North Dakota
North Dakota Gov. Kelly Armstrong signs bill to put checks on AI health care decisions
BISMARCK — A new North Dakota law is expected to put checks on the influence that artificial intelligence and algorithms have on health care decisions, resulting in fewer delays in treatment and medication for patients.
On Wednesday, April 23, Gov. Kelly Armstrong signed
Senate Bill 2280, which aims to reform the “prior authorization” process for patients needing imaging services, medications and surgeries.
Prior authorization is the approval from a patient’s health insurance provider that may be required for a service, treatment or prescription to be covered by their plan, if it’s not an emergency. Prior authorization does not guarantee payment, but makes it more likely their health plan will cover the cost.
The new North Dakota law puts deadlines on insurance plans for those prior authorization decisions and requires any denials to be made by a licensed physician, not by AI or insurance companies.
The bill passed unanimously in the House and nearly so in the Senate, and with Armstrong’s signature, takes effect Jan. 1, 2026.
Sen. Scott Meyer, R-Grand Forks, the bill’s lead sponsor, said it passed due to proponents and opponents sitting down and working it out.
“Just because it was a vote that led to almost unanimous support, it was still a lot of work to get to that point,” Meyer told The Forum.
Dr. Stefanie Gefroh, president of Essentia Health’s West Market, said North Dakota is one of only a few states without statewide oversight of prior authorization.
“It’s kind of an open book with no guard rails, essentially, around what is an acceptable time frame for a patient to receive clearance to get services,” Gefroh said.
She said some physicians are having to spend up to 14 hours a week trying to justify a medical decision made for a patient.
Meyer said American Medical Association data shows among all of the prior authorization requests in Medicare Advantage plans that were denied and appealed in 2022, more than 83% were overturned.
The result was delays in care, treatment and medications for those patients.
Gefroh said most delays involve higher cost items: MRIs, surgeries, and chemotherapy and immunologic agents.
The law calls for insurance companies to make timely decisions; within seven days for non-urgent requests and 72 hours for urgent ones.
Requests for services that go unmet or unanswered are considered “authorized.”
“That’s why the default to ‘yes’ really is quite extraordinary, because the beautiful part of it is we’re not holding up patient care,” she said.
In addition, any denials for services must be made by licensed physicians experienced in the relevant condition, not by AI or insurance analysts.
Gefroh said insurance companies that don’t adhere to the guidelines will likely have to adjust their internal processes.
“I don’t think they want to be approving by default,” she said.
There was pushback against the bill from representatives of multiple insurance companies, who said it would increase costs.
In the end, the bill prevailed due to support from the North Dakota Hospital Association, and a coalition led by Essentia of 20 health care and patient advocacy organizations representing physicians, pharmacists, hospitals, physical therapists, and advocates for seniors, children, and cancer patients.
“It’s doing the right thing and putting the patients at the center and anytime we can put the highlight on that, I’m pleased,” Gefroh said.
The562’s coverage of Long Beach State athletics for the 2025-26 season is sponsored by Marilyn Bohl.
Long Beach State hosted North Dakota State on March 10 where they suffered a 5-2 loss. Freshman Nina Sepulveda had two hits in the loss. Long Beach State will resume Big West play this weekend when they travel to UC Riverside for a three-game series starting Friday, March 13.
GRAND FORKS — Four area athletes were selected to the North Dakota Division A all-state girls basketball team, which was released by the North Dakota High School Coaches Association on Tuesday.
The North Dakota Associated Press Sportscasters and Sportswriters Association will release all-state teams later this month.
Thompson’s Addison Sage led the way as a first team all-state pick, as well as receiving the division’s Outstanding Senior Athlete honor. Her coach, Jason Brend, was the Coach of the Year.
All-state second team choices from the area are Devils Lake junior Tylie Brodina, Four Winds-Minnewaukan sophomore Suri Gourd and Thompson senior Kya Hurst.
Sage, a 5-foot-6 guard, averaged 22.3 points per game, 3.2 rebounds, 3.3 assists and 3.2 steals per game. Sage has more than 1,900 career points and holds the Tommies’ all-time scoring record.
Brodina, a 5-8 guard, averaged 18.8 points and 2.6 steals per game. She shot 82 percent from the foul line and 32 percent from 3-point range.
Hurst, a 5-6 forward, averaged 16.3 points and 9.6 rebounds per game. She added 3.7 steals and 3.5 assists per game while shooting 39.5 percent from 3-point range. Hurst has scored more than 1,600 points and grabbed more than 840 rebounds in her career.
Gourd, a 5-8 guard, averaged 26.1 points, 7.1 rebounds, 5.4 assists and 4.4 steals per game. Gourd has more than 1,600 career points in her career with two more seasons to play.
Gourd led Four Winds-Minnewaukan from a 5-17 record last season to a 16-8 mark this year.
Funeral Mass for Annabelle Weber, 95, of Dickinson will be 10:00 AM, Thursday, March 12, 2026 at Queen of Peace Church with Msgr. Thomas Richter celebrating. Burial will follow at St. Joseph’s Cemetery, Dickinson. Visitation will be from 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM, Wednesday, March 11, 2026 at Stevenson Funeral Home, Dickinson, with Rosary and Vigil service taking place at 6:00 PM. Annabelle passed away Friday, March 6, 2026 at St. Benedict’s Health Center, Dickinson. Annabelle S. Weber was born on December 8, 1930, in Killdeer, North Dakota, to Frank and Eva (Kowis) Schmalz. She grew up in Killdeer and graduated from Killdeer High School in 1947. At the age of 17, Annabelle began working at Zimbrich’s Department Store in Killdeer. She later moved to Dickinson, where she worked at S&L in retail sales and spent many years at Kessel’s Bridal Shop. While working at the Esquire Steak House, she met Gerald Weber, the love of her life. The couple was united in marriage on November 1, 1954, at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Dickinson, where they made their home and built their life together. Annabelle was a woman who loved staying busy and caring for her family and home. She enjoyed hunting and fishing, along with hobbies such as crafts, sewing, and gardening. She was well known for keeping an immaculate home and took great pride in caring for those around her. Faith was an important part of her life. She joined the Catholic Daughters in 1957 and was active in church circles, often helping with funeral dinners and parish gatherings. Annabelle’s greatest joy was her family. Annabelle is survived by her sons, Greg (Barbara) Weber of Grand Forks, Russ (Rhonda) Weber of Dickinson; daughter, Sharon (Tony) Allen of Andover, MN; nine grandchildren, Christi (Ryan), Tiffani (Tim), Shane (Kayla), Tonya (Adam), Samantha (Scott), Kevin, Tracey (Analisa), Stacie, Tyler; 15 great-grandchildren and 1 great-great grandchild. She was preceded in death by her parents, Frank and Eva Schmalz; husband, Gerald Weber; siblings, William (Evelyn) Schmalz, Elaine (John) Buresh, and Vernon (Dolores) Schmalz; and daughter-in-law, Coleen Weber (Krance). Remembrances and condolences can be shared at www.stevensonfuneralhome.com.
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