For Release: IMMEDIATE
Date: July 12, 2007

Name changes reflect missions of DHHS division, commission

RALEIGH – The N.C. Division of Facility Services has a new name. The agency is now the N.C. Division of Health Service Regulation.

“This gives us a name that more accurately reflects the mission of our agency,” said Robert Fitzgerald, division director. “It also more clearly communicates with the public who they might need to contact if they have concerns about care in North Carolina.”

Among the services regulated by the division are medical, mental health and group care facilities, home care and hospice agencies, emergency medical services, and local jails.

In another name change the North Carolina Commission of Health Services, also known as the Health Services Commission, became the Commission for Public Health. The commission has the authority to adopt rules to protect and promote public health.

The name changes were requested by the N.C. Department of Health and Human Services, approved by the General Assembly and signed into law July 5.