§ 58-3-168. Coverage for postmastectomy inpatient care. - North Carolina Statutes

§58‑3‑168.  Coverage for postmastectomy inpatient care.

(a)        Every entityproviding a health benefit plan that provides coverage for mastectomy,including coverage for postmastectomy inpatient care, shall ensure that thedecision whether to discharge the patient following mastectomy is made by theattending physician in consultation with the patient, and shall further ensurethat the length of postmastectomy hospital stay is based on the uniquecharacteristics of each patient taking into consideration the health andmedical history of the patient.

(b)        As used in thissection, "health benefit plans" means accident and health insurancepolicies or certificates; nonprofit hospital or medical service corporationcontracts; health, hospital, or medical service corporation plan contracts;health maintenance organization (HMO) subscriber contracts; and plans providedby a MEWA or plans provided by other benefit arrangements, to the extentpermitted by ERISA.

(c)        As used in thissection, "mastectomy" means the surgical removal of all or part of abreast as a result of breast cancer or breast disease. (1997‑440,s. 1.)