TITLE 3: HUMAN RESOURCES DIVISION 2: HEALTH
§ 2838
§ 2838. Duties and Responsibilities of the Health Network Program. (a) Assist eligible CNMI patients who are approved pursuant to the program’s rules and regulations to access healthcare that is not available on patients’ respective home islands within the Commonwealth, or healthcare which is not available within the geographic boundaries of the Commonwealth. (b) Maintain program data, including, but not limited to, reasons for patient referral, related diagnoses, and treatment received, health outcomes of approved referrals, and financial data on the costs of assistance provided through the program. (c) On or before March 1 of each fiscal year, submit to the Governor and the Legislature an analysis of program data, including but not limited to expenditures and reasons for off-island services, and recommendations, if any, for future funding, program improvements, or policy reform. (d) Ensure that healthcare providers outside the CNMI provide requisite health records and clinical documentation for approved patients who are referred through the Health Network Program. (e) Identify and pursue opportunities to improve access to care within the CNMI, and reduce the need for patients to travel outside of the CNMI for health care. (f) Ensure the inclusion of the Health Network Program’s personnel and operations in the annual budget of the Commonwealth Healthcare Corporation. (g) Operate the Health Network Program in a manner that does not exceed the CNMI general fund appropriation for HNP. If appropriated funding for the Health Network Program is exhausted prior to the end of the fiscal year, the CHCC shall submit a request to the Governor and the Legislature for supplemental appropriations. (h) The Commonwealth Healthcare Corporation shall promulgate rules and regulations necessary to effectuate this Act, which shall supersede and replace any rules, regulations, or other policies pertaining to CHCC’s network of providers or medical referral services that preceded this Act. Source: PL 22-33, § 4 (Jan. 31, 2023). Commission Comment: Legislative Findings of 2023 Legislation.— For Findings and Purpose of PL 22-33, see Commission comment to 9 CMC § 2837. References in Text.— “This Act”, referred to in text, is PL 22-33, which enacted 3 CMC §§ 2837–2839 and amended 3 CMC §§ 2822, 2823.