Healthcare

HB 232 protects New Hampshire healthcare providers' right to refuse participation in abortions, sterilizations, or artificial contraception based on religious, moral, or ethical beliefs. It requires health care institutions to prominently post notices about these rights and prohibits discrimination against providers who conscientiously object. Violations by institutions carry civil fines ($1,000-$10,000 per occurrence), while providers denied employment or other benefits due to objections may seek triple damages plus attorney fees. The law applies to all medical professionals in New Hampshire, including physicians, nurses, pharmacists, and students, and takes effect January 1, 2026.

HB 360 prohibits public schools in New Hampshire from performing diagnostic tests, surgical procedures, or prescribing pharmaceutical drugs. It directly affects school nurses and school physicians by removing their authority to conduct these medical activities within school settings. The bill amends RSA 200:27 to explicitly state that school health services may not include these medical functions. This policy change takes effect 60 days after enactment, limiting school-based medical interventions to non-invasive care.

HB 1356 extends the statute of limitations for minors to sue providers for violating laws prohibiting gender-altering medical procedures. It changes the deadline from 2 years to 10 years after a minor turns 18 to file a private lawsuit. This directly affects minors who received such medical treatments before age 18 and wish to pursue legal action. The bill modifies RSA 332-N:3, II, which governs when claims for violations of the gender-procedure ban must be filed. The fiscal note indicates no state or local cost impact.

HB 349 authorizes licensed optometrists who meet specific board-certification criteria to perform three eye laser procedures: laser capsulotomy, laser trabeculoplasty, and laser peripheral iridotomy. It directly affects optometrists seeking to expand their scope of practice, requiring them to complete approved education, training, and experience before performing these procedures. The bill mandates the Board of Registration in Optometry to establish rules for certification, including minimum training standards, proctoring requirements, and outcome reporting for these procedures. The law takes effect 60 days after passage, with no new state funding provided.

HB 1811 repeals all state-mandated vaccination requirements for children in New Hampshire, removing legal obligations for schools and childcare agencies to require immunizations or maintain related records. The bill eliminates provisions for religious and medical exemptions, attendance rules during outbreaks, and reporting requirements to health authorities. It replaces mandatory vaccination with advisory recommendations from health officials, stating schools and agencies cannot deny enrollment based on vaccination status. This directly affects parents, schools, childcare providers, and public health officials by ending the state’s enforcement of childhood immunization rules. The bill takes effect 60 days after passage.

This bill requires schools to obtain written parental consent for each new medical service provided to students enrolled in the Medicaid to schools program. It defines "each new service" as any new Medicaid diagnostic code (ICD code), meaning consent must be renewed for each distinct health service. The bill directly affects students receiving school-based Medicaid health services and their parents or legal guardians. Schools must implement this consent process starting January 1, 2026, and the state must submit annual reports on program costs and participation to legislative committees.