|
 |
|
The weekly Legislative Brief provides information on upcoming committee hearings, the type of action needed, legislative bill summary, and more. |
|
|
Last Week Summary |
Bill Overview | SB 35 (Sen. Rosenwald) – The bill is relative to RSV vaccine administration. Bill authorizes pharmacists, technicians, and interns to administer the RSV vaccine to adults. This bipartisan bill amends RSA 318:16-b, which currently authorizes pharmacists, technicians, and interns to administer an array of vaccines. If passed, this would increase statewide capacity to administer this specific vaccine. | NHPHA Position - Support |
| Hearing Update | Very favorable testimony in support of the bill. No one signed in or testified in opposition. The only issues were the effective date if signed into law and whether there should be language allowing all FDA/CDC-approved vaccines to be administered to adults. The Committee recommended Ought to Pass (OTP) 5-0. The bill moves to the full Senate for a vote on Thursday, January 26, 2023. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Bill Overview | SB 36 (Sen. Gannon) – The bill expands New Hampshire's systems of care for healthy aging, increases access to home and community-based services, and expands the long-term care ombudsman's role. The state of New Hampshire is ranked as having one of the fastest-growing numbers of older adults in the country. The need for long-term care will increase as the number of older adults rise. Pursuant to the federal Older Americans Act, New Hampshire is required to promote the development and implementation of comprehensive, coordinated, statewide systems of long-term services and supports that are responsive to the needs and preferences of older individuals and their family caregivers. The bill intends to increase NH's investment in home and community-based services. This allows people, particularly those with disabilities, to have access to a continuum of options, including aging at home. | NHPHA Position - Support |
| Hearing Update | Sen. Gannon indicated that the cost of implementation is $320k per year. There are significant challenges around the lack of caregivers rooted in uncompetitive wages. AARP, Wellpoint, NH Commission on Aging, and DHHS support the bill. The Nursing Home Association and Meals on Wheels support the bill with minor edits. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Bill Overview | HB 154 (Rep. Harvey-Bolia) – The bill is relative to municipalities' adoption of public health ordinances. This bill would prevent public health ordinances from taking effect until approved by a majority of a legislative body approved, either at an annual or special meeting. | NHPHA Position - Monitor |
| Hearing Update | The sponsor is the only supporter, and the NH Association of Health Officers opposes it. The committee is leaning toward opposing. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Bill Overview | HB 144 (Rep. Gerhard) – The bill is relative to restoring firearm ownership rights to ex-felons. This bill provides that a non-violent felon who has completed a term of incarceration, and all other conditions of a sentence, shall have the right to possess and use a firearm. | NHPHA Position - Oppose |
| Hearing Update | Bill remains in committee. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Upcoming Committee Hearings | SB 117 (Sen Fenton) – The bill is relative to the definition of a "child" for the purpose of negligent storage of firearms. Bill clarifies that “child” means anyone under 18 years of age.
NHPHA Position - Monitor |
| Details | Date: Tuesday, January 24 Time: 1:35 PM Committee: NH Senate Judiciary Location: NH State House, Room 100 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
SB 50 (Sen. Lang) – The bill is relative to pharmaceutical drug take-back programs. The bill allows for take-back programs to operate in nursing homes and long-term care facilities.
NHPHA Position - Monitor |
| Date: Wednesday, January 25 Time: 9:00 AM Committee: Senate Health and Human Services Location: NH Legislative Office Building, Room 101 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
SB 83 (Sen. Prentiss) – The bill is relative to the signature authority of an advanced practice registered nurse or a certified midwife. This bill allows an APRN or certified midwife acting within the scope of their practice to certify a document in place of a physician.
NHPHA Position - Monitor |
| Date: Wednesday, January 25 Time: 9:45 AM Committee: Senate Health and Human Services Location: NH Legislative Office Building, Room 101 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
HB 614 (Rep. Nancy Murphy) – The bill directs the department of health and human services to develop a health outcomes repository related to per- and polyfluorinated alkyl substances.
NHPHA Position - Monitor |
| Date: Wednesday, January 25 Time: 1:30 PM Committee: House Health and Human Services Location: NH Legislative Office Building, Room 210-11 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
HB 615 (Rep. Edwards) – The bill requires independent audits of reproductive health care facilities. This bill provides that state funds awarded to reproductive healthcare facilities shall be limited to the minimum amount necessary for participation in the Medicaid program. The bill also requires state contracts with certain reproductive healthcare facilities to include provisions indicating that state funds shall not be used to subsidize abortion and that the facility shall undergo an independent audit, the results of which will be provided to the executive council prior to taking action on the contract.
NHPHA Position - Monitor |
| Date: Wednesday, January 25 Time: 2:45 PM Committee: House Health and Human Services Location: NH Legislative Office Building Room 210-11 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Members Monthly Policy Update Meeting |
The New Hampshire Public Health Association invites you, our members, to monthly policy update virtual meetings scheduled on the second Thursday of the month from 12:30 - 1:30 PM, starting February 9, 2023. At the monthly meetings, the NHPHA will share legislative updates, committee hearings updates, and areas where we need your support.
Date: Thursday, February 9, 2023 Time: 12:30 - 1:30 PM Location: Zoom Registration: FREE - NHPHA Members Only - Registration Required
|
|
|
|
|
|
