuse services system.

(8)       Implementation of the uniform portal process.

(9)       Strategies and schedules for implementing the service plan, including consultation on Medicaid policy with area and county programs, qualified providers, and others as designated by the Secretary, intersystem collaboration, promotion of best practices, technical assistance, outcome‑based monitoring, and evaluation.

(10)     A plan for coordination of the State Plan for Mental Health, Developmental Disabilities, and Substance Abuse Services with the Medicaid State Plan, and NC Health Choice.

(11)     A business plan to demonstrate efficient and effective resource management of the mental health, developmental disabilities, and substance abuse services system, including strategies for accountability for non‑Medicaid and Medicaid services.

(12)     Strategies and schedules for implementing a phased in plan to eliminate disparities in the allocation of State funding across county programs and area authorities by January 1, 2007, including methods to identify service gaps and to ensure equitable use of State funds to fill those gaps among all counties. (2001‑437, s. 1.5.)

 

§§ 122C‑103 through 122C‑110.  Reserved for future codification purposes.

 

Part 2. State, County and Area Authority.

§ 122C‑111.  Administration.

The Secretary shall administer and enforce the provisions of this Chapter and the rules of the Commission and shall operate State facilities. An area director or program director shall administer the programs of the area authority or county program, as applicable, and enforce applicable State laws, rules of the Commission, and rules of the Secretary. The Secretary in cooperation with area and county program directors and State facility directors shall provide for the coordination of public services between area authorities, county programs, and State facilities. The area authority or county program shall monitor the provision of mental health, developmental disability, and substance abuse services for compliance with the law, which monitoring shall not supercede or duplicate the regulatory authority or functions of agencies of the Department. (1963, c. 1166, s. 3; 1973, c. 476, s. 133; 1985, c. 589, s. 2; 2001‑437, s. 1.6; 2002‑164, s. 4.2.)

 

§ 122C‑112: Repealed by Session Laws 2001‑437, s. 1.7(a), effective July 1, 2002.

 

§ 122C‑112.1.  Powers and duties of the Secretary.

(a)       The Secretary shall do all of the following:

(1)       Oversee development of the State Plan for Mental Health, Developmental Disabilities, and Substance Abuse Services.

(2)       Enforce the provisions of this Chapter and the rules of the Commission and the Secretary.

(3)       Establish a process and criteria for the submission, review, and approval or disapproval of business plans submitted by area authorities and counties for the management and provision of mental health, developmental disabilities, and substance abuse services.

(4)       Adopt rules specifying the content and format of business plans.

(5)       Review business plans and, upon approval of the business plan, certify the submitting area authority or county program to provide mental health, developmental disabilities, and substance abuse services.

(6)       Establish comprehensive, cohesive oversight and monitoring procedures and processes to ensure continuous compliance by area authorities, county programs, and all providers of public services with State and federal policy, law, and standards. Procedures shall include performance measures and report cards for each area authority and county program.

(7)       Conduct regularly scheduled monitoring and oversight of area authority, county programs, and all providers of public services. Monitoring and oversight shall include compliance with the program business plan, core administrative functions, and fiscal and administrative practices and shall also address outcome measures, consumer satisfaction, client rights complaints, and adherence to best practices.

(8)       Make findings and recommendations based on information and data collected pursuant to subdivision (7) of this subsection and submit these findings and recommendations to the applicable area authority board, county program director, board of county commissioners, providers of public services, and to the Local Consumer Advocacy Office.

(9)       Assist area authorities and county programs in the establishment and operation of community‑based programs.

(10)     Operate State facilities and adopt rules pertaining to their operation.

(11)     Develop a unified system of services provided in area, county, and State facilities, and by providers enrolled or under a contract with the State.

(12)     Adopt rules governing the expenditure of all funds for mental health, developmental disabilities, and substance abuse programs and services.

(13)     Adopt rules to implement the appeal procedure authorized by G.S. 122C‑151.2.

(14)     Adopt rules for the implementation of the uniform portal process.

(15)     Except as provided in G.S. 122C‑26(4), adopt rules establishing procedures for waiver of rules adopted by the Secretary under this Chapter.

(16)     Notify the clerks of superior court of changes in the designation of State facility regions and of facilities designated under G.S. 122C‑252.

(17)     Promote public awareness and understanding of mental health, mental illness, developmental disabilities, and substance abuse.

(18)     Administer and enforce rules that are conditions of participation for federal or State financial aid.

(19)     Carry out G.S. 122C‑361.

(20)     Monitor the fiscal and administrative practices of area authorities and county programs to ensure that the programs are accountable to the State for the management and use of federal and State funds allocated for mental health, developmental disabilities, and substance abuse services. The Secretary shall ensure maximum accountability by area authorities and county programs for rate‑setting methodologies, reimbursement procedures, billing procedures, provider contracting procedures, record keeping, documentation, and other matters pertaining to financial management and fiscal accountability. The Secretary shall further ensure that the practices are consistent with professionally accepted accounting and management principles.

(21)     Provide technical assistance, including conflict resolution, to counties in the development and implementation of area authority and county program business plans and other matters, as requested by the county.

(22)     Develop a methodology to be used for calculating county resources to reflect cash and in‑kind contributions of the county.

(23)     Adopt rules establishing program evaluation and management of mental health, developmental disabilities, and substance abuse services.

(24)     Adopt rules regarding the requirements of the federal government for grants‑in‑aid for mental health, developmental disabilities, or substance abuse programs which may be made available to area authorities or county programs or the State. This section shall be liberally construed in order that the State and its citizens may benefit from the grants‑in‑aid.

(25)     Adopt rules for determining minimally adequate services for purposes of G.S. 122C‑124.1 and G.S. 122C‑125.

(26)     Establish a process for approving area authorities and county programs to provide services directly in accordance with G.S. 122C‑141.

(27)     Sponsor training opportunities in the fields of mental health, developmental disabilities, and substance abuse.

(28)     Enforce the protection of the rights of clients served by State facilities, area authorities, county programs, and providers of public services.

(29)     Adopt rules for the enforcement of the protection of the rights of clients being served by State facilities, area authorities, county programs, and providers of public services.

(30)     Prior to requesting approval to close a State facility under G.S. 122C‑181(b):

a.         Notify the Joint Legislative Commission on Governmental Operations, the Joint Legislative Committee on Mental Health, Developmental Disabilities, and Substance Abuse Services, and members of the General Assembly who represent catchment areas affected by the closure; and

b.         Present a plan for the closure to the members of the Joint Legislative Committee on Mental Health, Developmental Disabilities, and Substance Abuse Services, the House of Representatives Appropriations Subcommittee on Health and Human Services, and the Senate Appropriations Committee on Health and Human Services for their review, advice, and recommendations. The plan shall address specifically how patients will be cared for after closure, how support services to community‑based agencies and outreach services will be continued, and the impact on remaining State facilities. In implementing the plan, the Secretary shall take into consideration the comments and recommendations of the committees to which the plan is presented under this subdivision.

(31)     Ensure that the State Plan for Mental Health, Developmental Disabilities, and Substance Abuse Services is coordinated with the Medicaid State Plan and NC Health Choice.

(b)       The Secretary may do the following:

(1)       Acquire, by purchase or otherwise in the name of the Department, equipment, supplies, and other personal property necessary to carry out the mental health, developmental disabilities, and substance abuse programs.

(2)       Promote and conduct research in the fields of mental health, developmental disabilities, and substance abuse; promote best practices.

(3)       Receive donations of money, securities, equipment, supplies, or any other personal property of any kind or description that shall be used by the Secretary for the purpose of carrying out mental health, developmental disabilities, and substance abuse programs. Any donations shall be reported to the Office of State Budget and Management as determined by that office.

(4)       Accept, allocate, and spend any federal funds for mental health, developmental disabilities, and substance abuse activities that may be made available to the State by the federal government. This Chapter shall be liberally construed in order that the State and its citizens may benefit fully from these funds. Any federal funds received shall be deposited with the Department of State Treasurer and shall be appropriated by the General Assembly for the mental health, developmental disabilities, or substance abuse purposes specified.

(5)       Enter into agreements authorized by G.S. 122C‑346.

(6)       Notwithstanding G.S. 126‑18, authorize funds for contracting with a person, firm, or corporation for aid or assistance in locating, recruiting, or arranging employment of health care professionals in any facility listed in G.S. 122C‑181.

(7)       Contract with one or more private providers or other public service agencies to serve clients of an area authority or county program and reallocate program funds to pay for services under the contract if the Secretary finds all of the following:

a.         The area authority or county program refuses or has failed to provide the services to clients within its catchment area, or provide specialty services in another catchment area, in a manner that is at least adequate.

b.         Clients within the area authority or county program catchment area will either not be served or will suffer an unreasonable hardship if required to obtain the services from another area authority or county program.

c.         There is at least one private provider or public service agency within the area authority or county program catchment area, or within reasonable proximity to the catchment area, willing and able to provide services under contract.

Before contracting with a private provider as authorized under this subdivision, the Secretary shall provide written notification to the area authority or county program and to the applicable participating boards of county commissioners of the Secretary's intent to contract and shall provide the area authority or county program and the applicable participating boards of county commissioners an opportunity to be heard.

(8)       Contract with one or more private providers or other public service agencies to serve clients from more than one area authority or county program and reallocate the funds of the applicable programs to pay for services under the contract if the Secretary finds either that there is no other area authority or county program available to act as the administrative entity under contract with the provider or that the area authority or county program refuses or has failed to properly manage and administer the contract with the contract provider, and clients will either not be served or will suffer unreasonable hardship if services are not provided under the contract. Before contracting with a private provider as authorized under this subdivision, the Secretary shall provide written notification to the area authority or county program and the applicable participating boards of county commissioners of the Secretary's intent to contract and shall provide the area authority or county program and the applicable participating boards of county commissioners an opportunity to be heard.

(9)       Require reports of client characteristics, staffing patterns, agency policies or activities, services, or specific financial data of the area authority, county program, and providers of public services. The reports shall not identify individual clients of the area authority or county program unless specifically required by State law or by federal law or regulation or unless valid consent for the release has been given by the client or legally responsible person. (2001‑437, s. 1.7(b).)

 

§ 122C‑113.  Cooperation between Secretary and other agencies.

(a)       The Secretary shall cooperate with other State agencies to coordinate services for the treatment and habilitation of individuals who are mentally ill, developmentally disabled, or substance abusers. The Secretary shall also coordinate with these agencies to provide public education to promote a better understanding of mental illness, developmental disabilities, and substance abuse.

(b)       The Secretary shall promote cooperation among area facilities, State facilities, and local agencies to facilitate the provision of services to individuals who are mentally ill, developmentally disabled, or substance abusers.

(b1)     The Secretary shall cooperate with the State Board of Education and the Department of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention in coordinating the responsibilities of the Department of Health and Human Services, the State Board of Education, the Department of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention, and the Department of Public Instruction for adolescent substance abuse programs. The Department of Health and Human Services, through its Division of Mental Health, Developmental Disabilities, and Substance Abuse Services, in cooperation with the Department of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention, shall be responsible for intervention and treatment in non‑school based programs. The State Board of Education and the Department of Public Instruction, in consultation with the Department of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention, shall have primary responsibility for in‑school education, identification, and intervention services, including student assistance programs.

(c)       The Secretary shall adopt rules to assure this coordination. (1963, c. 1166, s. 3; 1973, c. 476, s. 133; 1977, c. 679, s. 7; 1981, c. 51, s. 3; 1985, c. 589, s. 2; 1987, c. 863, s. 1; 1989, c. 625, s. 14; 1993, c. 522, s. 9; 1997‑443, s. 11A.118(a); 1998‑202, s. 4(s); 2000‑137, s. 4(v).)

 

§ 122C‑114.  Powers and duties of the Commission.

The Commission shall have authority as provided by this Chapter, Chapters 90 and 148 of the General Statutes, and by G.S. 143B‑147. (C.S., s. 6153; 1929, c. 265, s. 1; 1933, c. 342, s. 1; 1943, cc. 32, 164; 1945, c. 952, s. 9; 1947, c. 537, s. 5; 1957, c. 1232, s. 1; 1959, c. 348, s. 3; c. 1002, s. 3; c. 1028, ss. 1, 2, 3, 5; 1963, c. 451, s. 1; c. 1166, s. 10; 1973, c. 476, s. 133; 1977, c. 679, s. 7; 1981, c. 51, s. 3; 1985, c. 589, s. 2.)

 

§ 122C‑115.  Duties of counties; appropriation and allocation of funds by counties and cities.

(a)       A county shall provide mental health, developmental disabilities, and substance abuse services through an area authority or through a county program established pursuant to G.S. 122C‑115.1. To the extent this section conflicts with G.S. 153A‑77(a), the provisions of G.S. 153A‑77(a) control.

(b)       Counties shall and cities may appropriate funds for the support of programs that serve the catchment area, whether the programs are physically located within a single county or whether any facility housing a program is owned and operated by the city or county. Counties and cities may make appropriations for the purposes of this Chapter and may allocate for these purposes other revenues not restricted by law, and counties may fund them by levy of property taxes pursuant to G.S. 153A‑149(c)(22).

(c)       Except as authorized in G.S. 122C‑115.1, within a catchment area designated in the business plan pursuant to G.S. 122C‑115.2, a board of county commissioners or two or more boards of county commissioners jointly shall establish an area authority with the approval of the Secretary.

(d)       Except as otherwise provided in this subsection, counties shall not reduce county appropriations and expenditures for current operations and ongoing programs and services of area authorities or county programs because of the availability of State‑allocated funds, fees, capitation amounts, or fund balance to the area authority or county program. Counties may reduce county appropriations by the amount previously appropriated by the county for one‑time, nonrecurring special needs of the area authority or county program. (1977, c. 568, s. 1; c. 679, s. 7; 1979, c. 358, ss. 5, 23; 1981, c. 51, s. 3; 1985, c. 589, s. 2; 1989, c. 625, s. 14; 1995 (Reg. Sess., 1996), c. 749, s. 1; 1999‑202, s. 1; 2001‑437, s. 1.8; 2004‑124, s. 10.26(a).)

 

§ 122C‑115.1.  County governance and operation of mental health, developmental disabilities, and substance abuse services program.

(a)       A county may operate a county program for mental health, developmental disabilities, and substance abuse services as a single county or, pursuant to Article 20 of Chapter 160A of the General Statutes, may enter into an interlocal agreement with one or more other counties for the operation of a multicounty program. An interlocal agreement shall provide for the following:

(1)       Adoption and administration of the program budget in accordance with Chapter 159 of the General Statutes.

(2)       Appointment of a program director to carry out the provisions of G.S. 122C‑111 and duties and responsibilities delegated by the county. Except when specifically waived by the Secretary, the program director shall meet the following minimum qualifications:

a.         Masters degree,

b.         Related experience, and

c.         Management experience.

(3)       A targeted minimum population of 200,000 or a targeted minimum number of five counties served by the program.

(4)       Compliance with the provisions of this Chapter and the rules of the Commission and the Secretary.

(5)       Written notification to the Secretary prior to the termination of the interlocal agreement.

(6)       Appointment of an advisory committee. The interlocal agreement shall designate a county manager to whom the advisory committee shall report. The interlocal agreement shall also designate the appointing authorities. The appointing authorities shall make appointments that take into account sufficient citizen participation, equitable representation of the disability groups, and equitable representation of participating counties. At least fifty percent (50%) of the membership shall conform to the requirements provided in G.S. 122C‑118.1(b)(1)‑(4).

(b)       Before establishing a county program pursuant to this section, a county board of commissioners shall hold a public hearing with notice published at least 10 days before the hearing.

(c)       A county shall ensure that the county program and the services provided through the county program comply with the provisions of this Chapter and the rules adopted by the Commission and the Secretary.

(d)       A county program shall submit on a quarterly basis to the Secretary and the board of county commissioners service delivery reports that assess the quality and availability of public services within the county program's catchment area. The service delivery reports shall include the types of services delivered, number of recipients served, and services requested but not delivered due to staffing, financial, or other constraints. In addition, at least annually, a progress report shall be submitted to the Secretary and the board of county commissioners. The progress report shall include an assessment of the progress in implementing local service plans, goals, and outcomes. All reports shall be in a format and shall contain any additional information required by the Secretary or board of county commissioners.

(e)       Within 30 days of the end of each quarter of the fiscal year, the program director and finance officer of the county program shall present to each member of the board of county commissioners a budgetary statement and balance sheet that details the assets, liabilities, and fund balance of the county program. This information shall be read into the minutes of the meeting at which it is presented. The program director or finance officer of the county program shall provide to the board of county commissioners ad hoc reports as requested by the board of county commissioners.

(f)        In a single‑county program, the program director shall be appointed by the county manager. In a multicounty program, the program director shall be appointed in accordance with the terms of the interlocal agreement.

(g)       In a single‑county program, an advisory committee shall be appointed by the board of county commissioners and shall report to the county manager. The appointments shall take into account sufficient citizen participation, equitable representation of the disability groups, and equitable representation of participating counties. At least fifty percent (50%) of the membership shall conform to the requirements in G.S. 122C‑118.1(b)(1)‑(4). In a multicounty program, the advisory committee shall be appointed in accordance with the terms of the interlocal agreement.

(h)       The county program may contract to provide services to governmental or private entities, including Employee Assistance Programs.

(i)        Except as otherwise specifically provided, this Chapter applies to counties that provide mental health, developmental disabilities, and substance abuse services through a county program. As used in the applicable sections of this Article, the terms "area authority", "area program", and "area facility" shall be construed to include "county program". The following sections of this Article do not apply to county programs:

(1)       G.S. 122C‑115.3, 122C‑116, 122C‑117, and 122C‑118.1.

(2)       G.S. 122C‑119 and G.S. 122C‑119.1.

(3)       G.S. 122C‑120 and G.S. 122C‑121.

(4)       G.S. 122C‑127.

(5)       G.S. 122C‑147.

(6)       G.S. 122C‑152 and G.S. 122C‑153.

(7)       G.S. 122C‑156.

(8)       G.S. 122C‑158. (2001‑437, s. 1.9.)

 

§ 122C‑115.2.  Business plan required; content, process, certification.

(a)       Every county, through an area authority or county program, shall provide for development, review, and approval of a business plan for the management and delivery of mental health, developmental disabilities, and substance abuse services. A business plan shall provide detailed information on how the area authority or county program will meet State standards, laws, and rules for ensuring quality mental health, developmental disabilities, and substance abuse services, including outcome measures for evaluating program effectiveness. The business plan shall be in effect for at least three State fiscal years.

(b)       Business plans shall include the following:

(1)       Description of how the following core administrative functions will be carried out:

a.         Planning. – Local services plans that identify service gaps and methods for filling the gaps, ensure the availability of an array of services based on consumer needs, provision of core services, equitable service delivery among member counties, and prescribing the efficient and effective use of all funds for targeted services. Local planning shall be an open process involving key stakeholders.

b.         Provider network development. – Ensuring available, qualified providers to deliver services based on the business plan. Development of new providers and monitoring provider performance and service outcomes. Provider network development shall address consumer choice and fair competition. For the purposes of this section, a "qualified provider" means a provider who meets the provider qualifications as defined by rules adopted by the Secretary.

c.         Service management. – Implementation of uniform portal process. Service management shall include appropriate level and intensity of services, management of State hospitals/facilities bed days, utilization management, case management, and quality management. If services are provided directly by the area authority or county program, then the plan shall indicate how consumer choice and fair competition in the marketplace is ensured.

d.         Financial management and accountability. – Carrying out business functions in an efficient and effective manner, cost‑sharing, and managing resources dedicated to the public system.

e.         Service monitoring and oversight. – Ensuring that services provided to consumers and families meet State outcome standards and ensure quality performance by providers in the network.

f.          Evaluation. – Self‑evaluation based on statewide outcome standards and participation in independent evaluation studies.

g.         Collaboration. – Collaborating with other local service systems in ensuring access and coordination of services at the local level. Collaborating with other area authorities and county programs and the State in planning and ensuring the delivery of services.

h.         Access. – Ensuring access to core and targeted services.

(2)       Description of how the following will be addressed:

a.         Reasonable administrative costs based on uniform State criteria for calculating administrative costs and costs or savings anticipated from consolidation.

b.         Proposed reinvestment of savings toward direct services.

c.         Compliance with the catchment area consolidation plan adopted by the Secretary.

d.         Based on rules adopted by the Secretary, method for calculating county resources to reflect cash and in‑kind contributions of the county.

e.         Financial and services accountability and oversight in accordance with State and federal law.

f.          The composition, appointments, selection process, and the process for notifying each board of county commissioners of all appointments made to the area authority board.

g.         The population base of the catchment area to be served.

h.         Use of local funds for the alteration, improvement, and rehabilitation of real property as authorized by and in accordance with G.S. 122C‑147.

i.          The resources available and needed within the catchment area to prevent out‑of‑community placements and shall include input from the community public agencies.

(3)       Other matters determined by the Secretary to be necessary to effectively and efficiently ensure the provision of mental health, developmental disabilities, and substance abuse services through an area authority or county program.

(c)       The county program or area authority proposing the business plan shall submit the proposed plan as approved by the board of county commissioners to the Secretary for review and certification. The Secretary shall review the business plan within 30 days of receipt of the plan. If the business plan meets all of the requirements of State law and standards adopted by the Secretary, then the Secretary shall certify the area authority or county program as a single‑county area authority, a single‑county program, a multicounty area authority, or a multicounty program. Implementation of the certified plan shall begin within 30 days of certification. If the Secretary determines that changes to the plan are necessary, then the Secretary shall so notify the submitting county program or area authority and the applicable participating boards of county commissioners and shall indicate in the notification the changes that need to be made in order for the proposed program to be certified. The submitting county program or area authority shall have 30 days from receipt of the Secretary's notice to make the requested changes and resubmit the amended plan to the Secretary for review. The Secretary shall provide whatever assistance is necessary to resolve outstanding issues. Amendments to the business plan shall be subject to the approval of the participating boards of county commissioners.

(d)       Annually, in accordance with procedures established by the Secretary, each area authority and county program submitting a business plan shall enter into a memorandum of agreement with the Secretary for the purpose of ensuring that State funds are used in accordance with priorities expressed in the business plan. (2001‑437, s. 1.9; 2002‑164, s. 4.3.)

 

§ 122C‑115.3.  Dissolution of area authority.

(a)       Whenever the board of commissioners of each county constituting an area authority determines that the area authority is not operating in the best interests of consumers, it may direct that the area authority be dissolved. In addition, whenever a board of commissioners of a county that is a member of an area authority determines that the area authority is not operating in the best interests of consumers of that county, it may withdraw from the area authority. Dissolution of an area authority or withdrawal from the area authority by a county shall be effective only at the end of the fiscal year in which the action of dissolution or withdrawal transpired.

(b)       Notwithstanding the provisions of subsection (a) of this section, no county shall withdraw from an area authority nor shall an area authority be dissolved without first demonstrating that continuity of services will be assured and without prior approval of the Secretary.

(c)       Prior to withdrawal of a county from an area authority, the county board of commissioners shall hold a public hearing with notice published at least 10 days before the hearing.

(d)       Prior to dissolution of an area authority, the area authority shall hold a public hearing with notice published in every participating county at least 10 days before the hearing.

(e)       Any budgetary surplus available to an area authority at the time of its dissolution shall be distributed to those counties comprising the area authority on the same pro rata basis that the counties appropriated and contributed funds to the area authority's budget during the current fiscal year. Distribution to the counties shall be determined on the basis of an audit of the financial record of the area authority. The area authority board shall select a certified public accountant or an accountant who is subsequently certified by the Local Government Commission to conduct the audit. The audit shall be performed in accordance with G.S. 159‑34. The same method of distribution of funds described in this subsection shall apply when one or more counties of an area authority withdraw from the area authority.

(f)        Funds distributed to counties pursuant to subsection (e) of this section shall be placed in the fund balance of the county program or area authority subsequently established or joined pursuant to G.S. 122C‑115.

(g)       Any liabilities at the time of its dissolution shall be paid from unobligated surplus funds available to the area authority. If unobligated surplus funds are not sufficient to satisfy the total indebtedness of the area authority, then the remaining unsatisfied indebtedness shall be apportioned on the same pro rata basis that the counties appropriated and contributed funds to the area authority's budget during the current fiscal year. (2001‑437, s. 1.9.)

 

§ 122C‑116.  Status of area authority; status of consolidated human services agency.

(a)       An area authority is a local political subdivision of the State except that a single county area authority is considered a department of the county in which it is located for the purposes of Chapter 159 of the General Statutes.

(b)       A consolidated human services agency is a department of the county. (1977, c. 568, s. 1; c. 679, s. 7; 1979, c. 358, s. 2; 1981, c. 51, ss. 3, 4; c. 539, s. 1; 1983, c. 280; c. 383, s. 2; 1985, c. 589, s. 2; 1995 (Reg. Sess., 1996), c. 690, s. 10.)

 

§ 122C‑117.  Powers and duties of the area authority.

(a)       The area authority shall do all of the following:

(1)       Engage in comprehensive planning, budgeting, implementing, and monitoring of community‑based mental health, developmental disabilities, and substance abuse services.

(2)       Ensure the provision of services to clients in the catchment area, including clients committed to the custody of the Department of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention.

(3)       Determine the needs of the area authority's clients and coordinate with the Secretary and with the Department of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention the provision of services to clients through area and State facilities.

(4)       Develop plans and budgets for the area authority subject to the approval of the Secretary. The area authority shall submit the approved budget to the board of county commissioners and the county manager and provide quarterly reports on the financial status of the program in accordance with subsection (c) of this section.

(5)       Assure that the services provided by the county through the area authority meet the rules of the Commission and Secretary.

(6)       Comply with federal requirements as a condition of receipt of federal grants.

(7)       Appoint an area director in accordance with G.S. 122C‑121(d). The appointment is subject to the approval of the board of county commissioners except that one or more boards of county commissioners may waive its authority to approve the appointment. The appointment shall be based on a selection by a search committee of the area authority board. The search committee shall include consumer board members, a county manager, and one or more county commissioners. The Secretary shall have the option to appoint one member to the search committee.

(8)       Develop and submit to the board of county commissioners for approval the business plan required under G.S. 122C‑115.2. A multicounty area authority shall submit the business plan to each participating board of county commissioners for its approval. The boards of county commissioners of a multicounty area authority shall jointly submit one approved business plan to the Secretary for approval and certification.

(9)       Perform public relations and community advocacy functions.

(10)     Recommend to the board of county commissioners the creation of local program services.

(11)     Submit to the Secretary and the board of county commissioners service delivery reports, on a quarterly basis, that assess the quality and availability of public services within the area authority's catchment area. The service delivery reports shall include the types of services delivered, number of recipients served, and services requested but not delivered due to staffing, financial, or other constraints. In addition, at least annually, a progress report shall be submitted to the Secretary and the board of county commissioners. The progress report shall include an assessment of the progress in implementing local service plans, goals, and outcomes. All reports shall be in a format and shall contain any additional information required by the Secretary or board of county commissioners.

(12)     Comply with this Article and rules adopted by the Secretary for the development and submission of and compliance with the area authority business plan.

(13)     Coordinate with Treatment Accountability for Safer Communities for the provision of services to criminal justice clients.

(14)     Maintain a 24‑hour a day, seven day a week crisis response service. Crisis response shall include telephone and face‑to‑face capabilities. Crisis phone response shall include triage and referral to appropriate face‑to‑face crisis providers and shall be initiated within one hour of notification. Crisis services do not require prior authorization but shall be delivered in compliance with appropriate policies and procedures. Crisis services shall be designed for prevention, intervention, and resolution, not merely triage and transfer, and shall be provided in the least restrictive setting possible, consistent with individual and family need and community safety.

(a1)     The area authority may contract to provide services to governmental or private entities, including Employee Assistance Programs.

(b)       The governing unit of the area authority is the area board. All powers, duties, functions, rights, privileges, or immunities conferred on the area authority may be exercised by the area board.

(c)       Within 30 days of the end of each quarter of the fiscal year, the area director and finance officer of the area authority shall provide to each member of the board of county commissioners the quarterly report of the area authority. This information shall be presented in a format prescribed by the county. At least twice a year, this information shall be presented in person and shall be read into the minutes of the meeting at which it is presented. In addition, the area director or finance officer of the area authority shall provide to the board of county commissioners ad hoc reports as requested by the board of county commissioners.

(d)       A multicounty area authority shall provide to each board of county commissioners of participating counties a copy of the area authority's annual audit. The audit findings shall be presented in a format prescribed by the county and shall be read into the minutes of the meeting at which the audit findings are presented. (1971, c. 470, s. 1; 1973, c. 476, s. 133; c. 661; 1977, c. 568, s. 1; c. 679, s. 7; 1979, c. 358, ss. 1, 3, 14, 23; 1981, c. 51, s. 3; 1983, c. 383, s. 1; 1985, c. 589, s. 2; 1987, c. 830, s. 47(d); 1989, c. 625, s. 14; 1991, c. 215, s. 1; 1995 (Reg. Sess., 1996), c. 749, s. 2; 1997‑443, s. 11A.118(a); 1998‑202, s. 4(t); 2000‑137, s. 4(w).; 2001‑437, s. 1.10; 2001‑487, s. 79.5; 2005‑371, s. 2.)

 

§ 122C‑118:  Repealed by Session Laws 2001‑437, s. 1.11.

 

§ 122C‑118.1.  Structure of area board.

(a)       An area board shall have no fewer than 11 and no more than 25 members. In a single‑county area authority, the members shall be appointed by the board of county commissioners. Except as otherwise provided, in areas consisting of more than one county, each board of county commissioners within the area shall appoint one commissioner as a member of the area board. These members shall appoint the other members. The boards of county commissioners within the multicounty area shall have the option to appoint the members of the area board in a manner other than as required under this section by adopting a resolution to that effect. The boards of county commissioners in a multicounty area authority shall indicate in the business plan each board's method of appointment of the area board members in accordance with G.S. 122C‑115.2(b). These appointments shall take into account sufficient citizen participation, equitable representation of the disability groups, and equitable representation of participating counties. Individuals appointed to the board shall include an individual with financial expertise or a county finance officer, an individual with expertise in management or business, and an individual representing the interests of children. A member of the board may be removed with or without cause by the initial appointing authority. Vacancies on the board shall be filled by the initial appointing authority before the end of the term of the vacated seat or within 90 days of the vacancy, whichever occurs first, and the appointments shall be for the remainder of the unexpired term.

(b)       At least fifty percent (50%) of the members of the area board shall represent the following:

(1)       A physician licensed under Chapter 90 of the General Statutes to practice medicine in North Carolina who, when possible, is certified as having completed a residency in psychiatry.

(2)       A clinical professional from the fields of mental health, developmental disabilities, or substance abuse.

(3)       A family member or an individual from citizens' organizations composed primarily of consumers or their family members, representing the interests of individuals:

a.         With mental illness; and

b.         In recovery from addiction; and

c.         With developmental disabilities.

(4)       Openly declared consumers:

a.         With mental illness; and

b.         With developmental disabilities; and

c.         In recovery from addiction.

(c)       The board of county commissioners may elect to appoint a member of the area authority board to fill concurrently more than one category of membership if the member has the qualifications or attributes of more than one category of membership.

(d)       Any member of an area board who is a county commissioner serves on the board in an ex officio capacity. The terms of county commissioners on an area board are concurrent with their terms as county commissioners. The terms of the other members on the area board shall be for four years, except that upon the initial formation of an area board one‑fourth shall be appointed for one year, one‑fourth for two years, one‑fourth for three years, and all remaining members for four years. Members other than county commissioners shall not be appointed for more than two consecutive terms.

(e)       Upon request, the board shall provide information pertaining to the membership of the board that is a public record under Chapter 132 of the General Statutes. (2001‑437, s. 1.11(b); 2002‑159, s. 40(a).)

 

§ 122C‑119.  Organization of area board.

(a)       The area board shall meet at least six times per year.

(b)       Meetings shall be called by the area board chairman or by three or more members of the board after notifying the area board chairman in writing.

(c)       Members of the area board elect the board's chairman. The term of office of the area board chairman shall be one year. A county commissioner area board member may serve as the area board chairman.

(d)       The area board shall establish a finance committee that shall meet at least six times per year to review the financial strength of the area program. The finance committee shall have a minimum of three members, two of whom have expertise in budgeting and fiscal control. The member of the area board who is the county finance officer or individual with financial expertise shall serve as an ex officio member. All other finance officers of participating counties in a multicounty area authority may serve as ex officio members. If the area board so chooses, the entire area board may function as the finance committee; however, its required meetings as a finance committee shall be distinct from its meetings as an area board. (1971, c. 470, s. 1; 1973, c. 455; c. 476, s. 133; c. 1355; 1975, c. 400, ss. 1‑4; 1977, c. 568, s. 1; 1979, c. 358, ss. 6, 23; c. 455; 1981, c. 52; 1983, c. 6; 1985, c. 589, s. 2; 1995 (Reg. Sess., 1996), c. 749, s. 4; 2001‑437, s. 1.11(c).)

 

§ 122C‑119.1.  Area Authority board members' training.

All members of the governing body for an area authority shall receive initial orientation on board members' responsibilities and training provided by the Department in fiscal management, budget development, and fiscal accountability. A member's refusal to be trained shall be grounds for removal from the board. (1995, c. 507, s. 23.3; 1995 (Reg. Sess., 1996), c. 749, s. 5.)

 

§ 122C‑120.  Compensation of area board members.

(a)       Area board members may receive as compensation for their services per diem and a subsistence allowance for each day during which they are engaged in the official business of the area board. The amount of the per diem and subsistence allowances shall be established by the area board. The amount of per diem allowance shall not exceed fifty dollars ($50.00). Reimbursement of subsistence expenses shall be at the rates allowed to State officers and employees under G.S. 138‑6(a)(3).

(b)       Area board members may be reimbursed for all necessary travel expenses and registration fees in amounts fixed by the board. (1979, c. 358, s. 28; 1985, c. 589, s. 2; 2000‑67, s. 11.18.)

 

§ 122C‑121.  Area director.

(a)       The area director is an employee of the area board and shall be appointed in accordance with G.S. 122C‑117(7). The area director is the administrative head of the area program.

(b)       The area board shall evaluate annually the area director for performance based on criteria established by the Secretary and the area board. In conducting the evaluation, the area board shall consider comments from the board of county commissioners.

(c)       In addition to the duties under G.S. 122C‑111, the area director shall:

(1)       Appoint and supervise area program staff.

(2)       Administer area authority services.

(3)       Develop the budget of the area authority for review by the area board.

(4)       Provide information and advice to the board of county commissioners through the county manager.

(5)       Act as liaison between the area authority and the Department.

(d)       Except when specifically waived by the Secretary, the area director shall meet the following minimum qualifications:

(1)       Masters degree;

(2)       Related experience; and

(3)       Management experience. (1971, c. 470, s. 1; 1973, c. 476, s. 133; 1977, c. 568, s. 1; c. 679, s. 7; 1979, c. 358, s. 14; 1981, c. 51, s. 3; 1985, c. 589, s. 2; 2001‑437, s. 1.12.)

 

§ 122C‑122.  Public guardians.

The officers and employees of the Division, or any successor agency, and the area director or any officer or employee of an area authority designated by the area board, or any officer or employee of any area facility designated by the area board, may, if they are a disinterested public agent as defined by G.S. 35A‑1202(4), serve as guardians for adults adjudicated incompetent under the provisions of Subchapter I of Chapter 35A of the General Statutes, and they shall so act if ordered to serve in that capacity by the clerk of superior court having jurisdiction of a proceeding brought under that Subchapter. Bond shall be required or purchased as provided by G.S. 35A‑1239. (1977, c. 679, s. 7; c. 725, s. 7; 1979, c. 358, s. 26; 1985, c. 589, s. 2; 1987, c. 550, s. 26.)

 

§ 122C‑123.  Other agency responsibility.

Notwithstanding the provisions of G.S. 122C‑112(a)(10), G.S. 122C‑117(a)(1), G.S. 122C‑127, and G.S. 122C‑131, other agencies of the Department, other State agencies, and other local agencies shall continue responsibility for services they provide for persons with developmental disabilities. (1987, c. 830, s. 47(e); 1989, c. 625, s. 14; 1995 (Reg. Sess., 1996), c. 690, s. 11.)

 

§ 122C‑123.1.  Area authority reimbursement to State for disallowed expenditures.

Any funds or part thereof of an area authority that are transferred by the area authority to any entity including a firm, partnership, corporation, company, association, joint stock association, agency, or nonprofit private foundation shall be subject to reimbursement by the area authority to the State when expenditures of the area authority are disallowed pursuant to a State or federal audit. (1999‑237, s. 11.41.)

 

§ 122C‑124: Repealed by Session Laws 2001‑437, s. 1.13(a).

 

§ 122C‑124.1.  Actions by the Secretary when area authority or county program is not providing minimally adequate services.

(a)       Notice of Likelihood of Action. – When the Secretary determines that there is a likelihood of suspension of funding, assumption of service delivery or management functions, or appointment of a caretaker board under this section within the ensuing 60 days, the Secretary shall so notify in writing the area authority board or the county program and the board of county commissioners of the area authority or county program. The notice shall state the particular deficiencies in program services or administration that must be remedied to avoid action by the Secretary under this section. The area authority board or county program shall have 60 days from the date it receives notice under this subsection to take remedial action to correct the deficiencies. The Secretary shall provide technical assistance to the area authority or county program in remedying deficiencies.

(b)       Suspension of Funding; Assumption of Service Delivery or Management Functions. – If the Secretary determines that a county, through an area authority or county program, is not providing minimally adequate services, in accordance with rules adopted by the Secretary or the Commission, to persons in need in a timely manner, or fails to demonstrate reasonable efforts to do so, the Secretary, after providing written notification of the Secretary's intent to the area authority or county program and to the board of county commissioners of the area authority or county program, and after providing the area authority or county program and the boards of county commissioners of the area authority or county program an opportunity to be heard, may:

(1)       Withhold funding for the particular service or services in question from the area authority or county program and ensure the provision of these services through contracts with public or private agencies or by direct operation by the Department.

            Upon suspension of funding, the Department shall direct the development and oversee implementation of a corrective plan of action and provide notification to the area authority or county program and the board of county commissioners of the area authority or county program of any ongoing concerns or problems with the area authority's or county program's finances or delivery of services.

(2)       Assume control of the particular service or management functions in question or of the area authority or county program and appoint an administrator to exercise the powers assumed. This assumption of control shall have the effect of divesting the area authority or county program of its powers in G.S. 122C‑115.1 and G.S. 122C‑117 and all other service delivery powers conferred on the area authority or county program by law as they pertain to this service or management function. County funding of the area authority or county program shall continue when the State has assumed control of the catchment area or of the area authority or county program. At no time after the State has assumed this control shall a county withdraw funds previously obligated or appropriated to the area authority or county program.

            Upon assumption of control of service delivery or management functions, the Department shall, in conjunction with the area authority or county program, develop and implement a corrective plan of action and provide notification to the area authority or county program and the board of county commissioners of the area authority or county program of the plan. The Department shall also keep the area authority board and the board of county commissioners informed of any ongoing concerns or problems with the delivery of services.

(c)       Appointment of Caretaker Administrator. – In the event that a county, through an area authority or county program, fails to comply with the corrective plan of action required when funding is suspended or when the State assumes control of service delivery or management functions, the Secretary, after providing written notification of the Secretary's intent to the area authority or county program and the applicable participating boards of county commissioners of the area authority or county program, shall appoint a caretaker administrator, a caretaker board of directors, or both.

The Secretary may assign any of the powers and duties of the area director or program director or of the area authority board or board of county commissioners of the area authority or county program pertaining to the operation of mental health, developmental disabilities, and substance abuse services to the caretaker board or to the caretaker administrator as it deems necessary and appropriate to continue to provide direct services to clients, including the powers as to the adoption of budgets, expenditures of money, and all other financial powers conferred on the area authority or county program by law pertaining to the operation of mental health, developmental disabilities, and substance abuse services. County funding of the area authority or county program shall continue when the State has assumed control of the financial affairs of the program. At no time after the State has assumed this control shall a county withdraw funds previously obligated or appropriated to the area authority or county program. The caretaker administrator and the caretaker board shall perform all of these powers and duties. The Secretary may terminate the area director or program director when it appoints a caretaker administrator. Chapter 150B of the General Statutes shall apply to the decision to terminate the area director or program director. Neither party to any such contract shall be entitled to damages. After a caretaker board has been appointed, the General Assembly shall consider, at its next regular session, the future governance of the identified area authority or county program. (2001‑437, s. 1.13(b).)

 

§ 122C‑125.  Area Authority financial failure; State assumption of financial control.

At any time that the Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services determines that an area authority is in imminent danger of failing financially and of failing to provide direct services to clients, the Secretary, after providing written notification of the Secretary's intent to the area board and after providing the area authority an opportunity to be heard, may assume control of the financial affairs of the area authority and appoint an administrator to exercise the powers assumed.  This assumption of control shall have the effect of divesting the area authority of its powers as to the adoption of budgets, expenditures of money, and all other financial powers conferred in the area authority by law. County funding of the area authority shall continue when the State has assumed control of the financial affairs of the area authority.  At no time after the State has assumed this control shall a county withdraw funds previously obligated or appropriated to the area authority.  The Secretary shall adopt rules to define imminent danger of failing financially and of failing to provide direct services to clients.

Upon assumption of financial control, the Department shall, in conjunction with the area authority, develop and implement a corrective plan of action and provide notification to the area authority's board of directors of the plan.  The Department shall also keep the county board of commissioners and the area authority's board of directors informed of any ongoing concerns or problems with the area authority's finances. (1995, c. 507, s. 23.2; 1995 (Reg. Sess., 1996), c. 749, s. 7; 1997‑443, s. 11A.118(a).)

 

§ 122C‑125.1: Repealed by Session Laws 2001‑437, s. 1.13.

 

§ 122C‑126: Repealed by Session Laws 2001‑437, s. 1.13.

 

Part 2A.  Consolidated Human Services.

§ 122C‑127.  Consolidated human services board; human services director.

(a)       Except as otherwise provided by this section and subject to any limitations that may be imposed by the board of county commissioners under G.S. 153A‑77, a consolidated human services agency shall have the responsibility and authority set forth in G.S. 122C‑117(a) to carry out the programs established in this Chapter in conformity with the rules and regulations of the Department and under the supervision of the Secretary in the same manner as an area authority. In addition to the powers conferred by G.S. 153A‑77(d), a consolidated human services board shall have all the powers and duties of the governing unit of an area authority as provided by G.S. 122C‑117(b), except that the consolidated human services board may not:

(1)       Appoint the human services director.

(2)       Transmit or present the budget for social services programs.

(3)       Enter into contracts, including contracts to provide services to governmental or private entities, unless specifically authorized to do so by the board of county commissioners in accordance with county contracting policies and procedures.

(b)       In addition to the powers conferred by G.S. 153A‑77(e), a human services director shall have all the powers and duties of an area director as provided by G.S. 122C‑121, except that the human services director may:

(1)       Serve as the executive officer of the consolidated human services board only to the extent and in the manner authorized by the county manager.

(2)       Appoint staff of the consolidated human services agency only upon the approval of the county manager.

The human services director is not an employee of the area board, but serves as an employee of the county under the direct supervision of the county manager. (1995 (Reg. Sess., 1996), c. 690, s. 12.)

 

§ 122C‑128.  Reserved for future codification purposes.

 

§ 122C‑129.  Reserved for future codification purposes.

 

§ 122C‑130.  Reserved for future codification purposes.

 

Part 3.  Service Delivery System.

§ 122C‑131.  Composition of system.

Mental health, developmental disabilities, and substance abuse services of the public system in this State shall be delivered through area authorities and State facilities. (1985, c. 589, s. 2; 1989, c. 625, s. 15.)

 

§ 122C‑132: Repealed by Session Laws 2001‑437, s. 1.14.

 

§ 122C‑132.1: Repealed by Session Laws 2001‑437, s. 1.14.

 

§§ 122C‑133 through 122C‑140.  Reserved for future codification purposes.

 

Part 4. Area Facilities.

§ 122C‑141.  Provision of services.

(a)       The area authority or county program shall contract with other qualified public or private providers, agencies, institutions, or resources for the provision of services, and, subject to the approval of the Secretary, is authorized to provide services directly. The area authority or county program shall indicate in its local business plan how services will be provided and how the provision of services will address issues of access, availability of qualified public or private providers, consumer choice, and fair competition. The Secretary shall take into account these issues when reviewing the local business plan and considering approval of the direct provision of services. The Secretary shall develop criteria for the approval of direct service provision by area authorities and county programs in accordance with this section and as evidenced by compliance with the local business plan. For the purposes of this section, a qualified public or private provider is a provider that meets the provider qualifications as defined by rules adopted by the Secretary.

(b)       All area authority or county program services provided directly or under contract shall meet the requirements of applicable State statutes and the rules of the Commission and the Secretary. The Secretary may delay payments and, with written notification of cause, may reduce or deny payment of funds if an area authority or county program fails to meet these requirements.

(c)       The area authority or board of county commissioners of a county program may contract with a health maintenance organization, certified and operating in accordance with the provisions of Article 67 of Chapter 58 of the General Statutes for the area authority or county program, to provide mental health, developmental disabilities, or substance abuse services to enrollees in a health care plan provided by the health maintenance organization. The terms of the contract must meet the requirements of all applicable State statutes and rules of the Commission and Secretary governing both the provision of services by an area authority or county program and the general and fiscal operation of an area authority or county program and the reimbursement rate for services rendered shall be based on the usual and customary charges paid by the health maintenance organization to similar providers. Any provision in conflict with a State statute or rule of the Commission or the Secretary shall be void; however, the presence of any void provision in that contract does not render void any other provision in that contract which is not in conflict with a State statute or rule of the Commission or the Secretary. Subject to approval by the Secretary and pending the timely reimbursement of the contractual charges, the area authority or county program may expend funds for costs which may be incurred by the area authority or county program as a result of providing the additional services under a contractual agreement with a health maintenance organization. (1977, c. 568, s. 1; c. 679, s. 7; 1979, c. 358, ss. 7, 18; 1981, c. 51, s. 3; c. 539, ss. 3, 4; c. 614, s. 7; 1985, c. 589, s. 2; 1987, c. 839; 1989, c. 625, s. 16; 2001‑437, s. 1.15.)

 

§ 122C‑142.  Contract for services.

(a)       When the area authority contracts with persons for the provision of services, the area authority shall assure that these contracted services meet the requirements of applicable State statutes and the rules of the Commission and the Secretary. Terms of the contract shall require the area authority to monitor the contract to assure that rules and State statutes are met. The Secretary may also monitor contracted services to assure that rules and State statutes are met.

(b)       When the area authority contracts for services, it may provide funds to purchase liability insurance, to provide legal representation, and to pay any claim with respect to liability for acts, omissions, or decisions by members of the boards or employees of the persons with whom the area authority contracts. These acts, omissions, and decisions shall be ones that arise out of the performance of the contract and may not result from actual fraud, corruption, or actual malice on the part of the board members or employees. (1977, c. 568, s. 1; c. 679, s. 7; 1979, c. 358, s. 18; 1981, c. 51, s. 3; c. 539, ss. 3, 4; 1985, c. 589, s. 2.)

 

§ 122C‑142.1.  Substance abuse services for those convicted of driving while impaired or driving while less than 21 years old after consuming alcohol or drugs.

(a)       Services. – An area authority shall provide, directly or by contract, the substance abuse services needed by a person to obtain a certificate of completion required under G.S. 20‑17.6 as a condition for the restoration of a drivers license. A person may obtain the required services from an area facility, from a private facility authorized by the Department to provide this service, or, with the approval of the Department, from an agency that is located in another state.

(a1)     Authorization of a Private Facility Provider. – The Department shall authorize a private facility located in this State to provide substance abuse services needed by a person to obtain a certificate of completion if the private facility complies with all of the requirements of this subsection:

(1)       Notifies both the designated area facility for the catchment area in which it is located and the Department of its intent to provide the services.

(2)       Agrees to comply with the laws and rules concerning these services that apply to area facilities.

(3)       Pays the Department the applicable fee for authorizing and monitoring the services of the facility. The initial fee is payable at the time the facility notifies the Department of its intent to provide the services and by July 1 of each year thereafter. Collected fees shall be used by the Division for program monitoring and quality assurance. The applicable fee is based upon the number of assessments completed during the prior fiscal year as set forth below:

Number of Assessments                       Fee Amount

                                                 0‑24                                            $250.00

                                                25‑99                                           $500.00

                                          100 or more                                      $750.00.

(b)       Assessments. – To conduct a substance abuse assessment, a facility shall give a client a standardized test approved by the Department to determine chemical dependency and shall conduct a clinical interview with the client. Based on the assessment, the facility shall recommend that the client either attend an alcohol and drug education traffic (ADET) school or obtain treatment. A recommendation shall be reviewed and signed by a certified alcoholism, drug abuse, or substance abuse counselor, as defined by the Commission, a Certified Substance Abuse Counselor, or by a physician certified by the American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM). The signature on the recommendation shall be the personal signature of the individual authorized to review the recommendation and not the signature of his or her agent. The signature shall reflect that the authorized individual has personally reviewed the recommendation and, with full knowledge of the contents of the recommendation, approved of the recommended treatment.

(b1)     Persons Authorized to Conduct Assessments. – The following individuals are authorized to conduct a substance abuse assessment under subsection (b) of this section:

(1)       A Certified Substance Abuse Counselor (CSAC), as defined by the Commission.

(2)       A Certified Clinical Addiction Specialist (CCAS), as defined by the Commission.

(3)       (Repealed effective October 1, 2008. See note.) A Substance Abuse Counselor Intern who is supervised by a Certified Clinical Supervisor (CCS), as defined by the Commission, and who meets the minimum qualifications established by the Commission for individuals performing substance abuse assessments.

(4)       A person licensed by the North Carolina Medical Board or the North Carolina Psychology Board.

(5)       A physician certified by the American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM).

(c)       School or Treatment. – Attendance at an ADET school is required if none of the following applies and completion of a treatment program is required if any of the following applies:

(1)       The person took a chemical test at the time of the offense that caused the person's license to be revoked and the test revealed that the person had an alcohol concentration at any relevant time after driving of at least 0.15.

(2)       The person has a prior conviction of an offense involving impaired driving.

(3)       The substance abuse assessment identifies a substance abuse disability.

(d)       Standards. – An ADET school shall offer the curriculum established by the Commission and shall comply with the rules adopted by the Commission. A substance abuse treatment program offered to a person who needs the program to obtain a certificate of completion shall comply with the rules adopted by the Commission.

(d1)     Persons Authorized to Provide Instruction. – Beginning January 1, 2009, individuals who provide ADET school instruction as a Department‑authorized ADETS instructor must have at least one of the following qualifications:

(1)       Certified Substance Abuse Counselor (CSAC), as defined by the Commission.

(2)       Certified Clinical Addiction Specialist (CCAS), as defined by the Commission.

(3)       Certified Substance Abuse Prevention Consultant (CSAPC), as defined by the Commission.

(e)       Certificate of Completion. – Any facility that issues a certificate of completion shall forward the original certificate of completion to the Department. The Department shall review the certificate of completion for accuracy and completeness. If the Department finds the certificate of completion to be accurate and complete, the Department shall forward it to the Division of Motor Vehicles of the Department of Transportation. If the Department finds the certificate of completion is not accurate or complete, the Department shall return the certificate of completion to the area facility for appropriate action.

(f)        (See note for expiration date) Fees. – A person who has a substance abuse assessment conducted for the purpose of obtaining a certificate of completion shall pay to the assessing agency a fee of one hundred dollars ($100). A person shall pay to a treatment facility or school a fee of seventy‑five dollars ($75.00). If the defendant is treated by an area mental health facility, G.S. 122C‑146 applies after receipt of the seventy‑five dollar ($75.00) fee.

A facility that provides to a person who is required to obtain a certificate of completion a substance abuse assessment, an ADET school, or a substance abuse treatment program may require the person to pay a fee required by this subsection before it issues a certificate of completion. As stated in G.S. 122C‑146, however, an area facility may not deny a service to a person because the person is unable to pay.

An area facility shall remit to the Department five percent (5%) of each fee paid to the area facility under this subsection by a person who attends an ADET school conducted by the area facility. The Department may use amounts remitted to it under this subsection only to support, evaluate, and administer ADET schools.

(f)        (See note for effective date) Fees. – A person who has a substance abuse assessment conducted for the purpose of obtaining a certificate of completion shall pay to the assessing agency a fee of one hundred dollars ($100). A person shall pay to a school a fee of one hundred sixty dollars ($160.00). A person shall pay to a treatment facility a fee of seventy‑five dollars ($75.00). If the defendant is treated by an area mental health facility, G.S. 122C‑146 applies after receipt of the seventy‑five dollar ($75.00) fee.

A facility that provides to a person who is required to obtain a certificate of completion a substance abuse assessment, an ADET school, or a substance abuse treatment program may require the person to pay a fee required by this subsection before it issues a certificate of completion. As stated in G.S. 122C‑146, however, an area facility may not deny a service to a person because the person is unable to pay.

A facility shall remit to the Department ten percent (10%) of each fee paid to the facility under this subsection by a person who attends an ADET school conducted by the facility. The Department may use amounts remitted to it under this subsection only to support, evaluate, and administer ADET schools.

(f1)     Multiple Assessments. – If a person has more than one offense for which a certificate of completion is required under G.S. 20‑17.6, the person shall pay the assessment fee required under subsection (f) of this section for each certificate of completion required. However, the facility shall conduct only one substance abuse assessment and recommend only one ADET school or treatment program for all certificates of completion required at that time, and the person shall pay the fee required under subsection (f) of this section for only one school or treatment program.

If any of the criteria in subdivisions (c)(1), (c)(2), or (c)(3) of this section are present in any of the offenses for which the person needs a certificate of completion, completion of a treatment program shall be required pursuant to subsection (c) of this section.

The provisions of this subsection do not apply to subsequent assessments performed after a certificate of completion has already been issued for a previous assessment.

(g)       Out‑of‑State Services. – A person may obtain a substance abuse service needed to obtain a certificate of completion from a provider located in another state if the service offered by that provider is substantially similar to the service offered by a provider located in this State. A person who obtains a service from a provider located in another state is responsible for paying any fees imposed by the provider.

(h)       Rules. – The Commission may adopt rules to implement this section. In developing rules for determining when a person needs to be placed in a substance abuse treatment program, the Commission shall consider diagnostic criteria such as those contained in the most recent revision of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual or used by the American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM).

(i)        Report. – The Department shall submit an annual report on substance abuse assessments to the Joint Legislative Commission on Governmental Operations. The report is due by February 1. Each facility that provides services needed by a person to obtain a certificate of completion shall file an annual report with the Department by October 1 that contains the information the Department needs to compile the report the Department is required to submit under this section.

The report submitted to the Joint Legislative Commission on Governmental Operations shall include all of the following information and any other information requested by that Commission:

(1)       The number of persons required to obtain a certificate of completion during the previous fiscal year as a condition of restoring the person's drivers license under G.S. 20‑17.6.

(2)       The number of substance abuse assessments conducted during the previous fiscal year for the purpose of obtaining a certificate of completion.

(3)       Of the number of assessments reported under subdivision (2) of this subsection, the number recommending attendance at an ADET school, the number recommending treatment, and, for those recommending treatment, the level of treatment recommended.

(4)       Of the number of persons recommended for an ADET school or treatment under subdivision (3) of this subsection, the number who completed the school or treatment.

(5)       The number of substance abuse assessments conducted by each facility and, of these assessments, the number that recommended attendance at an ADET school and the number that recommended treatment.

(6)       The fees paid to a facility for providing services for persons to obtain a certificate of completion and the facility's costs in providing those services.

(j)        The Department shall establish an outcomes evaluation study on the effectiveness of substance abuse services provided to persons who obtain a certificate of completion under G.S. 20‑17.6 as a condition for restoration of a drivers license. The findings of the study shall be reported every two years to the Joint Legislative Commission on Governmental Operations. The Department shall submit an initial report on the findings of the study to the Commission no later than December 31, 2007, and shall submit a report to the Commission every two years following that date. (1995, c. 496, ss. 10, 13; 2001‑370, s. 9; 2003‑396, ss. 1, 3, 4; 2004‑197, ss. 1, 2, 3; 2005‑312, ss. 1, 2, 4.)

 

§ 122C‑143:  Repealed by Session Laws 1993, c.  321, s. 220(d).

 

§ 122C‑143.1.  Policy guidance.

(a)       The General Assembly shall, as it considers necessary, endorse as policy guidance long‑range plans for the broad age/disability categories of persons to be served and the services to be provided by area authorities.

(b)       The Secretary shall develop a payment policy that designates, within broad age/disability categories, the priority populations, based on their disability level and the types of service to be supported by State resources.  The Secretary shall review the Department's payment policy annually to assure that payments are made consistent with the State's long‑range plans.

(c)       The Secretary shall ensure that the payment policy provides incentives designated to target resources consistent with legislative policy and with the State's long‑range plans and to promote equal accessibility to services for individuals regardless of their catchment area.

(d)       Upon request of the Secretary, each area authority shall develop, revise, or amend its local long‑range plans to be consistent with the policy guidance set forth in the State's long‑range plans.  Local service implementation plans shall be subject to the approval of the Secretary.

(e)       The Secretary shall ensure that the Department's requests for expansion funds for area authorities are consistent with the State's long‑range plans and include consideration of needs identified by the area authorities and their local plans. (1993, c. 321, s. 220(e).)

 

§ 122C‑143.2: Repealed by Session Laws 2001‑437, s. 1.16, effective July 1, 2002.

 

§ 122C‑144:  Repealed by Session Laws 1993, c.  321, s. 220(f).

 

§ 122C‑144.1.  Budget format and reports.

(a)       The area authority shall maintain its budget in accordance with the requirements of Article 3 of Subchapter III of Chapter 159 of the General Statutes, the Local Government Budget and Fiscal Control Act.

(b)       The Secretary may require periodic reports of receipts and expenditures for all area authority services provided directly or under contract according to a format prescribed by the Secretary.

(c)       In accordance with G.S. 159‑34, the area authority shall have an audit completed and submit it to the Local Government Commission.

(d)       The Secretary may require reports of client characteristics, staffing patterns, agency policies or activities, services, or specific financial data of the area authority, but the reports shall not identify individual clients of the area authority unless specifically required by State statute or federal statute or regulation, or unless valid consent for the release has been given by the client or legally responsible person. (1993, c. 321, s. 220(g).)

 

§ 122C‑145:  Renumbered as G.S.  122C‑151.2 by Session Laws 1993, c. 321, s. 220.

 

§ 122C‑146.  Fee for service.

The area authority and its contractual agencies shall prepare fee schedules for services and shall make every reasonable effort to collect appropriate reimbursement for costs in providing these services from individuals or entities able to pay, including insurance and third‑party payment, except that individuals may not be charged for free services, as required in "The Amendments to the Education of the Handicapped Act", P.L. 99‑457, provided to eligible infants and toddlers and their families.  This exemption from charges does not exempt insurers or other third‑party payors from being charged for payment for these services, if the person who is legally responsible for any eligible infant or toddler is first advised that the person may or may not grant permission for the insurer or other payor to be billed for the free services.  However, no individual may be refused services because of an inability to pay.  All funds collected from fees from area authority operated services shall be used for the fiscal operation or capital improvements of the area authority's programs.  The collection of fees by an area authority may not be used as justification for reduction or replacement of the budgeted commitment of local tax revenue. (1977, c. 568, s. 1; 1979, c. 358, s. 16; 1985, c. 589, s. 2; 1989 (Reg. Sess., 1990), c. 1003, s. 4; 1991, c. 215, s. 2; 1993, c. 487, s. 3; c. 553, s. 36.)

 

§ 122C‑147.  Financing and title of area authority property.

(a)       Repealed by Session Laws 1993, c. 321, s. 220(i).

(b)       Unless otherwise specified by the Secretary, State appropriations to area authorities shall be used exclusively for the operating costs of the area authority; provided however:

(1)       The Secretary may specify that designated State funds may be used by area authorities (i) for the purchase, alteration, improvement, or rehabilitation of real estate to be used as a facility or (ii) in contracting with a private, nonprofit corporation or with another governmental entity that operates facilities for the mentally ill, developmentally disabled, or substance abusers and according to the terms of the contract between the area authority and the private, nonprofit corporation or with the governmental entity, for the purchase, alteration, improvement, rehabilitation of real estate or, to make a lump sum down payment or periodic payments on a real property mortgage in the name of the private, nonprofit corporation or governmental entity.

(2)       Upon cessation of the use of the facility by the area authority, if operated by the area authority, or upon termination, default, or nonrenewal of the contract if operated by a contractual agency, the Department shall be reimbursed in accordance with rules adopted by the Secretary for the Department's participation in the purchase of the facility.

(c)       All real property purchased for use by the area authority shall be provided by local or federal funds unless otherwise allowed under subsection (b) of this section or by specific capital funds appropriated by the General Assembly. The title to this real property and the authority to acquire it is held by the county where the property is located. The authority to hold title to real property and the authority to acquire it, including the area authority's authority to finance its acquisition by an installment contract under G.S. 160A‑20, may be held by the area authority or by the contracting governmental entity with the approval of the board or boards of commissioners of all the counties that comprise the area authority. The approval of a board of county commissioners shall be by resolution of the board and may have any necessary or proper conditions, including provisions for distribution of the proceeds in the event of disposition of the property by the area authority. Real property may not be acquired by means of an installment contract under G.S. 160A‑20 unless the Local Government Commission has approved the acquisition. No deficiency judgment may be rendered against any unit of local government in any action for breach of a contractual obligation authorized by this subsection, and the taxing power of a unit of local government is not and may not be pledged directly or indirectly to secure any moneys due under a contract authorized by this subsection.

(d)       The area authority may lease real property.

(e)       Equipment necessary for the operation of the area authority may be obtained with local, State, federal, or donated funds, or a combination of these.

(f)        The area authority may acquire or lease personal property. An acquisition may be accomplished by an installment contract under G.S. 160A‑20 or by a lease‑purchase agreement. An area authority may not acquire personal property by means of an installment contract under G.S. 160A‑20 without the approval of the board or boards of commissioners of all the counties that comprise the area authority. The approval of a board of county commissioners shall be by resolution of the board and may have any necessary or proper conditions, including provisions for distribution of the proceeds in the event of disposition of the property by the area authority. The area authority may not acquire personal property by means of an installment contract under G.S. 160A‑20 without the approval of the Local Government Commission, when required by that statute. No deficiency judgment may be rendered against any unit of local government in any action for breach of a contractual obligation authorized by this subsection, and the taxing power of a unit of local government is not and shall not be pledged directly or indirectly to secure any moneys due under a contract authorized by this subsection. Title to personal property may be held by the area authority.

(g)       All area authority funds shall be spent in accordance with the rules of the Secretary. Failure to comply with the rules is grounds for the Secretary to stop participation in the funding of the particular program. The Secretary may withdraw funds from a specific program of services not being administered in accordance with an approved plan and budget after written notice and subject to an appeal as provided by G.S. 122C‑145 and Chapter 150B of the General Statutes.

(h)       Notwithstanding subsection (b) of this section and in addition to the purposes listed in that subsection, the funds allocated by the Secretary for services for members of the class identified in Willie M., et al. vs. Hunt, et al. (C‑C‑79‑294, Western District) may be used for the purchase, alteration, improvement, or rehabilitation of real property owned or to be owned by a nonprofit corporation or by another governmental entity and used or to be used as a facility.

(i)        Notwithstanding subsection (c) of this section and in addition to the purposes listed in that subsection, funds allocated by the Secretary for services for members of the class identified in Willie M., et al. vs. Hunt, et al. (C‑C‑79‑294, Western District) may be used for the purchase, alteration, improvement, or rehabilitation of real property used by an area authority as long as the title to the real property is vested in the county where the property is located or is vested in another governmental entity. If the property ceases to be used in accordance with the annual plan, the unamortized part of funds spent under this subsection for the purchase, alteration, improvement, or rehabilitation of real property shall be returned to the Department, in accordance with the rules of the Secretary.

(j)        Notwithstanding subsection (c) of this section the area authority, with the approval of the Secretary, may use local funds for the alteration, improvement, and rehabilitation of real property owned by a nonprofit corporation or by another governmental entity under contract with the area authority and used or to be used as a facility. Prior to the use of county appropriated funds for this purpose, the area authority shall obtain consent of the board or boards of commissioners of all the counties that comprise the area authority. The consent shall be by resolution of the affected board or boards of county commissioners and may have any necessary or proper conditions, including provisions for distribution of the proceeds in the event of disposition of the property. (1973, c. 476, s. 133; c. 613; 1977, c. 568, s. 1; c. 679, s. 7; 1979, c. 358, s. 29; 1981, c. 51, s. 3; 1983, c. 5; c. 25; c. 402; 1985, c. 589, s. 2; 1987, c. 720, s. 3; c. 784; 1989, c. 625, s. 17; 1993, c. 321, s. 220(h), (i); 1993 (Reg. Sess., 1994), c. 592, s. 1; 1995, c. 305, s. 1.)

 

§ 122C‑147.1.  Appropriations and allocations.

(a)       Except as provided in subsection (b) of this section, funds shall be appropriated by the General Assembly in broad age/disability categories.  The Secretary shall allocate and account for funds in broad age/disability categories so that the area authority may, with flexibility, earn funds in response to local needs that are identified within the payment policy developed in accordance with G.S. 122C‑143.1(b).

(b)       When the General Assembly determines that it is necessary to appropriate funds for a more specific purpose than the broad age/disability category, the Secretary shall determine whether expenditure accounting, special reporting within earning from a broad fund, the Memorandum of Agreement, or some other mechanism allows the best accounting for the funds.

(c)       Funds that have been appropriated by the General Assembly for a more specific purpose than specified in subsection (a) of this section shall be converted to a broad age/disability category at the beginning of the second biennium following the appropriation, unless otherwise acted upon by the General Assembly.

(d)       The Secretary shall allocate funds to area programs:

(1)       To be earned in a purchase of service basis, at negotiated reimbursement rates, for services that are included in the payment policy and delivered to mentally ill, developmentally disabled, and substance abuse clients and for services that are included in the payment policy to other recipients; or

(2)       To be paid under a grant on the basis of agreed‑upon expenditures, when the Secretary determines that it would be impractical to pay on a purchase of service basis.

(e)       After the close of a fiscal year, final payments of funds shall be made:

(1)       Under the purchase of service basis, on the earnings of the area authority for the delivery to individuals within each age/disability group, of any services that are consistent with the payment policy established in G.S. 122C‑143.1(b), up to the final allocation amount; or

(2)       When awarded on an expenditure basis, on allowable actual expenditures, up to the final allocation amount.

Under rules adopted by the Secretary, final payments shall be adjusted on the basis of the audit required in G.S. 122C‑144.1(d). (1993, c. 321, s. 220(j).)

 

§ 122C‑147.2.  Purchase of services and reimbursement rates.

(a)       When funds are used to purchase services, the following provisions apply:

(1)       Reimbursement rates for specific types of service shall be negotiated between the Secretary and the area authority. The negotiation shall begin with the rate determined by a standardized cost‑finding and rate‑setting procedure approved by the Secretary.

(2)       The reimbursement rate used for the payment of services shall incorporate operating and administrative costs, including costs for property in accordance with G.S. 122C‑147.

(b)       To ensure uniformity in rates charged to area programs and funded with State‑allocated resources, the Division of Mental Health, Developmental Disabilities, and Substance Abuse Services of the Department of Health and Human Services may require a private agency that provides services under contract with an area program or county program, except for hospital services that have an established Medicaid rate, to complete an agency‑wide uniform cost finding in accordance with subsection (a) of this section. The resulting cost shall be the maximum included for the private agency in the contracting area program's unit cost finding. If a private agency fails to timely and accurately complete the required agency‑wide uniform cost finding in a manner acceptable to the Department's controller's office, the Department may suspend all Department funding and payment to the private agency until such time as an acceptable cost finding has been completed by the private agency and approved by the Department's controller's office. (1993, c. 321, s. 220(j); 2005‑276, s. 10.30.)

 

§§ 122C‑148 through 122C‑150:  Repealed by Session Laws 1993, c.  321, s. 220(k).

 

§ 122C‑151.  Responsibilities of those receiving appropriations.

(a)       All resources allocated to and received by any area authority and used for programs of mental health, developmental disabilities, substance abuse or other related services are subject to the conditions specified in this Article and to the rules of the Commission and the Secretary and to the conditions of the Memorandum of Agreement specified in G.S. 122C‑143.2.

(b)       If an area authority fails to complete actions necessary for the development of a Memorandum of Agreement, fails to file required reports within the time limit set by the Secretary, or fails to comply with any other requirements specified in this Article, the Secretary may:

(1)       Delay payments; and

(2)       With written notification of cause and subject to an appeal as provided by G.S. 122C‑151.2, reduce or deny payment of funds.  Restoration of funds upon compliance is within the discretion of the Secretary. (1977, c. 568, s. 1; c. 679, s. 7; 1979, c. 358, s. 25; 1981, c. 51, s. 3; 1985, c. 589, s. 2; 1989, c. 625, s. 19; 1993, c. 321, s. 220(l).)

 

§ 122C‑151.1:  Repealed by Session Laws 1993, c.  321, s. 220(n), as amended by Session Laws 1993 (Regular Session, 1994), c. 591, s. 7.)

 

§ 122C‑151.2.  Appeal by area authorities and county programs.

(a)       The area authority or county program may appeal to the Commission any action regarding rules under the jurisdiction of the Commission or rules under the joint jurisdiction of the Commission and the Secretary.

(b)       The area authority or county program may appeal to the Secretary any action regarding rules under the jurisdiction of the Secretary.

(c)       Appeals shall be conducted according to rules adopted by the Commission and Secretary and in accordance with Chapter 150B of the General Statutes. (1977, c. 568, s. 1; c. 679, s. 7; 1979, c. 358, ss. 7, 19; 1981, c. 51, s. 3; c. 614, s. 7; 1985, c. 589, s. 2; 1987, c. 720, s. 3; 1993, c. 321, s. 220(m); 2001‑437, s. 1.17(a).)

 

§ 122C‑151.3.  Dispute with area authorities or county programs.

An area authority or county program shall establish written procedures for resolving disputes over decisions of an area authority or county program that may be appealed to the State MH/DD/SA Appeals Panel under G.S. 122C‑151.4. The procedures shall be informal and shall provide an opportunity for those who dispute the decision to present their position. (1993, c. 321, s. 220(o); 2001‑437, s. 1.17(b).)

 

§ 122C‑151.4.  Appeal to State MH/DD/SA Appeals Panel.

(a)       Definitions. – The following definitions apply in this section:

(1)       "Appeals Panel" means the State MH/DD/SA Appeals Panel established under this section.

(1a)     "Client" means an individual who is admitted to or receiving public services from an area facility. "Client" includes the client's personal representative or designee.

(1b)     "Contract" means a contract with an area authority or county program to provide services, other than personal services, to clients and other recipients of services.

(2)       "Contractor" means a person who has a contract or who had a contract during the current fiscal year.

(3)       "Former contractor" means a person who had a contract during the previous fiscal year.

(b)       Appeals Panel. – The State MH/DD/SA Appeals Panel is established. The Panel shall consist of three members appointed by the Secretary. The Secretary shall determine the qualifications of the Panel members. Panel members serve at the pleasure of the Secretary.

(c)       Who Can Appeal. – The following persons may appeal to the State MH/DD/SA Appeals Panel after having exhausted the appeals process at the appropriate area authority or county program:

(1)       A contractor or a former contractor who claims that an area authority or county program is not acting or has not acted within applicable State law or rules in imposing a particular requirement on the contractor on fulfillment of the contract;

(2)       A contractor or a former contractor who claims that a requirement of the contract substantially compromises the ability of the contractor to fulfill the contract;

(3)       A contractor or former contractor who claims that an area authority or county program has acted arbitrarily and capriciously in reducing funding for the type of services provided or formerly provided by the contractor or former contractor;

(4)       A client or a person who was a client in the previous fiscal year, who claims that an area authority or county program has acted arbitrarily and capriciously in reducing funding for the type of services provided or formerly provided to the client directly by the area authority or county program; and

(5)       A person who claims that an area authority or county program did not comply with a State law or a rule adopted by the Secretary or the Commission in developing the plans and budgets of the area authority or county program and that the failure to comply has adversely affected the ability of the person to participate in the development of the plans and budgets.

(d)       Hearing. – All members of the State MH/DD/SA Appeals Panel shall hear an appeal to the Panel. An appeal shall be filed with the Panel within the time required by the Secretary and shall be heard by the Panel within the time required by the Secretary. A hearing shall be conducted at the place determined in accordance with the rules adopted by the Secretary. A hearing before the Panel shall be informal; no sworn testimony shall be taken and the rules of evidence do not apply. The person who appeals to the Panel has the burden of proof. The Panel shall not stay a decision of an area authority during an appeal to the Panel.

(e)       Decision. – The State MH/DD/SA Appeals Panel shall make a written decision on each appeal to the Panel within the time set by the Secretary. A decision may direct a contractor, an area authority, or a county program to take an action or to refrain from taking an action, but it shall not require a party to the appeal to pay any amount except payment due under the contract. In making a decision, the Panel shall determine the course of action that best protects or benefits the clients of the area authority or county program. If a party to an appeal fails to comply with a decision of the Panel and the Secretary determines that the failure deprives clients of the area authority or county program of a type of needed service, the Secretary may use funds previously allocated to the area authority or county program to provide the service.

(f)        Chapter 150B Appeal. – A person who is dissatisfied with a decision of the Panel may commence a contested case under Article 3 of Chapter 150B of the General Statutes. Notwithstanding G.S. 150B‑2(1a), an area authority or county program is considered an agency for purposes of the limited appeal authorized by this section. The Secretary shall make a final decision in the contested case. (1993, c. 321, s. 220(o); 2001‑437, s. 1.17(c).)

 

§ 122C‑152.  Liability insurance and waiver of immunity as to torts of  agents, employees, and board members.

(a)       An area authority, by securing liability insurance as provided in this section, may waive its governmental immunity from liability for damage by reason of death or injury to person or property caused by the negligence or tort of any agent, employee, or board member of the area authority when acting within the scope of his authority or within the course of his duties or employment. Governmental immunity is waived by the act of obtaining this insurance, but it is waived by only to the extent that the area authority is indemnified by insurance for the negligence or tort.

(b)       Any contract of insurance purchased pursuant to this section shall be issued by a company or corporation licensed and authorized to execute insurance contracts in this State and shall by its terms adequately insure the area authority against any and all liability for any damages by reason of death or injury to a person or property proximately caused by the negligent acts or torts of the agents, employees, and board members of the area authority when acting within the course of their duties or employment. The area board shall determine the extent of the liability and what agents, employees by class, and board members are covered by any insurance purchased pursuant to this subsection. Any company or corporation that enters into a contract of insurance as described in this section with the authority, by this act waives any defense based upon the governmental immunity of the area authority.

(c)       Any persons sustaining damages, or, in the case of death, his personal representative, may sue an area authority insured under this section for the recovery of damages in any court of competent jurisdiction in this State, but only in a county located within the geographic limits of the authority. It is no defense to any action that the negligence or tort complained of was in pursuance of a governmental or discretionary function of the area authority if, and to the extent that, the authority has insurance coverage as provided by this section.

(d)       Except as expressly provided by subsection (c) of this section, nothing in this section deprives any area authority of any defense whatsoever to any action for damages or to restrict, limit, or otherwise affect any defense which the area authority may have at common law or by virtue of any statute. Nothing in this section relieves any person sustaining damages nor any personal representative of any decedent from any duty to give notice of a claim to the area authority or to commence any civil action for the recovery of damages within the applicable period of time prescribed or limited by statute.

(e)       The area authority may incur liability pursuant to this section only with respect to a claim arising after the authority has procured  liability insurance pursuant to this section and during the time when the insurance is in force.

(f)        No part of the pleadings that relate to or allege facts as to a defendant's insurance against liability may be read or mentioned in the presence of the trial jury in any action brought pursuant to this section. This liability does not attach unless the plaintiff waives the right to have all issues of law or fact relating to insurance in the action determined by a jury. These issues shall be heard and determined by the judge, and the jury shall be absent during any motions, arguments, testimony, or announcement of findings of fact or conclusions of law with respect to insurance. (1981, c. 539, s. 2; 1985, c. 589, s. 2.)

 

§ 122C‑153.  Defense of agents, employees, and board members.

(a)       Upon request made by or in behalf of any agent, employee, or board member or former agent, employee, or board member of the area authority, any area authority may provide for the defense of any civil or criminal action or proceeding brought against him either in his official or in his individual capacity, or both, on account of any act done or omission made, or any act allegedly done or omission allegedly made, in the scope and course of his duty as an agent, employee, or board member. The defense may be provided by the local board by employing counsel or by purchasing insurance that requires that the insurer provide the defense. Nothing in this section requires any area authority to provide for the defense of any action or proceeding of any nature.

(b)       An area authority may budget funds for the purpose of paying all or part of the claim made or any civil judgment entered against any of its agents, employees, or board members or former agents, employees, or board members when a claim is made or judgment is rendered as damages on account of any act done or omission made, or any act allegedly done or omission allegedly made, in the scope and course of his duty as an agent, employee, or board member of the area authority. Nothing in this section shall authorize any area authority to budget funds for the purpose of paying any claim made or civil judgment against any of its agents, employees, or board members, or former agents, employees, or board members, if the authority finds that the agent, employee, or board member acted or failed to act because of actual fraud, corruption, or actual malice on his part. Any authority may budget for and purchase insurance coverage for payment of claims or judgments pursuant to this section. Nothing in this section requires any authority to pay any claim or judgment referred to, and the purchase of insurance coverage for payment of the claim or judgment may not be considered an assumption of any liability not covered by the insurance contract and may not be deemed an assumption of liability or payment of any claim or judgment in excess of the limits of coverage in the insurance contract.

(c)       Subsection (b) of this section does not authorize an authority to pay all or part of a claim made or civil judgment entered or to provide a defense to a criminal charge unless (i) notice of the claim or litigation is given to the area authority before the time that the claim is settled or civil judgment is entered; and (ii) the area authority has adopted, and made available for public inspection, uniform standards under which claims made, civil judgments entered, or criminal charges against agents, employees, or board members or former agents, employees, or board members shall be defended or paid.

(d)       The board or boards of county commissioners that establish the  area authority and the Secretary may allocate funds not otherwise restricted by law, in addition to the funds allocated for the operation of the program, for the purpose of paying legal defense, judgments, and settlements under this section. (1981, c. 539, s. 2; 1985, c. 589, s. 2.)

 

§ 122C‑154.  Personnel.

Employees under the direct supervision of the area director are employees of the area authority. For the purpose of personnel administration, Chapter 126 of the General Statutes applies unless otherwise provided in this Article. Employees appointed by the county program director are employees of the county. In a multicounty program, employment of county program staff shall be as agreed upon in the interlocal agreement adopted pursuant to G.S. 122C‑115.1. (1971, c. 470, s. 1; 1973, c. 476, s. 133; 1977, c. 568, s. 1; c. 679, s. 7; 1979, c. 358, s. 14; 1981, c. 51, s. 3; 1985, c. 589, s. 2; 2001‑437, s. 1.18.)

 

§ 122C‑155.  Supervision of services.

Unless otherwise specified, client services are the responsibility of a qualified professional. Direct medical and psychiatric services shall be provided by a qualified psychiatrist or a physician with adequate training and experience acceptable to the Secretary. (1971, c. 470, s. 1; 1973, c. 476, s. 133; 1977, c. 568, s. 1; c. 679, s. 7; 1979, c. 358, s. 14; 1981, c. 51, s. 3; 1985, c. 589, s. 2.)

 

§ 122C‑156.  Salary plan for employees of the area authority.

(a)       The area authority shall establish a salary plan which shall set the salaries for employees of the area authority. The salary plan shall be in compliance with Chapter 126 of the General Statutes. In a multi‑county area, the salary plan shall not exceed the highest paying salary plan of any county in that area. In a single‑county area, the salary plan shall not exceed the county's salary plan. The salary plan limitations set forth in this section may be exceeded only if the area authority and the board or boards of county commissioners, as the case may be, jointly agree to exceed these limitations.

(b)       An area authority may purchase life insurance or health insurance or both for the benefit of all or any class of authority officers or employees as a part of its compensation. An area authority may provide other fringe benefits for authority officers and employees.

(c)       An area authority that is providing health insurance under subsection (b) of this section may provide health insurance for all or any class of former officers and employees of the area authority who are receiving benefits under Article 3 of Chapter 128 of the General Statutes. Health insurance may be paid entirely by the area authority, partly by the area authority and former officer or employee, or entirely by the former officer or employee, at the option of the area board. (1977, c. 568, s. 1; 1979, c. 358, ss. 15, 23; 1985, c. 589, s. 2.)

 

§ 122C‑157.  Establishment of a professional reimbursement policy.

The area authority shall adopt and enforce a professional reimbursement policy. This policy shall (i) require that fees for the provision of services received directly under the supervision of the area authority shall be paid to the area authority, (ii) prohibit employees of the area authority from providing services on a private basis which require the use of the resources and facilities of the area authority, and (iii) provide that employees may not accept dual compensation and dual employment unless they have the written permission of the area authority. (1977, c. 568, s. 1; 1979, c. 358, s. 17; 1985, c. 589, s. 2.)

 

§ 122C‑158.  Privacy of personnel records.

(a)       Notwithstanding the provisions of G.S. 132‑6 or any other State statute concerning access to public records, personnel files of employees or applicants for employment maintained by an area authority are subject to inspection and may be disclosed only as provided by this section.  For purposes of this section, an employee's personnel file consists of any information in any form gathered by the area authority with respect to that employee, including his application, selection or nonselection, performance, promotions, demotions, transfers, suspensions and other disciplinary actions, evaluation forms, leave, salary, and termination of employment.  As used in this section, "employee" includes former employees of the area authority.

(b)       The following information with respect to each employee is a matter of public record: name; age; date of original employment or appointment to the area authority; current position title; current salary; date and amount of most recent increase or decrease in salary; date of the most recent promotion, demotion, transfer, suspension, separation, or other change in position classification; and the office to which the employee is currently assigned.  The area authority shall determine in what form and by whom this information will be maintained.  Any person may have access to this information for the purpose of inspection, examination, and copying during regular business hours, subject only to rules for the safekeeping of public records as the area authority may have adopted.  Any person denied access to this information may apply to the appropriate division of the General Court of Justice for an order compelling disclosure, and the court shall have jurisdiction to issue these orders.

(c)       All information contained in an employee's personnel file, other than the information made public by subsection (b) of this section, is confidential and is open to inspection only in the following instances:

(1)       The employee or an authorized agent may examine portions of his personnel file except (i) letters of reference solicited before employment, and (ii) information concerning a medical disability, mental or physical, that a prudent physician would not divulge to a patient.

(2)       A licensed physician designated in writing by the employee may examine the employee's medical record.

(3)       An area authority employee having supervisory authority over the employee may examine all material in the employee's personnel file.

(4)       By order of a court of competent jurisdiction, any person may examine the part of an employee's personnel file that is ordered by the court.

(5)       An official of an agency of the State or federal government, or any political subdivision of the State, may inspect any part of a personnel file pursuant to G.S. 122C‑25(b) or G.S. 122C‑192(a) or when the inspection is considered by the official having custody of the records to be inspected to be  necessary and essential to the pursuance of a proper function of the inspecting agency.  No information may be divulged for the purpose of assisting in a criminal prosecution of the employee or for the purpose of assisting in an investigation of the employee's tax liability.  However, the official having custody of the records may release the name, address, and telephone number from a personnel file for the purpose of assisting in a criminal investigation.

(6)       An employee may sign a written release, to be placed with the employee's personnel file, that permits the person with custody of the file to provide, either in person, by telephone or by mail, information specified in the release to prospective employers, educational institutions, or other persons specified in the release.

(7)       The area authority may tell any person of the employment or nonemployment, promotion, demotion, suspension, or other disciplinary action, reinstatement, transfer, or termination of an employee and the reasons for that personnel action.  Before releasing the information, the area authority shall determine in writing that the release is essential to maintaining public confidence in the administration of services or to maintaining the level and quality of services.  This written determination shall be retained as a record for public inspection and shall become part of the employee's personnel file.

(d)       Even if considered part of an employee's personnel file, the  following information need not be disclosed to an employee nor to any other person:

(1)       Testing or examination material used solely to determine individual qualifications for appointment, employment, or promotion in the area authority service, when disclosure would compromise the objectivity or the fairness of the testing or examination process.

(2)       Investigative reports or memoranda and other information concerning the investigation of possible criminal action of an employee, until the investigation is completed and no criminal action taken, or until the criminal action is concluded.

(3)       Information that might identify an undercover law‑enforcement officer or a law‑enforcement informer.

(4)       Notes, preliminary drafts, and internal communications concerning an employee.  In the event these materials are used for any official personnel decision, then the employee or an authorized agent has a right to inspect these materials.

(e)       The area authority may permit access, subject to limitations it may impose, to selected personnel files by a professional representative of a training, research, or academic institution if that representative certifies that he will not release information identifying the employees whose files are opened and that the information will be used solely for statistical, research, or teaching purposes.  This certification shall be retained by the area authority as long as each personnel file so examined is retained.

(f)        The area authority that maintains personnel files containing information other than the information mentioned in subsection (b) of this section shall establish procedures whereby an employee who objects to material in the employee's file on grounds that it is inaccurate or misleading may seek to have the material removed from the file or may place in the file a statement relating to the material.

(g)       Permitting access, other than that authorized by this section, to a personnel file of an employee of an area authority is a Class 3 misdemeanor and is punishable only by a fine, not to exceed five hundred dollars ($500.00).

(h)       Anyone who, knowing that he is not authorized to do so, examines, removes, or copies information in a personnel file of an employee of an area authority is guilty of a Class 3 misdemeanor and is punishable only by a fine, not to exceed five hundred dollars ($500.00). (1983, c. 281; 1985, c. 589, s. 2; 1993, c. 539, ss. 924, 925; 1994, Ex. Sess., c. 24, s. 14(c).)

 

§§ 122C‑159 through 122C‑180.  Reserved for future codification purposes.

 

Part 5. State Facilities.

§ 122C‑181.  Secretary's jurisdiction over State facilities.

(a)       Except as provided in subsection (b) of this section, the Secretary shall operate the following facilities:

(1)       For the mentally ill:

a.         Cherry Hospital;

b.         Dorothea Dix Hospital;

c.         John Umstead Hospital; and

d.         Broughton Hospital; and

(2)       For the mentally retarded:

a.         Caswell Center;

b.         O'Berry Center;

c.         Murdoch Center;

d.         Western Carolina Center; and

e.         Black Mountain Center; and

(3)       For substance abusers:

a.         Walter B. Jones Alcohol and Drug Abuse Treatment Center at Greenville;

b.         Alcohol and Drug Abuse Treatment Center at John Umstead Hospital; and

c.         Julian F. Keith Alcohol and Drug Abuse Treatment Center; and

(4)       As special care facilities:

a.         North Carolina Special Care Center;

b.         Whitaker School; and

c.         Wright School.

(b)       Subject to the requirements of subsection (c) of this section, the Secretary may, with the approval of the Governor and Council of State, close any State facility.

(c)       Closure of a State facility under subsection (b) of this section becomes effective on the earlier of the 31st legislative day or the day of adjournment of the next regular session of the General Assembly that begins at least 10 days after the date the closure is approved, unless a different effective date applies under this subsection. If a bill that specifically disapproves the State facility closure is introduced in either house of the General Assembly before the thirty‑first legislative day of that session, the closure becomes effective on the earlier of either the day an unfavorable final action is taken on the bill or the day that session of the General Assembly adjourns without ratifying a bill that specifically disapproves the State facility closure. If the Secretary specifies a later effective date for closure than the date that would otherwise apply under this subsection, the later date applies. Closure of a State facility does not become effective if the closure is specifically disapproved by a bill enacted into law before it becomes effective. Notwithstanding any rule of either house of the General Assembly, any member of the General Assembly may introduce a bill during the first 30 legislative days of any regular session to disapprove closure of a facility that has been approved by the Governor and Council of State as provided in subsection (b) of this section. Nothing in this subsection shall be construed to impair the Secretary's power or duty otherwise imposed by law to close a State facility temporarily for the protection of health and safety. (Code, ss. 2227, 2240; 1899, c. 1, s. 1; Rev., s. 4542; C.S., s. 6151; 1945, c. 952, s. 8; 1947, c. 537, s. 2; 1949, c. 1206, s. 1; 1955, c. 887, s. 1; 1959, c. 348, s. 1; c. 1002, s. 1; c. 1008; c. 1028, ss. 1‑4; 1961, c. 513; c. 1173, ss. 1, 2, 4; 1963, c. 1166, ss. 2, 10, 12; c. 1184, s. 6; 1967, c. 151; 1969, c. 982; 1973, c. 476, ss. 128, 133, 138; 1975, c. 19, s. 41; 1977, c. 679, s. 7; 1981, c. 51, s. 3; c. 77; c. 412, s. 4; 1983, c. 383, s. 9; 1985, c. 589, s. 2; 1989, c. 145, s. 1; 1991, c. 689, s. 136; 2001‑437, s. 1.19; 2001‑487, s. 80(a).)

 

§ 122C‑182.  Authority to contract with area authorities.

To establish a coordinated system of services for its clients, a State facility shall contract with an area authority. Contracted services shall meet the rules of the Commission and the Secretary. (1985, c. 589, s. 2.)

 

§ 122C‑183.  Appointment of employees as police officers who may arrest without warrant.

The director of each State facility may appoint as special police officers the number of employees of their respective facilities they consider necessary. Within the grounds of the State facility the employees appointed as special police officers have all the powers of police officers of cities. They have the right to arrest without warrant individuals committing violations of the State law or the ordinances or rules of that facility in their presence and to bring the offenders before a magistrate who shall proceed as in other criminal cases. (1899, c. 1, s. 55; 1901, c. 627; Rev., s. 4569; C.S., s. 6181; 1921, c. 207; 1957, c. 1232, s. 12; 1959, c. 1002, s. 12; 1973, c. 108, s. 73; c. 673, s. 12.1; 1981, c. 635, s. 5; 1985, c. 589, s. 2.)

 

§ 122C‑184.  Oath of special police officers.

Before exercising the duties of a special police officer, the employees appointed under G.S. 122C‑183 shall take an oath or affirmation of office before an officer empowered to administer oaths. The oath or affirmation shall be filed with the records of the Department. The oath or affirmation of office is:

State of North Carolina: ________County.

I, ________, do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will well and truly execute the duties of office of special police officer in and for the State facility called_______, according to the best of my skill and ability and according to law; and that I will use my best endeavors to enforce all the ordinances of said facility, and to suppress nuisances, and to suppress and prevent disorderly conduct within these grounds. So help me, God.

Sworn and subscribed before me, this ______ day of______, A.D. _____.

 (1899, c. 1, s. 56; 1901, c. 627; Rev., s. 4570; C.S., s. 6182; 1963, c. 1166, s. 11; 1973, c. 108, s. 74; c. 476, s. 133; 1985, c. 589, s. 2.)

 

§ 122C‑185.  Application of funds belonging to State facilities.

(a)       All moneys and proceeds of property donated to any State facility shall be deposited into the State treasury and accounted for in the appropriate fund as determined by the Secretary and approved by the Office of State Budget and Management. All moneys and proceeds of property donated in which there are special directions for their application and the interest earned on these funds shall be spent as the donor has directed and except as required for deposit with the State treasury, shall not be subject to the provisions of the Executive Budget Act except for capital improvements projects which shall be authorized and executed in accordance with G.S. 143‑18.1.

(b)       Proceeds from the transfer or sale of surplus, obsolete, or unused equipment of State facilities shall be deposited and accounted for in accordance with G.S. 143‑49(4).

(c)       The net proceeds from the sale, lease, rental, or other disposition of real estate owned by a State facility shall be deposited and accounted for in accordance with G.S. 146‑30.

(d)       All proceeds from the operation of vending facilities as defined in G.S. 111‑42(d) and operated by State facilities shall be deposited and accounted for in accordance with G.S. 143‑12.1.

(e)       All other revenues and other receipts collected by a State facility shall be deposited to the credit of the State treasury in accordance with G.S. 147‑77. (1899, c. 1, s. 34; Rev., s. 4552; C.S., s. 6167; 1963, c. 1166, s. 13; 1973, c. 476, s. 133; 1985, c. 589, s. 2; 2000‑140, s. 93.1(a); 2001‑424, s. 12.2(b).)

 

§ 122C‑186.  General Assembly visitors of State facilities.

The members of the General Assembly are ex officio visitors of all State facilities, provided that the common law right of visitation of a State facility is abrogated to the extent that it does not include the right to access to confidential information. This right of access is only as granted by statute. (1963, c. 1184, s. 1; 1973, c. 476, s. 133; 1985, c. 589, s. 2.)

 

§§ 122C‑187 through 122C‑190.  Reserved for future codification purposes.

 

Part 6. Quality Assurance.

§ 122C‑191.  Quality of services.

(a)       The assurance that services provided are of the highest possible quality within available resources is an obligation of the area authority and the Secretary.

(b)       Each area authority and State facility shall comply with the rules of the Commission regarding quality assurance activities, including: program evaluation; utilization and peer review; and staff qualifications, privileging, supervision, education, and training. These rules may not nullify compliance otherwise required by Chapter 126 of the General Statutes.

(c)       Each area authority and State facility shall develop internal processes to monitor and evaluate the level of quality obtained by all its programs and services including the activities prescribed in the rules of the Commission.

(d)       The Secretary shall develop rules for a review process to monitor area facilities and State facilities for compliance with the required quality assurance activities as well as other rules of the Commission and the Secretary. The rules may provide that the Secretary has the authority to determine whether applicable standards of practice have been met.

(e)       For purposes of peer review functions only:

(1)       A member of a duly appointed quality assurance committee who acts without malice or fraud shall not be subject to liability for damages in any civil action on account of any act, statement, or proceeding undertaken, made, or performed within the scope of the functions of the committee.

(2)       The proceedings of a quality assurance committee, the records and materials it produces, and the material it considers shall be confidential and not considered public records within the meaning of G.S. 132‑1,
" 'Public records' defined," and shall not be subject to discovery or introduction into evidence in any civil action against a facility or a provider of professional health services that results from matters which are the subject of evaluation and review by the committee. No person who was in attendance at a meeting of the committee shall be required to testify in any civil action as to any evidence or other matters produced or presented during the proceedings of the committee or as to any findings, recommendations, evaluations, opinions, or other actions of the committee or its members. However, information, documents or records otherwise available are not immune from discovery or use in a civil action merely because they were presented during proceedings of the committee, and nothing herein shall prevent a provider of professional health services from using such otherwise available information, documents or records in connection with an administrative hearing or civil suit relating to the medical staff membership, clinical privileges or employment of the provider. Documents otherwise available as public records within the meaning of G.S. 132‑1 do not lose their status as public records merely because they were presented or considered during proceedings of the committee. A member of the committee or a person who testifies before the committee may be subpoenaed and be required to testify in a civil action as to events of which the person has knowledge independent of the peer review process, but cannot be asked about the person's testimony before the committee for impeachment or other purposes or about any opinions formed as a result of the committee hearings.

(3)       Peer review information that is confidential and is not subject to discovery or use in civil actions under this section may be released to a professional standards review organization that contracts with an agency of this State or the federal government to perform any accreditation or certification function, including the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations. Information released under this subdivision shall be limited to that which is reasonably necessary and relevant to the standards review organization's determination to grant or continue accreditation or certification. Information released under this subdivision retains its confidentiality and is not subject to discovery or use in any civil actions as provided under this subsection, and the standards review organization shall keep the information confidential subject to this section. (1977, c. 568, s. 1; 1979, c. 358, s. 1; 1983, c. 383, s. 1; 1985, c. 589, s. 2; 1989 (Reg. Sess., 1990), c. 1053, s. 1; 1998‑212, s. 12.35C(d); 1999‑222, s. 1; 2004‑149, s. 2.7.)

 

§ 122C‑192.  Review and protection of information.

(a)       Notwithstanding G.S. 8‑53, G.S. 8‑53.3, or any other law relating to confidentiality of communications involving a patient or client, as needed to ensure quality assurance activities, the Secretary may review any writing or other record concerning the admission, discharge, medication, treatment, medical condition, or history of a client of an area authority or State facility.  The Secretary may also review the personnel records of employees of an area authority or State facility.

(b)       An area authority, State facility, its employees, and any other individual interviewed in the course of an inspection are immune from liability for damages resulting from disclosure of any information to the Secretary.

Except as required by law, it is unlawful for the Secretary or his representative to disclose:

(1)       Any confidential or privileged information obtained under this section unless the client or his legally responsible person authorizes disclosure in writing; or

(2)       The name of anyone who has furnished information concerning an area authority or State facility without that individual's consent.

Violation of this subsection is a Class 3 misdemeanor punishable only by a fine, not to exceed five hundred dollars ($500.00).

(c)       The Secretary shall adopt rules to ensure that unauthorized disclosure does not occur.

(d)       All confidential or privileged information obtained under this section and the names of individuals providing such information are not public records under Chapter 132 of the General Statutes. (1985, c. 589, s. 2; 1993, c. 539, s. 926; 1994, Ex. Sess., c. 24, s. 14(c).)

 

§ 122C‑193.  Reserved for future codification purposes.

 

Part 7. Contested Case Hearings for Eligible Assaultive and Violent Children.

§§ 122C‑194 through 122C‑200:  Repealed by Session Laws 2000‑67, s.  11.21(e).