RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) – Legislation aimed at curbing salaries for top executives at North Carolina’s regional mental health providers could be in jeopardy after Senate Republicans said they also want to revisit the 2015 Medicaid overhaul.

A Senate committee approved changes Thursday to a House bill that critics worry could derail the state’s mental health system by speeding up the process of merging physical and mental services for Medicaid recipients.

A key House negotiator on Medicaid issues says it’s unlikely his chamber will accept the new bill’s dramatic changes.

It was originally intended to address how funds are used at the seven agencies managing services for the mentally ill, substance abusers and people with developmental disabilities.

A recent state audit found Cardinal Innovations Healthcare Solutions spent excessively on directors’ pay, conferences and Christmas parties.

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Senate adds Medicaid reforms to bill on mental health – WWAY NewsChannel 3