Committee Summary for Senate Health and Human Services (04/24/2025)

Rochefort, David(Chairman)(R)	Avard, Kevin(V Chairman)(R)[C+]2024	Birdsell, Regina(R)[C+]2024
Prentiss, Suzanne(D)[F]2024	Long, Pat(D)

Bill/Time	Type	Title	Sponsor
HB63 00:08:00.160 - 12:06:06 PM	Executive Session	relative to the use of nasal spray to treat anaphylaxis.	Layon, Erica(R)[A]2024
HB70 00:09:01.560 - 12:07:07 PM	Executive Session	relative to the use of electronic medical records.	Nagel, David(R)[B-]2024
HB117 00:10:41.560 - 12:08:47 PM	Executive Session	relative to the substitution of biological products.	Layon, Erica(R)[A]2024
HB126 00:11:41.600 - 12:09:47 PM	Executive Session	relative to prescriptions for certain controlled drugs.	Popovici-Muller, Daniel(R)[A+]2024
HB223 00:12:51.360 - 12:10:57 PM	Executive Session	relative to licensing requirements for health care facilities that operate within 15 miles of a critical access hospital.	McLean, Mark(R)[A-]2024
HB357 00:16:14.959 - 12:14:20 PM	Executive Session	relative to the department of health and human services' rulemaking authority regarding immunization requirements.	Kofalt, Jim(R)[A+]2024
HB358 00:21:42.320 - 12:19:48 PM	Executive Session	relative to exemption from immunization requirements on the basis of religious belief.	Kofalt, Jim(R)[A+]2024
HB377 00:23:58.080 - 12:22:04 PM	Executive Session	relative to health care professionals administering hormone treatments and puberty blockers.	Mazur, Lisa(R)[A]2024
HB548 00:24:52.440 - 12:22:58 PM	Executive Session	relative to licensing requirements for health care facilities that operate on a membership-based business model.	McLean, Mark(R)[A-]2024
HB559 00:25:50.320 - 12:23:56 PM	Executive Session	relative to staffing requirements in emergency medical transport vehicles.	Rhodes, Jennifer(R)[B]2024
HB606 00:30:00.240 - 12:28:06 PM	Executive Session	relative to a patient's right to medically appropriate care for reproductive disorders.	Read, Ellen(D)[D]2024

HB63: Unnamed Speaker Information Only00:08:00.160 - 12:06:06 PM; The speaker mentioned that they were ready to move into an executive session on HB63 but realized they forgot to submit an amendment for the bill. They were reminded the previous night and decided to wait on the bill until the amendment could be addressed.
HB70: Unnamed Speaker Oppose00:09:01.560 - 12:07:07 PM; The speaker expressed the view that HB70 was largely unnecessary based on the testimony heard. They noted that private payers in New Hampshire do not require electronic billing, but it is required for CMS, Medicare, and Medicaid. They moved for the bill to be deemed inexpedient to legislate (ITL).
HB70: Unnamed Speaker Oppose00:09:46.959 - 12:07:52 PM; The speaker seconded the motion for ITL and expressed appreciation for the work done by Dr. Nagel. However, they believed that the focus should be on improving the electronic medical records system rather than drawing back, hence supporting the ITL motion.
HB117: Unnamed Speaker Information Only00:10:41.560 - 12:08:47 PM; The speaker mentioned they have an amendment for HB117 but wanted to verify it before proceeding, so they decided to hold off on the bill for now.
HB126: Unnamed Speaker Information Only00:11:41.600 - 12:09:47 PM; A motion was made to re-refer HB126, which was seconded and passed without opposition. The bill was then moved to consent.
HB223: Senator Apprentice Oppose00:12:51.360 - 12:10:57 PM; Senator Apprentice moved for ITL on HB223, stating there was not enough data to support different types of delivery methods in rural areas. They mentioned a dispute in Lebanon over an urgent care center but felt the existing system should be allowed to work.
HB223: Unnamed Speaker Oppose00:14:03.839 - 12:12:09 PM; The speaker opposed the ITL motion, arguing that critical care access hospitals are competing with each other, limiting the capability of urgent cares and birthing centers.
HB223: Unnamed Speaker Oppose00:14:03.839 - 12:12:09 PM; The speaker expanded on Senator Apprentice's point, mentioning that a process exists for competition and has not been utilized. They felt that revisiting the issue might be necessary if it becomes a problem, but currently, they did not support HB223.
HB357: Unnamed Speaker Oppose00:16:14.959 - 12:14:20 PM; The speaker moved for ITL on HB357, stating the bill limits childhood immunization requirements to diseases identified in statute, removing the authority of the Commissioner of Health and Human Services. They highlighted potential unintended consequences and supported ITL.
HB357: Senator Information Only00:17:21.119 - 12:15:27 PM; The senator provided information on the rule-writing process, explaining that typically, staff writes the rules, but the commissioner has to sign off on them. They emphasized the thorough review process before rules are approved.
HB357: Unnamed Speaker Oppose00:18:23.039 - 12:16:29 PM; The speaker supported the ITL motion, arguing that the legislature has the authority to give and take away certain powers from departments. They felt that the vaccine schedule has not been updated in 20 years, suggesting the department is not overzealous.
HB357: Unnamed Speaker Oppose00:19:33.919 - 12:17:39 PM; The speaker mentioned the Jelcar system, which oversees rulemaking authority, ensuring rules comport with legislative intent. They supported ITL, arguing that the system already has checks and balances.
HB358: Unnamed Speaker Support00:21:42.320 - 12:19:48 PM; The speaker mentioned that the impetus for the bill was to fix a previous bill on religious exemptions to vaccines. They spoke with Senator Lang, who did not intend a formal process for exemptions and supports the bill. A motion to pass the bill was made and seconded.
HB358: Unnamed Speaker Support00:23:02.080 - 12:21:08 PM; A committee amendment was proposed, stating that the exemption shall require no more than a written statement. The amendment was discussed and passed, followed by a motion to pass the bill as amended, which was also passed.
HB377: Unnamed Speaker Information Only00:23:58.080 - 12:22:04 PM; The speaker mentioned they had not yet reviewed the materials from the previous day regarding HB377 and decided to pass on it for now.
HB548: Unnamed Speaker Support00:24:52.440 - 12:22:58 PM; A motion was made and seconded to pass HB548. It was passed unanimously and moved to consent.
HB559: Senator Apprentice Oppose00:25:50.320 - 12:23:56 PM; Senator Apprentice moved for ITL on HB559, arguing that communities can roll an ambulance with one person or have a firefighter drive it to the scene, but two licensed providers are needed for transport. They mentioned the low utilization of one-person staffing models and the availability of waivers for specific services.
HB559: Unnamed Speaker Information Only00:29:00.799 - 12:27:06 PM; The speaker asked about the necessity of two people in an ambulance during a heart attack, to which it was clarified that two licensed providers are needed, one driving and one attending to the patient. The current licensure structure was deemed sufficient, and the waiver mechanism was highlighted as a solution for communities facing staffing issues.
HB606: Unnamed Speaker Information Only00:30:00.240 - 12:28:06 PM; The speaker mentioned they had not yet reviewed the materials from the previous day regarding HB606 and needed more time before proceeding with the bill.
HB606: Unnamed Speaker Oppose00:30:49.360 - 12:28:55 PM; The speaker expressed concerns about the bill, particularly regarding the requirement for vaccines to prevent transmission of disease. They highlighted that the long-term results necessary to determine if a vaccine prevents transmission are often not available at the time of vaccine approval. They also questioned the interpretation of vaccine efficacy as defined in the bill compared to how it is generally understood. Additionally, they raised issues about the necessity of receiving multiple vaccines when only one is needed, using the example of a tetanus shot. They referenced discussions with medical professionals about the necessity of combined vaccines due to supply issues and the boosting effect of certain vaccines.
HB606: Senator Prrentice Information Only00:33:48.399 - 12:31:54 PM; Senator Prrentice responded to concerns about the necessity of multiple vaccines, particularly referencing a conversation with a medical professional about the supply issues and the scientific rationale for administering combined vaccines like DTAP. They also shared a personal anecdote about needing a tetanus shot and receiving a full set of vaccines, highlighting potential areas for future discussion.
HB606: Senator Berzel Information Only00:34:54.320 - 12:33:00 PM; Senator Berzel discussed the need for further discussion on the necessity of multiple vaccines and shared a personal experience of needing a tetanus shot but receiving a full set of vaccines. They acknowledged the concerns raised and suggested there might be opportunities for future discussions on this topic.
HB606: Senator Long Information Only00:37:35.040 - 12:35:41 PM; Senator Long seconded a motion and discussed the bill's implications on parental information and accountability. They expressed support for more communication with parents but raised concerns about the definition of psychotropic drugs in the bill and its applicability only to Medicaid patients, which could complicate its implementation.
HB606: Senator Bird Information Only00:36:13.599 - 12:34:19 PM; Senator Bird took the lead to conclude the session and mentioned a constituent's experience with experimental cancer treatment in Japan, suggesting it related to a bill discussed previously. They also mentioned voting to pass on another bill to enhance parental information and accountability.
HB606: Unnamed Speaker Information Only00:39:47.680 - 12:37:53 PM; The speaker discussed the need for further investigation into coding issues mentioned in previous testimonies, particularly regarding false claims and the need to verify information provided by Dartmouth Health. They mentioned ongoing efforts with the Department of Insurance to investigate these claims further.