State Employee Health Lien Goes to Governor for Signature

I just received the most recent report about the proposed changes to the NC State Employee’s Health Plan Lien. It’s all good news.

2005 Technical Corrections Act Passes Vote

The 2005 Technical Corrections Act conference report (that contained the “technical” corrections for the lien) has been adopted by both houses, and now goes to the Governor for his signature. There seems to be nothing controversial in the remainder of the bill, so we don’t expect a veto of any sort from the governor.

The technical corrections act from last year is where the subrogation provision was inserted toward the end of the long session, because SB 983 was holed up in the house. It was included in each version of the tech core bill and passed by the respective houses, but there was never agreement on the bill BETWEEN the two houses.

Bill needs to be signed by Governor Easley

The latest action of the General Assembly is that needed agreement, and as soon as the Governor signs the bill, it will be law. The language of the bill makes it “retroactive” to the initial passage of the lien legislation back in July of 2004, so we don’t have to worry about having two “sets” of liens.

This is fantastic news and due in large part to the long term efforts of Holly Bryan and Dick Taylor at the NC Academy of Trial Lawyers.

Chris Nichols
www.NicholsTrialLaw.com