Governor McCrory Signs Legislation Protecting Health Care Professionals | Eastern North Carolina Now

Press Release:

    Raleigh, NC     Governor Pat McCrory signed legislation this morning that protects health care personnel who work with or near hazardous materials and antineoplastic agents (chemotherapy drugs) from disease and injury caused by exposure. House Bill 644 requires the North Carolina Department of Labor, by January 1, 2016, to develop and enforce regulations that conform to the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health recommendations. Primary sponsors for the bill were Representatives Tom Murry, Becky Carney and the late Dr. Jim Fulghum.

    "This legislation will provide needed protections to our health care professionals," said Governor McCrory. "It is fitting that this was sponsored by the late Rep. Fulghum. As a medical doctor, this bill furthers his legacy of caring about the personal safety of others."

    The governor's office plans to deliver a pen used to sign this legislation to Rep. Fulghum's widow, Mary Susan Fulghum.

    Governor McCrory also signed today:

• Senate Bill 812 (Sens. Soucek and Tillman) – A bill that ensures educational standards are robust, appropriate and enables students to succeed academically and professionally by reviewing Common Core standards. The governor previously stated his support, saying "It (the legislation) does not change any of North Carolina's education standards. It does initiate a much-needed, comprehensive and thorough review of standards. No standards will change without the approval of the State Board of Education. I especially look forward to the recommendations that will address testing issues so we can measure what matters most for our teachers, parents and students."
• Senate Bill 614 (Sen. Brown) – A bill which grants the North Carolina Military Affairs Commission greater flexibility to advocate for military missions, installations and infrastructure within the state by protecting sensitive documents regarding Base Closure and Realignment until decisions are made at the federal government level. This bill also gives the State Construction Office, within the Department of Administration, authority to oversee certain development surrounding military lands for the protection of our military infrastructure.
• Senate Bill 105 (Sen. Tillman) – A bill that authorizes the towns of Elizabethtown and Matthews to enroll its employees and dependents in the State Health Plan for teachers and state employees.
• Senate Bill 794 (Sen. Brown) – This bill directs the Industrial Commission to adopt various workers' compensation rules, and provides uniform statewide guidelines for the computation of retroactive child support obligations.

• Contact: Crystal Feldman
•     govpress@nc.gov