Committee Summary for Health and Human Services Oversight Committee (02/20/2026)

Bill/Time	Type	Title
Unclear 00:00:00.000 - 8:32:06 AM	General Working Session	Unclear
Unclear 00:22:00.000 - 8:54:06 AM	General Working Session	Unclear
Unclear 00:40:00.000 - 9:12:06 AM	General Working Session	Unclear
Unclear 00:50:00.000 - 9:22:06 AM	General Working Session	Unclear

Unclear: Commissioner Lori Weaver, DHHS Information Only00:00:00.000 - 8:32:06 AM; Commissioner Weaver opens the meeting noting no quorum for minutes approval. She provides a brief update on a significant flood in the Brown building three and a half weeks ago, displacing nearly 400 staff. Credits Mr. David Weathers for executing the continuity of operations plan to relocate staff across the state. Notes Brown building houses key operations like IT, HR, finance, legal, and payroll. Expects gradual return in coming weeks and asks for patience with any disruptions.
Unclear: David Weathers, Chief Operating Officer, DHHS Information Only00:02:00.000 - 8:34:06 AM; David Weathers introduces New Hampshire Care Connections as a privacy-first, closed-loop referral system to connect clients with providers securely, reducing reliance on fax, email, or voicemail. Emphasizes continuity of service for hospitals, community mental health centers, and federally qualified health centers to cut duplicative costs and prevent emergency department returns. Discusses legislation ensuring privacy and consent in contracts. Details Upper Valley implementation with Dartmouth Health to test workflows, governance, consent management, onboarding, training, technical integration, and communications. Plans testing over next months and summer, learning for statewide rollout via advisory committee. Connects to rural health transformation grant for enhancing solutions, reducing inefficiencies, and strengthening communities. Highlights regional-first approach for all clients across divisions, braided funding, in-person engagement with partners like NH Hospital Association and Behavioral Health Association, and metrics for success like referral tracking and follow-up.
Unclear: Representative Weber Information Only00:10:00.000 - 8:42:06 AM; Representative Weber asks how primary care providers (PCPs) in Kingston would value the system and how it helps them.
Unclear: David Weathers, Chief Operating Officer, DHHS Information Only00:10:30.000 - 8:42:36 AM; Weathers explains benefits for PCPs: enables referrals for issues like food/nutrition or domestic violence with follow-up confirmation, ensuring closed connections rather than dead-end contacts. Enhances existing referral networks by systematizing connections, eliminating drop-offs from outdated contacts.
Unclear: Representative Weber Information Only00:12:00.000 - 8:44:06 AM; Representative Weber expresses concern about interoperability of medical records across Dartmouth-affiliated systems like Cheshire Medical Center, asking if the system handles medical records meshing or just referral feedback.
Unclear: David Weathers, Chief Operating Officer, DHHS Information Only00:12:30.000 - 8:44:36 AM; Weathers clarifies no storage or transmission of medical records through the solution due to privacy; focuses on integrating referrals with electronic health records (EHRs) for status tracking. Notes consent management for sensitive data like substance use disorders. Describes it as a hub like an interstate for connections. Mentions Epic integration in Upper Valley, planning others to avoid duplicate entry; supports providers without robust systems via direct access.
Unclear: Unidentified Speaker Information Only00:13:34.456 - 8:45:40 AM; Comments on the robustness for transitions between HHS and private sector services.
Unclear: Unidentified Representative Information Only00:15:00.000 - 8:47:06 AM; Appreciates efforts on Brown Building recovery, notes daughter's involvement and indefinite timeline. Asks about communication with municipalities like Concord on rural health transformation project.
Unclear: Commissioner Lori Weaver, DHHS Information Only00:16:00.000 - 8:48:06 AM; Weaver expresses surprise at Concord's unawareness, notes official launch pending fiscal approval this afternoon. Describes prior outreach: RFI, town halls, Executive Council roadshows, Governor's summit in Littleton for input. Targets rural areas per state definition, excluding southern part; eligible entities include community mental health and FQHCs statewide. Offers to discuss with city officials, promises more communications.
Unclear: Unidentified Representative Information Only00:18:00.000 - 8:50:06 AM; Notes Concord lacks dedicated legislative liaison, plans end-of-session meeting to form committee for awareness and preparation.
Unclear: Senator Gray Information Only00:19:00.000 - 8:51:06 AM; Declines question at that point.
Unclear: Representative Weber Information Only00:20:00.000 - 8:52:06 AM; Points out legislators on Concord City Council; clarifies administrative/mayoral level needs action, consensus to proceed.
Unclear: Mary Ann Barter, Past Chair, NH Child Care Advisory Council Information Only00:22:00.000 - 8:54:06 AM; Mary Ann Barter highlights accomplishments: collaborated with licensing to streamline rules, reducing document by 30%, passed September. Continuing collaboration on Independent Informal Dispute Resolution (IIDR) group of providers for disputes, improving fairness and relationships. Working with DHHS and Jessica Carver on revising Granite Steps for Quality rating system post-COVID and on handbook for auditing state scholarship funds to ensure compliance and transparency. Monitoring closures (three this week), focusing on accessibility, affordability, economic impacts on families and staff retention.
Unclear: Unidentified Representative Information Only00:25:00.000 - 8:57:06 AM; Asks about immunization requirements for Child Care Development Fund (CCDF) scholarships and relation to pending legislation removing vaccinations.
Unclear: Jessica Carver, DHHS Information Only00:26:00.000 - 8:58:06 AM; Carver references CCDF Part 98 requiring age-appropriate immunizations per state recommendations. Notes consultation with federal TA partners; offers to provide clarity later. Mentions defeated House bill but ongoing background.
Unclear: Unidentified Speaker Information Only00:30:30.417 - 9:02:36 AM; Suggests follow-up meeting for detailed answer with federal clarification.
Unclear: Mary Ann Barter, Past Chair, NH Child Care Advisory Council Information Only00:31:00.000 - 9:03:06 AM; Emphasizes child care as small businesses wanting autonomy; supports providers setting own immunization rules based on parent-provider philosophy. Concerns about federal compliance for scholarship programs but control for non-scholarship ones.
Unclear: Unidentified Representative Information Only00:32:00.000 - 9:04:06 AM; Urges quick follow-up as bills are active.
Unclear: Representative McDonald Information Only00:33:00.000 - 9:05:06 AM; Asks if there's a waitlist for child care assistance.
Unclear: Jessica Carver, DHHS Information Only00:33:30.000 - 9:05:36 AM; No current waitlist, maintained for some time.
Unclear: Representative McDonald Information Only00:34:00.000 - 9:06:06 AM; Follow-up: Asks for breakdown of private pay vs. scholarship children.
Unclear: Jessica Carver, DHHS Information Only00:34:30.000 - 9:06:36 AM; Over 5,000 children eligible for scholarships; will provide private vs. subsidy breakdown.
Unclear: Representative McDonald Information Only00:35:00.000 - 9:07:06 AM; Follow-up: Recalls $80M federal cut last year; asks about potential further cuts.
Unclear: Jessica Carver, DHHS Information Only00:35:30.000 - 9:07:36 AM; No heard cuts yet; new federal director announced; will monitor and update.
Unclear: Senator Gray Information Only00:36:00.000 - 9:08:06 AM; Clarifies no state waitlist but programs have waitlists; children with scholarships may lack spots.
Unclear: Senator Gray Information Only00:37:00.000 - 9:09:06 AM; Notes difficulty getting total child care numbers due to informal providers like family; attended Rochester anniversary, highlights staffing shortages despite facility capacity.
Unclear: Mary Ann Barter, Past Chair, NH Child Care Advisory Council Information Only00:38:00.000 - 9:10:06 AM; Agrees on complexity; stresses funding workforce over empty buildings given state's financial shape.
Unclear: Allison Power, Perinatal Nurse, DHHS Information Only00:40:00.000 - 9:12:06 AM; Introduces MMRC established 2010, reviews de-identified maternal deaths for recommendations. Summarizes 2024 report: 5 pregnancy-associated deaths (lowest in 5 years), 1 overdose (down from 3 in 2023, 20% proportion). Aggregates 2020-2024: 61% in Hillsborough County (highest births); Belknap highest rate. 68% pregnancy-related. Key causes: cardiovascular (24%), infection (16%), hemorrhage (12%). Contributing: substance use (32%), mental health (28%), chronic conditions. Recommendations: improve treatment coordination, clinical education for mental health/SUD, collaborate with suicide prevention; enhance social supports, bias training, child protection collaboration.
Unclear: Allison Power, Perinatal Nurse, DHHS Information Only00:42:00.000 - 9:14:06 AM; Highlights services: NH Mom Hub for mental health navigation, contracts for postpartum depression screening/referral at community health centers.
Unclear: Dr. Julie Bosake, Director, NH Perinatal Quality Collaborative Information Only00:43:00.000 - 9:15:06 AM; NHPQC supports MMRC, disseminates recommendations via hospitals/practices. Implemented AIM bundles in 15 birthing hospitals for SUD/mental health screening/treatment. Perinatal mental health bundle progress: referral/treatment rates 67% to 76% in 2024. Disseminated urgent maternal warning signs materials statewide to hospitals, clinics, etc.
Unclear: Representative Weber Information Only00:45:30.417 - 9:17:36 AM; Asks if 67% to 76% jump in mental health treatment is due to small numbers or larger population.
Unclear: Dr. Julie Bosake, Director, NH Perinatal Quality Collaborative Information Only00:46:00.000 - 9:18:06 AM; 26% of delivering moms have perinatal mental health diagnosis; among diagnosed, referrals to treatment increased from 67% to 76% from 2024 to 2025.
Unclear: Representative Weber Information Only00:47:00.000 - 9:19:06 AM; Confirms preliminary 2025 data shows no maternal perinatal substance abuse deaths; praises achievement.
Unclear: Allison Power, Perinatal Nurse, DHHS Information Only00:47:30.000 - 9:19:36 AM; No identified maternal deaths in 2025 so far, some under review.
Unclear: Representative Weber Information Only00:48:00.000 - 9:20:06 AM; Notes extension of postpartum coverage to one year; asks for stats or explanation on impact.
Unclear: Allison Power, Perinatal Nurse, DHHS Information Only00:48:30.000 - 9:20:36 AM; Logical connection to reduced postpartum overdose deaths (none in 2025); increased Medicaid behavioral health access postpartum. Medicaid analysis shows rise in extended care.
Unclear: Unidentified Speaker Information Only00:49:30.000 - 9:21:36 AM; Notes correlation but not confirmed causation.
Unclear: Melissa Hardy, Division Director, Long-Term Supports and Services, DHHS Information Only00:50:00.000 - 9:22:06 AM; Introduces quarterly waitlist report for Q2 FY26 on DD, in-home supports, and ABD waivers. All funding requests funded. Data from electronic system via area agencies. Reviews DD waiver: 107 requests funded; 31 withdrew (date changes, family choice, aging in school, moves, deaths). Of 76 remaining, 62 projected to start; 45 started, 17 did not (8 awaiting Medicaid, 4 securing providers, 4 delayed, 1 incomplete agreement). Notes workforce/provider availability issues.
Unclear: Melissa Hardy, Division Director, Long-Term Supports and Services, DHHS Information Only01:00:30.417 - 9:32:36 AM; Provides an update on Medicaid eligibility concerns and initiatives through the department's roadmap to simplify the process. Describes partnerships with the Division of Medicaid, Division for Family Assistance, Bureau of Family Assistance, and Long-Term Care to enhance financial and medical eligibility processing times. Emphasizes ensuring timely access to community-based services to prevent institutionalization and support preventative care. Details collaboration with the Bureau of Family Assistance and Disability Determination Unit to ease transitions from children's to adult Medicaid by sharing area agency information to avoid redundant applications for families. Notes ongoing weekly information blasts to providers and families, biweekly meetings with provider agencies, and ad hoc support for area agencies, service coordinators, and providers.
Unclear: Legislator Information Only01:07:00.000 - 9:39:06 AM; Recalls personal involvement in developmental disabilities issues since entering the legislature 10 years ago, including visits to area agencies with mixed impressions. References recent media articles on extreme cases and inquires about increased supervision of area agencies to ensure best practices.
Unclear: DHHS Representative, Bureau of Developmental Services Information Only01:08:00.000 - 9:40:06 AM; Acknowledges the cited articles date back to 2017 and highlights system transformations since then. Describes structural changes since 2021, including updated rules, internal reviews of sentinel events by a program-level team with subject matter experts to identify trends and make recommendations, such as increasing required in-home visits (approved in 2023 rules). Explains the 2023 CMS corrective action plan update that directly enrolls Medicaid providers, shifting from subcontractors under area agencies while preserving shared governance and local connections. Mentions adoption of HEM 504 rule in 2023 to codify provider agency expectations. Notes ongoing work with the quality council involving area agencies, providers, and service coordinators to evolve and improve the system for greater trust among families and individuals.
Unclear: Melissa Hardy, Division Director, Long-Term Supports and Services, DHHS Information Only01:12:00.000 - 9:44:06 AM; Adds details on contractual oversight, including monthly individual meetings with each area agency since the 2023 contract to review components, financial status, billing, and concerns. Describes participation in crisis policy responses and availability for ad hoc calls to address issues collaboratively with area agency staff.
Unclear: Legislator Information Only01:13:00.000 - 9:45:06 AM; Confirms familiarity with the information but wanted it on the record. Calls for questions from Representative Woods.
Unclear: Representative Woods Information Only01:13:30.000 - 9:45:36 AM; Comments on the robustness of interagency data sharing and asks if there are any issues obtaining data from providers to populate the database needed for authorizing services, noting that without provider data, progress stalls.
Unclear: DHHS Representative, Bureau of Developmental Services Information Only01:14:00.000 - 9:46:06 AM; Reports no significant issues beyond initial growing pains and learning curves with new system modules built from the ground up. Praises strong collaboration with provider agencies through biweekly and ad hoc meetings, plus service coordination agency discussions, leading to effective resolution of challenges. Expresses satisfaction with the volume and quality of incoming data, enabling new analyses and system recommendations. Highlights IT upgrades for real-time transparency across providers, BDS, and area agencies, replacing outdated Excel-based processes, with overall improvement in data access compared to prior years.