Committee Summary for House Executive Departments and Administration (01/16/2025)

Bill/Time	Type	Title	Sponsor
Unclear 00:02:25.840 - 9:01:27 AM	General Working Session	Unclear
HB271 03:02:04.520 - 12:01:06 PM	Public Hearing	relative to initial license requirements for licensed social work associates.	Schmidt, Peter(D)[CT]2024
HB85 04:01:34.120 - 1:00:36 PM	Public Hearing	relative to temporary licensure for student respiratory therapists.	McGuire, Carol(R)[A+]2024
HB82 2024-0010H 04:31:23.520 - 1:30:25 PM	Public Hearing	relative to the regulation of various occupations.	McGuire, Carol(R)[A+]2024

Unclear: Patrick Long, Manchester Ward 7 Information Only00:02:25.840 - 9:01:27 AM; Representative Patrick Long introduced himself as a representative from Manchester Ward 7. He congratulated the attendees and noted that this was the last formal orientation session of the Office of Professional Licensure and Certification (OPLC). He mentioned the substantial degree to which they deal with licensing bills.
Unclear: Deana Jurus, Executive Director of the Office of Professional Licensure Information Only00:03:43.879 - 9:02:45 AM; Deana Jurus introduced herself as the executive director of the OPLC and expressed happiness to be at the hearing. She distributed a high-level presentation of about 10 or 11 slides and was open to taking questions during the presentation. She introduced Nicholas Fry, the general counsel, and mentioned other staff members present, including Heather Kelly, director of operations, and Bethany Catrell, director of Licensing and Board Administration. She also mentioned Sarah Rogers, the director of enforcement, who was not present.
Unclear: Heather Kelly, Director of Operations, OPLC Information Only00:09:57.120 - 9:08:59 AM; Heather Kelly confirmed the current staffing levels at the OPLC, stating that the authorized number of staff is 120, with around 104 positions currently filled.
Unclear: Deana Jurus, Executive Director of the Office of Professional Licensure Information Only00:06:04.639 - 9:05:06 AM; Deana Jurus continued her presentation, detailing the mission of the OPLC to safeguard public health, safety, welfare, environment, and public trust. She explained the office's structure, including the divisions of enforcement, licensing and board administration, and operations. She also discussed the responsibilities of the executive director, including supervision, employment, examination processing, investigation of complaints, maintenance of records, and rule-making. She outlined the responsibilities of the boards, including rule-making, disciplinary processes, and licensing criteria.
Unclear: Bethany Catrell, Division Director of Licensing and Board Administration, OPLC Information Only00:24:05.520 - 9:23:07 AM; Bethany Catrell explained the licensing process for a nurse, detailing how a graduate would apply to the OPLC to take an exam, receive approval to sit for the exam, and then receive a full unrestricted license upon passing the exam and completing a criminal background check. She highlighted improvements in the licensing process, noting that 87% of applications were processed within 90 days and 57% within 14 days.
Unclear: Deana Jurus, Executive Director of the Office of Professional Licensure Information Only00:42:30.160 - 9:41:32 AM; Deana Jurus discussed the enforcement division's efforts to streamline processes and collaborate with boards. She mentioned the ongoing audit of pending complaints to verify their status and legal viability. She highlighted the OPLC's significant role in rule-making, responsible for over 25% of the state's initial proposals in 2024. She also touched on budget and fees, stating that the OPLC is working on a fee package to accompany the next biennial budget.
Unclear: Unnamed Legislator Information Only00:51:43.640 - 9:50:45 AM; An unnamed legislator expressed concern about the enforcement division's progress and asked how they would know if improvements had been made within a year. Deana Jurus responded that she hoped to present success metrics similar to those for licensing and customer service, and that progress would be reflected in the 2025 annual report.
Unclear: Unnamed Legislator Information Only00:52:49.400 - 9:51:51 AM; The speaker discusses the issue of board members serving beyond their statutory term limits. They mention that this problem has been brought to their attention by people who have experienced it. They emphasize the importance of the new governor being informed about these situations, as it was their responsibility in the previous governor's office to monitor such vacancies across the state. They are aware of the current roster of board members, any vacancies, and members in holdover status, and they regularly communicate with board members about reappointment eligibility and interest. They acknowledge the challenge in managing board and commission appointments due to the high number of volunteers involved and the process through GNC, but they commit to keeping the issue at the forefront due to its impact.
Unclear: Unnamed Legislator Information Only00:55:54.319 - 9:54:56 AM; The speaker continues the discussion on board member terms, highlighting an instance from 20 years ago when a committee chair went to the governor to request that a commissioner not be reappointed due to dissatisfaction. They emphasize the importance of the committee being the 'eyes and ears' of citizens and the executive branch and express the need for the governor's office to be receptive to their input on board and commission matters.
Unclear: Unnamed Legislator Information Only00:56:43.079 - 9:55:45 AM; The speaker mentions a previous notice in the house calendar seeking public members for boards but is unsure of its effectiveness in attracting applicants. They suggest waiting before repeating the notice to see if it becomes effective again.
HB271: Representative Schmidt Support03:02:04.520 - 12:01:06 PM; Representative Schmidt introduces House Bill 271, emphasizing its simplicity and importance in addressing labor shortages, particularly in the field of social work. They highlight the need for the bill and urge the committee to pay close attention to the witnesses who will testify in support of the bill.
HB271: Lyn Cier Stanley, National Association of Social Workers New Hampshire chapter Support03:03:54.439 - 12:02:56 PM; Lyn Cier Stanley, representing the National Association of Social Workers New Hampshire chapter, supports House Bill 271. They provide context on the bill's origins, explaining how it was developed to address barriers to mental health services, particularly related to insurance billing. The bill proposes removing the exam requirement for the Licensed Social Work Associate (LSWA) tier, arguing that it is an unnecessary barrier. They clarify that this change would not affect other licensure tiers and that LSWAs have a narrow scope of practice, excluding psychotherapy and differential diagnosis. They address questions about the necessity of the license for billing purposes and the professional development ladder, and clarify that the test in question is a national one administered by the Association of Social Work Boards.
HB271: Representative Re Information Only03:13:20.120 - 12:12:22 PM; Representative Re inquired about the impediments to the social work licensing exam, specifically questioning whether the cost or the passage rate of the test was the primary barrier. The response indicated that both the cost of the exam, which is $230 per attempt, and the passage rate, which is 70% for first-time takers with a bachelor's degree in social work, are significant hurdles. Representative Re also asked about the passage rate for those without a bachelor's degree, which was unknown but assumed to be lower.
HB271: Representative Leo Information Only03:14:56.200 - 12:13:58 PM; Representative Leo asked about the role of the position in question, specifically whether it was clerical or involved using skills tested in the exam. The response clarified that the exam tests knowledge and skills that the worker should have, and these are also covered in a 30-hour prescribed training over two to three years, alongside on-site supervision at their workplace. The training does not require a test, but competency is demonstrated through workplace performance.
HB271: Representative Zone Sellers Information Only03:21:21.760 - 12:20:23 PM; Representative Zone Sellers confirmed that the person in the position would always work under a licensed person and cannot work independently.
HB271: Representative Pearson Information Only03:22:07.120 - 12:21:09 PM; Representative Pearson asked about the duration of the proctor exam requirement in New Hampshire and the history of the Licensed Social Work Associate (LSWA) license. It was clarified that the exam has been required for decades, but the LSWA license was only introduced three and a half years ago, with the first license issued six months prior to the hearing. Only one LSWA has been licensed in New Hampshire to date.
HB271: Representative Re Information Only03:23:40.279 - 12:22:42 PM; Representative Re asked about the impact of passing the bill on access to mental health care for children. The response indicated that the bill would not speed up access to services but would potentially speed up the ability of agencies to get reimbursed for their services.
HB271: Representative Broa Information Only03:24:25.600 - 12:23:27 PM; Representative Broa sought clarification on whether the exam requirement was tied to reimbursement. It was confirmed that the statute requires sitting for the exam to obtain the license, which was part of the bill introduced three and a half years ago, with rules finalized just six months prior.
HB271: Andrew Hosmer, Senior Policy Adviser at Pretty Strategies, representing the Association of Social Work Boards Oppose03:25:50.000 - 12:24:52 PM; Andrew Hosmer testified in opposition to HB271 FN, arguing that the ASWB licensing exams are critical for ensuring safe, competent, and ethical social work practices. He highlighted the potential negative impacts on public safety, professional accountability, and the integrity of the social work profession if the exam requirement for Licensed Social Worker Associates is eliminated. Hosmer emphasized the broad support for licensing exams within the profession and cautioned against the premature change to licensing requirements given the recent implementation of related laws and the potential for unintended consequences.
HB271: Representative Lung Information Only03:31:14.399 - 12:30:16 PM; Representative Lung asked about the public safety problems created by the current system and how changing the exam requirement would prevent these issues. Hosmer responded by emphasizing the importance of standardized exams in ensuring competency, likening it to other professions like law and accounting, and suggesting that the exam plays a critical role in vetting social workers for high-risk work.
HB271: Representative Leia Information Only03:33:18.920 - 12:32:20 PM; Representative Leia inquired about the national perspective on the Licensed Social Work Associate category and its utility. Hosmer did not have specific data on other states but mentioned the general aim to increase capacity across the country while maintaining standards of entry to ensure patient safety.
HB271: Unknown Speaker Information Only03:35:01.960 - 12:34:03 PM; The speaker discusses their limited knowledge of an interstate compact referenced during the hearing. They express concern about the relevance of an exam to the interstate compact and the potential effects of removing it, indicating a need to investigate further.
HB271: Unknown Speaker Information Only03:35:56.160 - 12:34:58 PM; The speaker responds to a question about the interstate compact, indicating a need for further information before a decision can be made. They defer the question for additional research.
HB271: Jake Barry, New Futures Support03:36:25.720 - 12:35:27 PM; Jake Barry from New Futures expresses strong support for the bill. He emphasizes that the establishment of LURE in 2021 was not to enhance service quality but to bring financial resources and stability to the mental health system. He argues that removing the exam requirement would not lower the quality of mental health treatment but would remove an unnecessary barrier to LURE and increase insurance reimbursement, which is crucial for hiring more professionals and providing more services. Barry also discusses the potential career progression for LURE professionals and the importance of not creating unnecessary barriers within the mental health system.
HB271: Diane Kelly, Hillsboro District 32 Support03:42:38.800 - 12:41:40 PM; Diane Kelly introduces HB 267, which concerns chiropractic care for animals. She explains the background and importance of the bill, mentioning the previous iteration that passed the House and Senate but was vetoed by the governor due to concerns over the eligibility language. The new bill explicitly states that only licensed chiropractors and veterinarians who attend nationally recognized animal chiropractic programs are exempt from veterinary licensing. Kelly shares personal anecdotes illustrating the benefits and urgency of chiropractic care for animals, emphasizing the need for quicker and more affordable access to such care.
HB271: Howard, Representative Information Only03:48:51.319 - 12:47:53 PM; Representative Howard raised a concern regarding the governor's veto message on the bill. He referenced the governor's mention of stakeholder concerns and questioned whether these issues had been addressed, suggesting that the primary issue was related to a chiropractic association president who had since left his position. He also mentioned receiving an email from a veterinarian opposing the bill due to concerns about the lack of performance standards for animal chiropractic programs.
HB271: Long, Representative Information Only03:49:38.439 - 12:48:40 PM; Representative Long responded to Representative Howard's inquiry about the governor's veto message. He clarified that there was a misunderstanding last year about the bill eliminating licensing, which it does not. He explained that the bill pertains to individuals who are either veterinarians or already licensed chiropractors and must complete nationally recognized programs approved by the director of the Office of Professional Licensure and Certification (OPLC). He noted that similar programs are already in practice in several states.
HB271: Kurt Aronberg, New Hampshire State Director for the Humane Society of the United States Support03:51:19.560 - 12:50:21 PM; Kurt Aronberg expressed support for the bill, stating that it would benefit animals and their owners by allowing them to utilize chiropractic services without issues. He mentioned that online sign-ins showed four in support and one in opposition to the bill.
HB85: Carol Maguire, Representative from Merrimack District 27 (Allenstown, Epsom, Hooksett) Support04:01:34.120 - 1:00:36 PM; Representative Carol Maguire introduced House Bill 85, which was requested by the Hospital Association. The bill aims to create a temporary license for student respiratory therapists to work in hospitals under supervision during their education. She noted that a member of the Hospital Association was prepared to provide further details.
HB85: Kathy Bizar Thumberg, Executive Vice President, New Hampshire Hospital Association Support04:02:47.359 - 1:01:49 PM; Kathy Bizar Thumberg expressed the Hospital Association's support for House Bill 85 and thanked Representative Maguire for sponsoring it. She explained that the bill stemmed from Health Force New Hampshire's initiative to grow and retain healthcare professionals. She highlighted that other states allow students to work under temporary licenses, and New Hampshire's high vacancy rate for respiratory therapists could be addressed by allowing students to work while studying. The bill would add a section for a student temporary license, require rulemaking by the OPLC, distinguish between student practice and temporary licensed work, and require students to show their temporary license to their employer.
HB85: Diana Jusus, Executive Director, OPLC Information Only04:07:30.720 - 1:06:32 PM; Diana Jusus, Executive Director of the OPLC, clarified that if a student leaves school, they would lose their temporary license as being a student is a requirement. She also mentioned that students continuing their education could renew the license.
HB85: Nicholas Fry, General Counsel, OPLC Information Only04:08:15.800 - 1:07:17 PM; Nicholas Fry, General Counsel for the OPLC, responded to questions about the legislation. He explained the difference between the exemption for students practicing clinical skills and the temporary license for students working in hospitals. He also clarified that the temporary student license would be specifically for students wanting to work and earn money while practicing their skills, not for those just doing coursework. He requested consistent use of the term 'temporary student license' in the bill to avoid confusion with other temporary licenses managed by the OPLC.
HB82 2024-0010H: Carol Maguire, representing MARAC 27 Information Only04:31:23.520 - 1:30:25 PM; Carol Maguire, representing MARAC 27, testified about House Bill 82, which was requested by the OPLC. The bill aims to clean up statutory conflicts between various licensing boards and the OPLC without introducing any policy differences. She highlighted that the last three professions listed (voluntary dual and lactation specialist, nurse agency registration, and bondsman) were only added to be covered under the OPLC. Additionally, she introduced an amendment (2024-0010H) to clarify that medical imaging professionals need only one license regardless of the number of specialties they are qualified for, addressing a potential redundancy in licensing requirements.
HB82 2024-0010H: Kathy Vazar Thumberg, Executive Vice President, New Hampshire Hospital Association Support04:37:57.520 - 1:36:59 PM; Kathy Vazar Thumberg spoke in support of the amendment 2024-0010H proposed by Representative Maguire. She emphasized the need for clarification in the licensure process for the medical imaging and radiation therapy board and mentioned the possibility of additional clarifying language for consistency within the statute if the bill goes to a subcommittee.
HB82 2024-0010H: Joe H from Gilmanton Information Only04:38:47.359 - 1:37:49 PM; Joe H from Gilmanton raised concerns about the removal of a section in the bill related to auctioneers, specifically regarding the qualifications about character (RSA 31-B:5, Roman numeral five). He questioned the removal of this section, expressing concerns about its potential for misuse for discrimination purposes. He suggested redefining the section to exclude racial misuse and mentioned his experience with the board of auctioneers and the need for continued evaluation of character beyond licensure.
HB82 2024-0010H: Steven Rancourt, Executive Director, Electrical Contractors Business Association (ECBA) Information Only04:46:56.120 - 1:45:58 PM; Steven Rancourt, representing the ECBA, expressed concerns about a section of the bill related to electricians. He pointed out potential confusion in the wording regarding re-examinations within one year of the first examination, questioning whether it limits re-examinations to only one additional attempt. He sought clarification on the intent of the bill and suggested that the language might need adjustment to avoid unintended restrictions.
HB82 2024-0010H: Mark Condodemetra, New Hampshire Land Surveyors Association Information Only04:49:17.840 - 1:48:19 PM; Mark Condodemetra, representing the New Hampshire Land Surveyors Association, discussed the first section of the bill affecting land surveyors. He acknowledged the consolidation efforts but expressed concerns about the repeals affecting rulemaking, retired status, and disciplinary actions. He highlighted the confusion and potential instability caused by these repeals and stressed the need for more detailed and thoughtful drafting to avoid unintended consequences.
HB82 2024-0010H: Dennis McKenny from Bennington, NH Oppose04:54:35.400 - 1:53:37 PM; Dennis McKenny, a licensed land surveyor and forester from Bennington, expressed grave concerns about the bill's direction. He was particularly worried about the board's authority to review applications and determine qualifications being stripped away. He questioned the qualifications of OPLC staff to judge professionals and emphasized the importance of protecting public welfare through proper licensure oversight.
HB82 2024-0010H: De Jurus, Executive Director, OPLC Information Only04:57:03.320 - 1:56:05 PM; De Jurus, the Executive Director of OPLC, clarified that the bill was a request of the office to clean up statutory conflicts without changing existing policy. She addressed concerns about the electricians' exam, explaining the operational challenges of holding applications open for extended periods. She also mentioned working with the committee on language adjustments and confirmed that disciplinary concerns raised were covered under existing law.
HB82 2024-0010H: Attorney Fry, General Counsel, OPLC Information Only04:59:21.400 - 1:58:23 PM; Attorney Fry, General Counsel of OPLC, provided further clarification on the disciplinary concerns for land surveyors. He noted that the conduct considered professional misconduct was already covered under existing law (RSA 310:12) and the intention was to consolidate statutes to simplify public access to information. He also mentioned a proposed amendment from the New Hampshire Insurance Department to ensure coverage of all licensed professionals for insurance purposes.

McGuire, Carol(Chairman)(R)[A+]2024	Sytek, John(Clerk)(R)[B]2024	Layon, Erica(V Chairman)(R)[A]2024
Schmidt, Peter(D)[CT]2024	Thibault, James(R)	Howard, Heath(D)[F]2024
Sellers, John(R)[A-]2024	Sheehan, Vanessa(R)[A]2024	de Vries, Erica(D)
Dargie, Paul(D)	Davis, Fred(D)[F]2024	Bailey, Glenn(R)[A+]2024
Pearson, Stephen(R)[B]2024	Grote, Jaci(D)[CT]2024	Long, Patrick(D)
Slottje, Jeremy(R)