The North Carolina Association for Medical Equipment Services is working to advance H623, the Bricks and Mortar bill, which requires HME providers in North Carolina to maintain a bona fide physical presence within the state

requires that providers “maintain at least one physical location and a minimum amount of inventory in the state of North Carolina.” The bill has a serial referral to the House health committee, and if H623 passes through that committee, it will be sent to the Commerce Committee before reaching the House floor, NCAMES reports.

A lobbyist working for the state association will meet with Rep. Dobson on Tuesday to determine when the state lawmakers wants to have the hearing in House health on the bill.

“It could be heard as early as next Wednesday at 10 a.m.,” an NCAMES statement read. “We will certainly need some folks at the committee meeting when scheduled in support if possible and to answer any questions that the committee may have from the ‘public.’”

The association urged North Carolina providers to contact their legislator urging them to support the bill when it comes up in committee.