What Happened This Week at the New Hampshire State House May 3rd, 2024

It seems like crossover was just yesterday, but the deadline to act on bills is rapidly approaching. The deadline to act on bills is May 23rd. We’ve had some positive movement on many pieces of legislation we’re watching:

Priority Legislation Updates

SB 556 - relative to insurance reimbursement for health services provided by advanced practice registered nurses
The hearing on our parity bill was held this past Wednesday, May 1st in House Commerce. Because of our diligent work on this bill, we can report that the hearing went well, and want to take this opportunity to thank all who came to testify or sign in online to support it. A last minute amendment was adopted that restricts to the bill to APRNs. The next step will be a subcommittee work session, and finally an executive session on the bill as presented to the committee, and to pass it on the House floor in the next two weeks or so. We will keep you updated on developments with the subcommittee work session, happening later today. (Photo below: Peggy Abbott and Nancy Wilson after testifying.)

HB1222 – relative to physician assistant scope of practice.
As part of our close monitoring of this bill, we will be present at the hearing this
Wednesday, May 8th in Senate Health & Human Services. Ensuring that information shared about APRN's scope of practice and their pathways to practice (education, experience, ect) is accurate is a priority. We will be present to offer any clarifications about APRNs that may be needed. 

SB403 - relative to the health care workforce.
Due to the slight attendance advantage that the Democrats had, the bill overcame a “no recommendation” status and passed the House. It will move on to the House Finance Committee for another hearing and executive session, before returning to the House Floor.

House Session Recap
Democrats held a slight attendance advantage yesterday, allowing several bills that might have otherwise been defeated to pass. One such bill was SB 403, relative to the health care workforce. A number of these bills, including SB 403, will advance to the House Finance committee before returning for another floor vote and eventual return to their originating bodies.

Senate Session Recap

We had no priority bills we were tracking in this Senate Session. However, at the end of the Session, Senate President Jeb Bradley announced he would not seek re-election this fall. This decision is the latest in a number of changes happening in the state house,
and we will continue to monitor developments around the composition of all branches of government heading into election season and into the next session.

This Week’s Schedule

Wednesday, May 8th
HB1222 - Relative to Physician Assistant Scope Of Practice. Public Hearing in Senate Health & Human Services at 9:00AM
SB556 - (second New Title) Prohibiting Health Carriers From Establishing Payment or Reimbursement Provisions Based Solely On A Participating Provider’s Licensure. Subcommittee Work Session in House Commerce & Consumer Affairs at 10:00AM
Thursday, May 9th.
House Session – 10:00AM
There will be no Senate Session this week.