Bill > S570

This bill aims to prohibit the corporate practice of medicine by establishing clear guidelines for how medical professionals can practice and who can own or manage medical practices in North Carolina. The bill introduces new definitions and restrictions, including creating a specific category called a "management services organization" (MSO) and establishing rules about who can be a stakeholder in medical corporations. Key provisions include requiring that medical corporations can only have licensed medical professionals as shareholders, mandating that physicians maintain full control over patient care decisions without interference from non-physicians or out-of-state medical professionals, and limiting the types of entities where licensed medical professionals can practice. The bill also empowers the North Carolina Medical Board to investigate and potentially discipline employers who violate these regulations, with potential consequences including suspension of registration or referral to the Attorney General's office. Importantly, the bill seeks to protect medical professionals' ability to make independent clinical decisions by ensuring that employment agreements cannot prevent physicians from meeting medical practice standards or practicing within their competence. The legislation applies to various medical professionals regulated under Chapter 90 of the North Carolina General Statutes and will take effect immediately upon becoming law, with rules to be implemented by October 1, 2026.

https://www.ncleg.gov/BillLookUp/2025/S570