Rep. Pierce files bill in North Carolina House to study hospice care complaints

A new bill filed by State Rep. Pierce seeks to improve accountability in hospice care facilities by conducting a comprehensive study of patient and family complaints, according to the North Carolina State House.

The bill, filed as HB 974 on April 10 during the 2025 regular session, was formally listed with the short title: ‘DHHS Study/Hospice Patient Complaints.’

The following is our breakdown, based on the actual bill text, and may include interpretation to clarify its provisions.

In essence, this bill mandates the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services to conduct a comprehensive study aimed at enhancing accountability in hospice care facilities concerning patient and family complaints. The study requires an analysis of complaint data from hospice facilities, patients, and their families, and involves engaging with stakeholders, such as hospice care administrators and relevant associations. Findings and recommendations, including any proposed legislative or administrative changes, must be reported to the Joint Legislative Oversight Committee on Health and Human Services and the Fiscal Research Division by April 1, 2026. The report will summarize common complaints and suggest best practices for improving complaint procedures, ensuring thorough investigations, fostering effective communication, and empowering families as part of the care team. This act becomes effective upon becoming law.

Of the four sponsors of this bill, Donna McDowell White proposed the most bills (40) during the 2025 regular session.

Bills in North Carolina follow a multi-step process before becoming law. A lawmaker starts by filing a bill, which is assigned to a committee for review. The bill must be read three times in each chamber. If one chamber changes the bill after the other passes it, both must agree on the final version. Once both chambers approve the same bill, it goes to the governor, who has 10 days (or 30 if the legislature is not in session) to sign, veto, or let it become law without a signature.

You can read more about the bills and other measures here.

Pierce graduated from Fayetteville State University with a BS.

Pierce, a Democrat, was elected to the North Carolina State House in 2005 to represent the state’s 48th House district, replacing previous state representative Donald Bonner.