This week, North Carolina announced that it will begin long-range health care deliveries by drone in an effort to expand on-demand health care and improve the patient experience in the state. A distribution center will be set up in Kannapolis, North Carolina, where Novant Health, Magellan Rx Management, and Cardinal Health will work collaboratively with Zipline, a drone delivery company, to deliver products from that central location.

This drone delivery service can offer delivery within 15 minutes and can serve patients within a 7,800 square mile radius. This will help alleviate some of the frustration of patients who visit a pharmacy, only to find inventory missing or low in stock. Additionally, the hope is that it will also reduce some of the barriers to affordable, effective health care and medical supplies. Patients will be able to order specialty medications for chronic illness and complex conditions directly to their home almost instantaneously.

The announcement of this partnership comes after the Federal Aviation Administration granted Zipline a Part 135 certification, which allows it to operate as a small air carrier in national airspace. Zipline is only the fourth drone operator to receive this certification in the United States. The state hopes to set a bar for care and convenience with this drone delivery system and to increase access to health care for its residents.

Photo of Kathryn Rattigan Kathryn Rattigan

Kathryn Rattigan is a member of the Business Litigation Group and the Data Privacy and Security Team. She concentrates her practice on privacy and security compliance under both state and federal regulations and advising clients on website and mobile app privacy and…

Kathryn Rattigan is a member of the Business Litigation Group and the Data Privacy and Security Team. She concentrates her practice on privacy and security compliance under both state and federal regulations and advising clients on website and mobile app privacy and security compliance. Kathryn helps clients review, revise and implement necessary policies and procedures under the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA). She also provides clients with the information needed to effectively and efficiently handle potential and confirmed data breaches while providing insight into federal regulations and requirements for notification and an assessment under state breach notification laws. Prior to joining the firm, Kathryn was an associate at Nixon Peabody. She earned her J.D., cum laude, from Roger Williams University School of Law and her B.A., magna cum laude, from Stonehill College. She is admitted to practice law in Massachusetts and Rhode Island. Read her full rc.com bio here.