Section 19 of the 2013 Regulatory Reform Act amends both the state building code and provisions of the public health code that give local health departments the duty to inspect lodging establishments. The amendments require lodging establishments to install and maintain carbon monoxide detectors in enclosed spaces, including sleeping rooms, that either have a fossil fuel burning heater, appliance or fireplace, or share a wall, floor or ceiling with an enclosed space that has one of those items.

By adding this requirement to the public health laws, the legislation has the effect of giving local health departments the responsibility to determine compliance with this provision as part of the inspection and permitting of lodging establishments. The legislation also directs the Building Code Council, the Department of Health and Human Services, and the Commission for Public Health to jointly study the new requirements to determine whether they are adequate to protect the public health. 

Update: On September 25, 2013, the North Carolina Division of Public Health issued this position statement to address the role of local health departments in enforcing the new law. 

Update 2: On December 18, 2013, the North Carolina Division of Public Health issued this update to answer questions and clarify issues arising from local health departments' enforcement of the CO detector requirement.