AN ACT to appropriate funds to provide for hyperbaric oxygen therapy treatment for north carolina veterans suffering from traumatic brain injury (TBI) and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

Whereas, North Carolina is home to one of the largest veteran populations in the nation; and

Whereas, veterans suffering from traumatic brain injury (TBI) and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) experience elevated risk of depression, functional impairment, and suicide; and

Whereas, hyperbaric oxygen therapy is a recognized medical treatment and has been authorized for use in treating veterans with TBI and PTSD pursuant to S.L. 2019‑175; and

Whereas, prior State‑funded pilot programs providing access to hyperbaric oxygen therapy for veterans have demonstrated measurable improvements in veteran health outcomes and quality of life; and

Whereas, ensuring access to evidence‑informed, nonpharmacologic treatment options for veterans is in the best interests of the State of North Carolina; Now, therefore,

The General Assembly of North Carolina enacts:

SECTION 1.  Program Established. – Within the funds made available pursuant to Section 2 of this act, HBOT 4 HEROES, a nonprofit corporation, shall provide hyperbaric oxygen therapy to eligible veterans who are residents of North Carolina and have a diagnosis of traumatic brain injury (TBI) or posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) at no cost to the veteran. Treatment shall be delivered through a structured program that includes clinical intake, treatment delivery, and pre‑ and post‑treatment outcome assessments. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy treatment provided to a veteran pursuant to this section shall be provided in accordance with Part 5 of Article 6 of Chapter 122C of the General Statutes.

SECTION 2.  Appropriation. – There is appropriated from the General Fund to the Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Mental Health, Developmental Disabilities, and Substance Use Services (DMH/DD/SUS), the sum of three million dollars ($3,000,000) in nonrecurring funds for the 2026‑2027 fiscal year to provide a directed grant to HBOT 4 HEROES to provide an estimated 15,000 hyperbaric oxygen treatments, serving approximately 350 veterans in accordance with this act. These funds shall be used solely for direct treatment services, program administration, and required reporting. The funds appropriated by this section shall not revert but shall remain available until expended.

SECTION 3.  Report. – By June 30, 2027, HBOT 4 HEROES shall submit a report to the Joint Legislative Oversight Committee on Health and Human Services and the Fiscal Research Division on the provision of hyperbaric oxygen therapy treatment to veterans, including the number of veterans served, the counties of residence of those veterans, aggregate outcomes, and an accounting of State funds.

SECTION 4.  Effective Date. – This act is effective July 1, 2026.