|
Repeal Involuntary
Sterilization
(H 36) (SL 2003-13): This bill repeals Article 7 of Chapter 35 of
the N.C. General Statutes to repeal the statutes on involuntary
sterilization. Article 8 of Chapter 35A is amended to establish a
procedure for sterilization of the mentally ill when such an action
is medically necessary. The bill became effective April 17, 2003,
when it was signed into law.
Various Special
Registration Plates
(H 855) (SL 2003-424): This bill creates several new license
plates. Two are relevant to women=s
health and reproductive rights: 1) breast cancer awareness and 2)
celebrate adoption. The breast cancer awareness plate will read
AEarly
Detection Saves Lives@
and bear the representation of a pink ribbon. The plate to
celebrate adoption will read
ACelebrate
Adoption@
and will bear a white ribbon with a red heart on it. The money
from the sale of these plates will go to the state for funds like
the highway beautification fund. Each plate must be requested by
300 individuals before it will be issued.
Update Cervical
Cancer Screening Coverage
(S 388) (SL 2003-186): This bill updates health insurance coverage
for the screening of cervical cancer to include what is considered
the most up to date screening process according to American Cancer
Society guidelines.
This act becomes
effective January 1, 2004 and applies to health benefit plans that
are delivered or renewed on or after that date.
Cervical Cancer
Elimination Task Force
(S 648) (SL 2003-176): This bill establishes an ad hoc cervical
cancer elimination task force to the Advisory Committee on Cancer
Coordination and Control. The appointments were to be made to the
task force no more than 30 days after the adjournment of the 2003
Regular Session. The task force shall meet quarterly or more if
called by the chair. On April 1, 2004, and each year thereafter the
task force shall submit a report to the Advisory Committee on Cancer
Coordination and Control. The task force shall expire on April 1,
2008, or earlier if their final report is complete. The act became
effective July 1, 2003.
Ovarian Cancer
Detection/High Risk Women
(S 887) (SL 2003-223): This bill amends Article 3 of Chapter 58 to
include mandatory insurance coverage for surveillance tests for
women at risk for ovarian cancer. A woman is considered high risk
if there is at least one first-degree relative with ovarian cancer
and a second relative who is either first-degree or second-degree
with breast, ovarian or nonpolyposis colorectal cancer. Another way
to be considered high risk is testing positive for hereditary
ovarian cancer syndrome. The surveillance tests that are covered
for high risk women are annual screenings using transvaginal
ultrasound and rectovaginal pelvic exams.
This act becomes
effective January 1, 2004, and applies to health benefit plans
delivered, issued for delivery or renewed on or after that date. |
