Committee Summary for Senate Health and Human Services (02/11/2026)

Bill/Time	Type	Title	Sponsor
SB609 00:04:41.440 - 8:02:12 AM	Public Hearing	relative to improving screening for and treatment of blood clots, or venous thromboembolism, and establishing a statewide venous thromboembolism registry.	Carson, Sharon(R)[B]2025
SB452 2024-0630 00:40:51.920 - 8:38:22 AM	Public Hearing	enabling health care providers to offer certain complementary and alternative health care services.	Ward, Ruth(R)[B-]2025
SB498 01:33:05.199 - 9:30:36 AM	Public Hearing	relative to children's mental health services for persons 18 years of age and younger.	Birdsell, Regina(R)[B-]2025
SB474 03:34:33.680 - 11:32:04 AM	Public Hearing	relative to the effective date of the law regarding collection and reporting of abortion statistics.	Birdsell, Regina(R)[B-]2025
SB455 replace all amendment 04:16:57.279 - 12:14:28 PM	Public Hearing	relative to health plan coverage of GLP-1 medications.	Prentiss, Suzanne(D)[F]2025
SB501 04:44:12.718 - 12:41:43 PM	Public Hearing	relative to authorization of seclusion or restraint during a personal safety emergency by a physician, physician associate, or advanced practice registered nurse.	Prentiss, Suzanne(D)[F]2025
SB501 04:51:15.280 - 12:48:46 PM	Executive Session	relative to authorization of seclusion or restraint during a personal safety emergency by a physician, physician associate, or advanced practice registered nurse.	Prentiss, Suzanne(D)[F]2025
SB474 04:52:02.320 - 12:49:33 PM	Executive Session	relative to the effective date of the law regarding collection and reporting of abortion statistics.	Birdsell, Regina(R)[B-]2025
SB452 04:54:07.520 - 12:51:38 PM	Executive Session	enabling health care providers to offer certain complementary and alternative health care services.	Ward, Ruth(R)[B-]2025
SB550 04:55:37.840 - 12:53:08 PM	Executive Session	relative to insurance coverage for services provided by naturopathy providers.	Rochefort, David(R)[B-]2025
SB606 2024-0213s 04:57:15.920 - 12:54:46 PM	Executive Session	relative to insurance coverage for biomarker testing.	Birdsell, Regina(R)[B-]2025
HB349 05:00:44.958 - 12:58:15 PM	Executive Session	relative to the practice of optometry and authorization to perform ophthalmic laser procedures.	Kofalt, Jim(R)[A+]2025
SB480 05:04:45.760 - 1:02:16 PM	Executive Session	limiting certain prior authorization requirements for physical therapy, occupational therapy, and similar rehabilitative services.	Prentiss, Suzanne(D)[F]2025
SB546 05:05:34.638 - 1:03:05 PM	Executive Session	relative to health carrier network access monitoring.	Rosenwald, Cindy(D)[F]2025
SB545 05:05:34.638 - 1:03:05 PM	Executive Session	relative to financial eligibility for the Medicare savings program.	Rosenwald, Cindy(D)[F]2025
SB477 05:10:05.680 - 1:07:36 PM	Executive Session	relative to increasing transparency in the 340B Drug Pricing Program.	McGough, Tim(R)[B+]2025
SB476 05:13:27.120 - 1:10:58 PM	Executive Session	relative to consumer health care cost transparency.	McGough, Tim(R)[B+]2025
SB441 2024-0441s revised 05:16:02.480 - 1:13:33 PM	Executive Session	requiring a municipality that intends to transport a person needing substance use disorder treatment and other support services to have a memorandum of understanding with the receiving municipality prior to transport.	Sullivan, Victoria(R)[A-]2025

SB609: Senator Sharon Carson, Senate District 14 (Auburn, Londonderry, Derry, Hudson) Support00:04:41.440 - 8:02:12 AM; Senator Carson introduced SB 609, sponsored on behalf of a grieving mother who lost her daughter Katie to a postpartum blood clot. She explained that Katie was discharged without counseling on blood clot risks despite elevated risk factors from her birth circumstances. The bill aims to prevent such deaths by requiring hospitals, ambulatory surgical centers, and emergency care centers to develop VTE screening and treatment plans for postpartum women. It also mandates the Department of Health and Human Services to contract with a nonprofit for a statewide anonymized VTE registry to improve treatment through data collection. The legislation draws from a similar Florida law and seeks to increase awareness and education on VTE to save mothers' lives.
SB609: John Williams, Director of Legislative Affairs, and Kelly Keefe, DHHS Licensing and Certification for Health Facilities Information Only00:10:01.680 - 8:07:32 AM; John Williams and Kelly Keefe from DHHS provided background on the bill, noting the mystery of no fiscal note despite their October analysis. They assumed costs would be borne by a private nonprofit contracted for the registry, with DHHS handling only the contract process. They suggested safeguards in the bill for scenarios where the nonprofit fails or funding is insufficient. They recommended outreach to the Office of Professional Licensure and Certification (OPLC) for regulatory oversight and noted potential costs for providers in implementing the registry. They supported amending zip code data to county for privacy and adding safety valve language. Kelly Keefe confirmed that VTE screening should already be part of clinical practice under OPLC regulations, though hospitals likely have policies in place.
SB609: Diane Morsette, Auburn, NH Support00:18:55.280 - 8:16:26 AM; Diane Morsette testified in strong support of SB 609, sharing her personal story of losing her daughter Katie to a postpartum pulmonary embolism after a C-section and preeclampsia. Despite visible swelling and risk factors, hospital staff did not discuss blood clots or recommend compression socks, and Katie was discharged without education on warning signs. Morsette called the next day about high blood pressure but received no guidance on VTE symptoms, which overlap with preeclampsia. She advocated with maternal health organizations, learning that pregnancy is a major VTE risk factor, often overlooked in young people. She highlighted the Florida law's success in addressing systemic gaps like missed assessments and lack of education. SB 609 would implement standardized screening, discharge education, and provider awareness to prevent such deaths, emphasizing that Katie's was preventable with better information.
SB609: Ben Bradley, Vice President of State Government Relations, New Hampshire Hospital Association Oppose00:23:56.880 - 8:21:27 AM; Ben Bradley expressed sympathy for Morsette's loss and acknowledged the bill's intent to improve VTE screening and treatment. He noted existing CMS quality measures that enforce evidence-based VTE screening, training, and documentation in electronic health records, including reasons for not providing prophylaxis. He described New Hampshire's Healthcare Quality and Patient Safety Commission (established by HB 514 in 2005, RSA 151G), which reviews care quality, adverse outcomes, and proposes improvements, including annual reports to oversight committees. Bradley argued that the bill's goals align with this commission's charge, unlike in Florida, and questioned the need for new legislation given current resources. He recommended interim study or ITL to let the commission assess needs, citing technical challenges like extensive training requirements and data reporting integration. He welcomed collaboration but suggested leveraging existing outlets for better outcomes without unintended burdens on hospitals and ASCs.
SB452 2024-0630: Senator Ruth Ward, Senate District 8 Support00:40:51.920 - 8:38:22 AM; Senator Ward introduces SB 452 on behalf of a constituent, explaining that it enables individuals to offer complimentary and alternative health care services without state licensing, provided they avoid certain prohibited conduct, disclose qualifications, and obtain informed consent. She notes similar laws in 11 other states and emphasizes increased treatment options without compromising protections. She clarifies prohibited acts like surgery, prescribing drugs, or manipulating joints. She mentions amendment 2024-0630 for a technical correction to align with model legislation.
SB452 2024-0630: Deanna Jurius, Executive Director, OPLC Information Only00:43:31.280 - 8:41:02 AM; Jurius from the Office of Professional Licensure and Certification (OPLC) states the office takes no position on the policy but expresses concerns about the bill's broad language potentially confusing licensed professionals' scopes of practice, possibly allowing evasion of discipline for actions outside their license. She suggests narrowing the scope, specifying practices, or adding clarity to avoid unintended consequences. She notes the bill creates no oversight, licensing, or enforcement by OPLC, and could muddy waters for licensed individuals. During questioning, she explains it doesn't add protections or standards, and enforcement would be civil, not through OPLC.
SB452 2024-0630: Aubrey Freriedman, Bridgewater Support00:52:48.960 - 8:50:19 AM; Freriedman supports SB 452 as it provides more health care options for consumers, acts as a safe harbor for unlicensed practitioners like herbalists, naturopaths, energy healers, and homeopaths, without affecting safety-critical licensed services. She highlights disclosure requirements ensuring consumer awareness and notes the overburdened health system, especially in rural areas, where alternatives could reduce wait times. The bill retains rights to sue for harm while encouraging more providers by removing legal fears.
SB452 2024-0630: Julie Boris, National Health Freedom Action Support00:55:42.400 - 8:53:13 AM; Boris from the nonprofit National Health Freedom Action supports SB 452 and the amendment, thanking Senator Ward. The bill creates a safe harbor for unlicensed complimentary and alternative practitioners (e.g., herbalists, homeopaths) by exempting them from broad licensing laws if they follow guidelines, avoid prohibited acts, and disclose credentials. It protects access without changing existing licensed professions, adds transparency, and aligns with laws in 11 states including Maine. Consumers seek these gentle therapies alongside conventional care, and the bill addresses legal vulnerabilities. During questions, she notes it benefits unlicensed practitioners and defers specifics on licensed professionals' dual practices to attorneys, emphasizing non-harmful modalities.
SB452 2024-0630: Jesse Mulligan, Herbalist, New Hampshire Support01:03:43.920 - 9:01:14 AM; Mulligan, an herbalist with degrees in biochemistry, molecular cellular biology, and psychology, plus global experience, supports SB 452 for providing legal clarity without requiring licensing for vast, indigenous-derived practices like herbalism and Reiki. She does not diagnose or replace medical care but offers advice with informed consent. The bill allows transparent practice, respects licensed roles, and upholds individual choice. During questioning, she explains current ambiguity stems from lack of systemic validation despite her qualifications; it boosts confidence without needing universal licensing, and contrasts licensed accountability with the non-invasive nature of her work.
SB452 2024-0630: Leslie Jo, Reiki and Sound Practitioner, North Sandwich/Moultonborough Support01:11:10.159 - 9:08:41 AM; Jo, a Reiki and sound practitioner for over 20 years, supports SB 452 (as amended) for protecting consumer choice in wellness practices like breathing and non-invasive support, which complement licensed medical care without needing oversight. She advocates reframing language to 'wellness providers' over 'alternative health care' for clarity. Citing 2016 Pew Research on 49% usage and $30 billion spending, she notes the bill safeguards practitioners' livelihoods and public access amid rising stress. Practices enhance well-being between medical visits without replacing them. During questions, she confirms current use of disclosures, no harm in her modalities, and the bill removes threats of forced licensing (e.g., as massage therapists), providing stability without enforcement concerns.
SB452 2024-0630: Unnamed Reiki/Sound Practitioner Support01:25:25.840 - 9:22:56 AM; The practitioner discusses the need for the bill to provide stability for alternative practices like herbalism, ayurvedic, and breathing techniques without implying efficacy claims. They emphasize that the bill secures existing practices within scopes, prevents forcing practitioners into unrelated licenses like massage therapy, and maintains public access to diverse wellness options. They argue against licensing, which would reduce diversity and quality, and highlight the integrity of practitioners staying within bounds, with existing laws handling oversteps.
SB452 2024-0630: Senator (Co-sponsor) Information Only01:26:34.719 - 9:24:05 AM; The Senator, a co-sponsor, expresses support but raises concerns about rule-making by OPLC, enforcement challenges, and how the state would implement and oversee the alternative practices. They note the confusion between 'alternative' and 'complementary' and stress the need for clarity in language to inform the public and secure practitioners within a framework.
SB452 2024-0630: Unnamed Reiki/Sound Practitioner (continued) Support01:27:45.280 - 9:25:16 AM; Responding to questions, the practitioner clarifies that their services complement licensed care, with most clients having primary care providers. They stress that nothing replaces medical care and that the bill provides economic benefits, citing 49% usage from 2016 Pew research, creating clarity, security, and continued access for citizens as a win-win for New Hampshire.
SB452 2024-0630: Senator Long Information Only01:29:03.120 - 9:26:34 AM; The Senator inquires about the percentage of clients who also see licensed professionals alongside alternative services, seeking to understand integration with existing care.
SB452 2024-0630: Unnamed Reiki/Sound Practitioner (response) Information Only01:30:21.440 - 9:27:52 AM; The practitioner confirms that most clients have licensed care, such as PCPs, and their services inform or direct clients to medical options if needed, emphasizing complementary rather than replacement nature.
SB498: Senator Regina Birdsell, District 19 (Derry, Hampstead, Windham) Support01:33:05.199 - 9:30:36 AM; As prime sponsor, Senator Birdsell introduces SB 498, which establishes an association to collect assessments from insurance carriers to fund Fast Forward program services currently covered by the state at about $2 million biennially for insured children. She notes ongoing amendment work with providers and CMEs, requests leeway to refine it, and warns of House Commerce challenges without support.
SB498: Jennifer Smith, NH Insurance Department (with Keith Nyhan) Information Only01:36:42.560 - 9:34:13 AM; Smith introduces the team and has Nyhan read Commissioner Bettencourt's statement supporting the bill's objectives for expanding children's behavioral health access while expressing caution on assessments due to premium impacts. The statement highlights fiscal strain on DHHS, commits to collaboration, notes a cost cap as an improvement, does not oppose the bill, and mentions explored alternatives like market adjustments without assessments. They offer to answer questions on amendments and stakeholder discussions.
SB498: Senator Birdsell (question) Information Only01:43:10.560 - 9:40:41 AM; The Senator asks for an update on potential amendment language.
SB498: Jennifer Smith (amendment update) Information Only01:43:10.560 - 9:40:41 AM; Smith details the amendment process since fall, aiming to shift from assessments to having CMEs bill commercial insurance without unbundling services. It proposes reimbursing at qualified payment amounts if not in-network, gathering claims data for cost clarity, and potential grants for CME billing setup. Discussions paused for carrier-CME network negotiations, seen as viable to reduce legislative needs.
SB498: Senator Prentice Information Only01:47:58.880 - 9:45:29 AM; The Senator questions network adequacy for behavioral health, enforcement for out-of-network providers, bundling impacts on coverage limits, and unique aspects compared to other services. They seek clarification on fiscal note changes, grant funding, and compliance issues.
SB498: Jennifer Smith (responses) Information Only01:47:58.880 - 9:45:29 AM; Smith confirms carriers meet network adequacy but CMEs are often out-of-network due to service complexity. The amendment unbundles payments while keeping services intact, uses QPA for fair rates, and aims for accurate state delta funding. No other similar models known; fiscal note likely decreases; grants to aid CME billing without burden; no compliance issues anticipated with collaboration.
SB498: Senator Bartel Information Only01:58:10.560 - 9:55:41 AM; The Senator asks about recent progress on interactions and amendments post-Christmas.
SB498: Jennifer Smith and Keith Nyhan (progress update) Information Only01:58:10.560 - 9:55:41 AM; They report no stalemate; ongoing carrier-CME talks, especially with Anthem, are progressing despite process hiccups. Efforts are accelerated, with regular check-ins, viewing it as a viable non-legislative path.
SB498: Marissa Hen, Jenny O'Higgins, Daryl Tenny, NH DHHS Support02:02:02.159 - 9:59:33 AM; Hen thanks Senator Birdsell and explains Fast Forward as a high-fidelity wraparound for complex youth needs (ages 5-21), emphasizing bundled team-based community care preventing institutionalization. It saves costs (e.g., $1,500/night inpatient vs. $45-65K/year Fast Forward) and has reduced youth center placements from 75 to 12. Currently, 20% of kids have commercial insurance, costing state ~$2M/year in general funds as services are curtailed due to fiscal strain. They are agnostic on solutions but stress urgent need for sustainable funding via amendments or market deals to maintain and expand access without unbundling services.
SB498: Senator Prentice (questions) Information Only02:09:52.400 - 10:07:23 AM; The Senator asks about cost comparisons (inpatient vs. Fast Forward), funding needs, out-of-state placements (~6 kids at ~$500K/year), compliance, and specifics on the 20% commercial insurance gap (70% qualify for Medicaid, 30% state funds; ~50-60 kids/year).
SB498: Daryl Tenny and Marissa Hen (responses) Information Only02:09:52.400 - 10:07:23 AM; Tenny provides approximates: inpatient $1,500/night, Fast Forward $77/day coordination + peers, $45-65K/year total. Hen notes residential up to $500K/year, emphasizes ROI in stabilization and prevention. No federal compliance issues. The 30% gap uses state funds; bill redirects to insurance coverage, reducing burden. Fast Forward prevents/escalates from high-cost care, with ~6 out-of-region youth targeted for reduction via initiatives like Keep Kids Home; ~200 in-region also benefit.
SB498: Senator Birdsell Information Only02:19:53.200 - 10:17:24 AM; The Senator confirms that with Fast Forward space, out-of-state placements could be prevented.
SB498: Marissa Hen and Daryl Tenny (confirmation) Information Only02:19:53.200 - 10:17:24 AM; They affirm Fast Forward's goal is prevention of higher care levels, with numbers reduced over time; hope to eliminate all such placements through early intervention.
SB498: Sam Hawkins, NAMI New Hampshire Support02:23:52.080 - 10:21:23 AM; Sam Hawkins from NAMI New Hampshire testifies in support of SB 498, highlighting the positive impact of the Fast Forward program on families accessing family peer support services. He notes that commercially insured youth cannot access these services through private plans, leading to delays until their condition worsens and the state covers costs. He emphasizes the superiority and intensity of Fast Forward's team-based model compared to similar services in private plans. Hawkins urges caution on amendments to ensure full bundled coverage, as partial coverage would mirror the current inadequate status quo. He stresses that without these services, families face worse outcomes, and supports SB 498 to ensure access for all youth.
SB498: Dennis Calut, Director, Connected Families New Hampshire (Cheshire County) Support02:29:15.040 - 10:26:46 AM; Dennis Calut, director of Connected Families New Hampshire, a care management entity, testifies in support of SB 498. He describes the suffering of New Hampshire children and families with serious mental health issues, comparing untreated outcomes to those of cancer. He explains the Fast Forward program's intensive care coordination as a bundled service involving family peer support, youth peer support, and team coordination to keep families in their communities. Calut highlights issues like children waiting in emergency departments or in residential treatment due to gaps in the continuum of care. He emphasizes evidence-based practices developed over 15 years, centering families in the process, and the life-changing impact on families. He stresses the need for comprehensive supports including natural, school, and community resources to prevent costly institutionalization.
SB498: Dr. Luke Reernard, NFI North Support02:33:08.960 - 10:30:39 AM; Dr. Luke Reernard from NFI North, the other care management entity, supports SB 498 by focusing on financing challenges. He notes the program's statewide reach and increasing percentage of families without Medicaid coverage (from 20% to 31% over four years), straining state funds and leading to cuts in raises, subcontracts, and staff losses, reducing service access. Reernard discusses collaboration with insurers like Anthem but highlights disconnects in committing to bundled payments and rate negotiations. He explains that 'social services' like peer support (billed in 15-minute increments under Medicaid codes, not medical codes) and team meetings are not covered by insurers, who prioritize clinical services. He urges building a framework to include these essential non-clinical components for the program's efficacy.
SB498: Katie Lion Pingri Support02:38:36.240 - 10:36:07 AM; Katie Lion Pingri testifies in support of SB 498, sharing her son Matthew's story of mental health struggles starting at age 10, worsened by brain injuries, leading to severe depression, anxiety, and suicidal ideation until his death at 18 in 2021. She describes a 2019 suicide attempt that triggered a cascade of ineffective ER visits, crisis facility stays, and a 10-month residential treatment in Utah, costing $120,000 out-of-pocket. Pingri details navigating a confusing, impenetrable system alone, with files representing their efforts. She asserts that Fast Forward's case coordination, family supports, and peer connections at home could have helped, urging passage of SB 498 for all families to access these services and prevent similar tragedies.
SB498: Andrea Brochu, North Country Support02:43:45.520 - 10:41:16 AM; Andrea Brochu, a mom from the North Country, supports SB 498, sharing her similar yet positive story compared to Katie's. As an educated professional in nonprofits and social services, she was still overwhelmed navigating barriers, conflicting information, waitlists, and denials for her son's mental health needs. Despite private insurance, they were forced into costly out-of-state residential care funded from her retirement. Fast Forward, accessed only via Medicaid application, stabilized their family without judgment, providing understanding and support. She criticizes the system's failures and the moral imperative for insurers to cover these services, preventing burden on Medicaid. Brochu notes her son's transformation from expected failure to thriving: straight-A student, leader, early high school graduate now in trade school, crediting Fast Forward. She affirms willingness to pay higher premiums for coverage.
SB498: Kristen Shepard, Derry, New Hampshire Support02:50:56.800 - 10:48:27 AM; Kristen Shepard, a registered voter from Derry, NH, and social worker with 32 years experience, supports SB 498 to mandate private insurance coverage for Fast Forward. She recounts her son Christopher's 2021 mental health crises involving repeated ER visits due to lack of beds, escalating to out-of-state residential care. Fast Forward was accessible only because of his Medicaid subsidy from adoption. As a knowledgeable professional, she struggled personally during his psychotic episodes but found lifeline support from Fast Forward's social worker and NAMI peer, providing guidance and rationality. Shepard emphasizes that Fast Forward saved her son's and family's lives, arguing mental health crises affect all demographics bipartisanly and all families deserve equal access regardless of insurance. She urges providing this avenue for referrals and access to all services in crises.
SB498: Cheryl Garin, Enfield, NH, volunteer for NAMI New Hampshire Support02:55:06.319 - 10:52:37 AM; Cheryl shares her personal experience as a mother of a teenager with serious mental health issues, describing years of struggle including school avoidance, emergency room boarding, and lack of support. She credits the Fast Forward program with providing crucial wraparound services like care coordination and peer support that turned her family's crisis around. She argues that these services should be accessible to all families, including those with private insurance, without waiting for crises to worsen, and should not rely solely on taxpayer-funded state resources.
SB498: Paula Rogers Information Only02:57:03.040 - 10:54:34 AM; Paula discusses the Fast Forward program's misalignment with commercial health coverage, particularly in functional support services. She recounts learning about issues with commercial insurers not reimbursing certain codes and describes post-hearing efforts last year, including meetings with DHHS, insurance department, and carriers. She notes about 60 commercially insured children in the program and ongoing negotiations, led by Anthem, to explore in-network participation or alternative compensation for bundled services without legislation.
SB498: Sabrina Dunlap, Anthem Oppose03:02:22.560 - 10:59:53 AM; Sabrina opposes SB 498, arguing it's unnecessary and raises policy concerns. She clarifies that Fast Forward is a DHS program for high-risk youth with public funding, historically outside commercial networks. Anthem covers broad behavioral health services but CMEs are not in-network. She details recent data showing about 37 Anthem members in the program and ongoing collaborative efforts with CMEs and DHHS for network participation or alternative funding, estimating 3-6 months for processes. She urges finding the bill inexpedient to legislate to avoid disrupting progress.
SB498: Cam Leine and Margaret Reynolds, representing Sigma Oppose03:15:58.399 - 11:13:29 AM; Cam notes Sigma has about four children in Fast Forward per December data. Margaret suggests operational tweaks for any amendment, like limiting assessments to NH-sited plans, executive council approval for large contracts, returning excess funds, and extending the effective date. They prefer non-legislative solutions like single case agreements for small numbers and express willingness to work with providers without mandating the bill.
SB498: Peter Bragdon, representing Harvard Pilgrim Healthcare Oppose03:21:00.000 - 11:18:31 AM; Peter reports four children with Harvard Pilgrim in Fast Forward and highlights prior lack of visibility due to no billing from CMEs. He notes past unsuccessful outreach for network inclusion and appreciates recent data and Anthem's lead. He criticizes the bill's reporting expansions in section 3 as burdensome and unnecessary, preferring the department's amendment over a tax structure, and believes non-legislative network arrangements can resolve issues.
SB498: Michelle Merritt, President at New Futures Support03:27:02.800 - 11:24:33 AM; Michelle strongly supports SB 498, emphasizing Fast Forward's role in reducing ER boarding from 51 to a handful of children since 2021. She criticizes slow non-legislative progress, lack of carrier commitments, and no current payments for services. She clarifies no claims data exists due to absent contracts and refutes claims of CME unresponsiveness. On the amendment, she opposes qualified payment amounts as they exclude self-funded plans and fail to equitably distribute costs. She argues carriers, not taxpayers, should fund services for their members.
SB474: Senator Regina Bazel, District 19 Information Only03:34:33.680 - 11:32:04 AM; Senator Bazel introduces SB 474, requested by DHHS, to correct a scrivener's error in HB 712, changing the effective date for abortion statistics reporting from January 1, 2027, to July 1, 2027. This aligns with budget needs for $948,000 in implementation costs in the 2028-2029 biennial budget. She notes Senate concurrence with SB 36 but stresses the need for this fix.
SB474: John Williams, DHHS Information Only03:36:44.239 - 11:34:15 AM; John thanks the committee for SB 474 to ensure the July 1, 2027, effective date for the reporting program, timed with budget appropriations. He explains the House amended HB 712 similarly but added an unrelated change striking 'estimated' from gestational age reporting in RSA 329:14, I(f), potentially causing provider issues. With HB 712 advancing to the governor, SB 474 keeps options open if veto or amendments occur.
SB455 replace all amendment: Senator Supan, District 5 Support04:16:57.279 - 12:14:28 PM; Senator Supan introduces SB 455, focusing on Medicaid coverage for GLP-1 medications to treat obesity and related conditions. She explains that these drugs regulate blood sugar and appetite, reducing risks of cardiovascular disease, kidney disease, and disability. Emphasizing long-term cost savings over expensive end-stage treatments like dialysis and amputations, she highlights equity issues in access and proposes criteria like BMI and comorbidities with prior authorization. She notes evolving science and market prices, committing to future commercial coverage.
SB455 replace all amendment: Rob Barry and Peg Clifford, DHHS Medicaid Information Only04:25:18.319 - 12:22:49 PM; Rob Barry, General Counsel, and Peg Clifford, Pharmacy Director, provide information on the bill. They note current Medicaid coverage for GLP-1s for diabetes, overweight with comorbidities (BMI 27+), and sleep apnea, but not solely for weight loss. They clarify no state plan amendment is needed for weight loss coverage and anticipate a revised fiscal note. They discuss federal pricing negotiations but lack details on impacts.
SB455 replace all amendment: Dr. Charlotte Fagger, Primary Care Physician, Concord Support04:33:10.959 - 12:30:41 PM; Dr. Fagger supports SB 455, sharing patient stories of successful weight loss and health improvements with GLP-1s, reversed when coverage ended. She describes obesity as a chronic disease comparable to smoking in reducing life expectancy, requiring medical treatment beyond lifestyle changes. The bill ensures physician-patient decisions without mandating treatment.
SB455 replace all amendment: Cam Leine and Margaret Reynolds, representing Sigma Oppose04:38:01.680 - 12:35:32 PM; Cam Leine shares personal experience with cheaper generic alternatives like phentermine and topiramate for appetite suppression. Margaret Reynolds notes neutrality with the amendment but opposition to the original bill. They highlight Sigma's GLP-1 program requiring lifestyle changes, premium impacts of $14-30 per member per month, and North Carolina's costly experience leading to restrictions. They suggest studying costs before broader mandates.
SB501: Senator Supan, District 5 Support04:44:12.718 - 12:41:43 PM; Senator Supan introduces SB 501 at DHHS's request to allow APRNs and physician associates, in addition to physicians, to order seclusion or restraint in personal safety emergencies. It aligns state law with federal regulations and resolves conflicts with the patients' bill of rights, improving care options at facilities like New Hampshire Hospital.
SB501: Rosemary Wyant and Megan Thompson, DHHS and New Hampshire Hospital Information Only04:47:02.560 - 12:44:33 PM; Rosemary Wyant, DHHS attorney, and Megan Thompson, Advanced Practice Provider Lead, explain the bill allows APRNs to order restraints/seclusion as last-resort interventions for patient safety, currently requiring physician contact who may not know the patient. It aligns with CMS and Joint Commission standards, eliminating state law conflicts.
SB501: Committee Vote04:51:15.280 - 12:48:46 PM; The committee moves into executive session and unanimously votes 'ought to pass' on SB 501.
SB474: Committee Chair Vote04:52:02.320 - 12:49:33 PM; Motion for ought to pass on SB 474. The committee votes in favor with no opposition. Consent granted.
SB474: Senator Birdsell Vote04:53:06.638 - 12:50:37 PM; Requests reconsideration to change vote on SB 474. Motion to reconsider passes, and the vote on ought to pass is 3-2 in favor.
SB452: Senator (Unspecified) Vote04:54:07.520 - 12:51:38 PM; Motion for interim study on SB 452. Discussion notes more information needed. Vote passes with no opposition. Consent granted.
SB550: Senator Avard Vote04:55:37.840 - 12:53:08 PM; Motion for ought to pass on SB 550. Vote passes with no opposition. Consent granted.
SB606 2024-0213s: Committee Chair Vote04:57:15.920 - 12:54:46 PM; Motion for ought to pass as amended with amendment 2024-0213s to remove reference to RSA 420J, confirmed as a definition only. Amendment passes. Ought to pass as amended passes with consent.
HB349: Senator Prentice Information Only05:00:44.958 - 12:58:15 PM; Discusses letter from Christine Aben Danahue and conversation with Dr. Emory. Notes licensed proctors ensure specialized review of procedures, not cycled out like board members. Ties to another upcoming optometry bill for statute changes if needed.
HB349: Senator Brentice Information Only05:01:38.958 - 12:59:09 PM; Clarifies that competencies for new procedures require assessment by proctors; failure means no pass. Distinguishes proctors in bill (for certification) from board-level oversight for lenses. Emphasizes proving ability, not automatic passage.
HB349: Committee Chair Vote05:00:44.958 - 12:58:15 PM; Motion for ought to pass on HB 349. Vote passes with no opposition. Consent granted.
SB480: Senator Prentice Information Only05:04:45.760 - 1:02:16 PM; Reports meeting with plans, OTs, and PTs. Received redline proposal from Camel Leine yesterday; needs review. Expects proposal next meeting.
SB480: Committee Chair Vote05:04:45.760 - 1:02:16 PM; Holds SB 480 for further work.
SB546: Senator Rosenwald Vote05:05:34.638 - 1:03:05 PM; Requests hold on SB 546 until insurance department rules are released. Committee agrees to hold.
SB545: Senator Prentice Vote05:05:34.638 - 1:03:05 PM; Motion for ought to pass on SB 545. Vote 4-1 in favor. Consent granted.
SB545: Senator Rofford Support05:05:34.638 - 1:03:05 PM; Supports bill, noting it targets costs down from previous $14.3M to $2.3M by removing asset ceilings and HHS admin. Testimony from advocates emphasized keeping elderly at home to save long-term costs over care settings. One opposition noted, but defers to finance committee.
SB545: Senator Avard Oppose05:08:20.080 - 1:05:51 PM; Expresses concern over $2.3M cost but acknowledges improvements.
SB545: Senator Long Vote05:09:17.040 - 1:06:48 PM; Takes bill out as assigned.
SB477: Senator Avard Vote05:10:05.680 - 1:07:36 PM; Motion for interim study on SB 477. Vote passes with consent.
SB477: Senator Prentice Oppose05:10:05.680 - 1:07:36 PM; Inclined for ITL over study. Notes four district hospitals oppose, arguing existing federal compliance is sufficient; additional layer unnecessary. Appreciates sponsor's intent but prefers study.
SB477: Senator (Unspecified) Information Only05:10:05.680 - 1:07:36 PM; Notes 340B is federal program between manufacturers and hospitals; state oversight not appropriate. Sponsor open to changes from testimony.
SB476: Senator Avard Vote05:13:27.120 - 1:10:58 PM; Motion for interim study on SB 476 due to insurance department concerns of unintended consequences and ongoing rulemaking. Vote passes with consent.
SB476: Committee Chair Information Only05:13:27.120 - 1:10:58 PM; Spoke with insurance department; they note current processes and NHID data provide transparency. Study allows addressing if needed later.
SB441 2024-0441s revised: Senator (Unspecified) Information Only05:16:02.480 - 1:13:33 PM; Discusses amendment from NH Legal Assistance. Notes municipalities can already enter intergovernmental agreements for services. Raises issue of out-of-state drop-offs, e.g., five incidents in Manchester including one from Maine returned quickly.
SB441 2024-0441s revised: Senator Prentice Oppose05:16:02.480 - 1:13:33 PM; Existing legal framework allows agreements; bill unnecessary. Cannot fully stop out-of-state incidents. Prefers interim study over ITL or passage.
SB441 2024-0441s revised: Senator Long Information Only05:19:22.878 - 1:16:53 PM; Perception in Manchester of influx for services, but homeless move between areas like Concord and Nashua. Views as state issue, not city-specific.
SB441 2024-0441s revised: Committee Chair Vote05:16:02.480 - 1:13:33 PM; Holds SB 441 for review of amendments from NH Legal and Municipal Association. Will circulate to sponsor.

Rochefort, David(Chairman)(R)[B-]2025	Avard, Kevin(V Chairman)(R)[B]2025	Birdsell, Regina(R)[B-]2025
Prentiss, Suzanne(D)[F]2025	Long, Pat(D)[F]2025