HB 1317 strengthens patient privacy protections in New Hampshire by prohibiting state agencies, contractors, vendors, and grant recipients from sharing personally identifiable medical, disability, or mental health data with the federal government or third parties - unless specific conditions apply. These exceptions include obtaining an individual’s written consent, complying with existing law or court orders, or disclosing data to provide necessary health care services. The bill also requires that any permitted disclosure share only the minimum necessary data and prioritize de-identified information when possible. It explicitly affirms that these state rules do not override federal privacy laws like HIPAA or the ADA, and violations could result in civil penalties enforced by the attorney general.
SB 520 allows physicians to perform breast surgery on minors for non-medical reasons, expanding existing exceptions. It adds a new provision permitting the procedure "at the election of the minor in consultation with her primary care physician," removing prior restrictions that limited surgery to medical conditions like gynecomastia or congenital deformities. The bill directly affects minors seeking breast reduction or reconstruction surgery who do not qualify under existing medical necessity exceptions. It requires the minor’s consent and physician consultation but does not mandate parental consent. The change modifies New Hampshire law to include this patient-choice option for breast surgeries.
HB 1735 expands New Hampshire's Right to Try Act to allow patients with "qualifying severe illness" (defined as chronic and debilitating conditions meeting federal standards) to access investigational treatments, in addition to those with terminal illnesses. The bill amends definitions to include this new category, requiring patients to have exhausted standard FDA-approved treatments and be unable to join clinical trials. It maintains existing requirements like physician oversight, patient consent, and no direct manufacturer compensation for providers. This change directly affects patients with severe chronic conditions who currently lack access to investigational therapies under state law. The bill does not alter cost-sharing or data collection requirements for manufacturers.
HB 1219 prevents foster family homes from imposing immunization requirements on children or foster parents that are stricter than those in RSA 141-C:20-a. Specifically, it prohibits requirements exceeding the standard for vaccine type, number of doses, or exemption policies already established for the general population. This bill directly affects foster children and foster parents by aligning their immunization standards with statewide requirements. The law amends RSA 170-E:27-b to ensure foster homes cannot mandate additional or more stringent vaccinations than what is required for children in public schools or the general community.
HB 1245 establishes a voluntary framework for independent contractors in New Hampshire to access portable benefits like health insurance, retirement plans, or disability coverage through designated providers. Hiring parties (businesses or platforms) can voluntarily contribute to these plans or withhold a portion of payment from the contractor, with the contractor’s written consent. Crucially, participation in these plans cannot be used to reclassify a worker as an employee under state law, preserving current independent contractor status. The bill requires clear opt-in agreements and has no estimated state or local cost impact.
SB 545 removes the asset limit (resource test) for New Hampshire's Medicare Savings Program, allowing seniors previously denied due to savings or assets to qualify. It also seeks federal approval to extend the low-income Medicare Part D subsidy, helping residents cover prescription drug costs. The bill directly affects approximately 2,033 additional seniors who were previously ineligible under the asset rule. This change would make program eligibility solely based on income, not savings or assets, with estimated annual state costs of $2.3 million from general funds.
SB 543 establishes provisional eligibility for Medicaid nursing facility services in New Hampshire, directly affecting long-term care applicants and nursing facilities. The bill requires the Department of Health and Human Services to grant temporary coverage within 90 days of application submission if a facility agrees to comply with program terms, without waiting for full application completion. This provisional status lasts up to 18 months or until a final eligibility decision, with facilities receiving payments during this period and required to reimburse funds if final approval is denied. The bill appropriates $1 for the 2026-2027 biennium to fund this program and creates two new positions within the department to manage it (per RSA 167:8).
HB 1635 modifies New Hampshire school suicide prevention training requirements by requiring all school faculty, staff, and contracted personnel to complete suicide awareness training within 30 days of hire and every two years thereafter (replacing the prior annual requirement). The training must cover youth suicide risk factors, warning signs, response procedures, referrals, and community resources, and may use existing professional development programs or self-training materials. School districts determine how to administer the training, including whether it applies to volunteers per district policy. The bill takes effect September 1, 2026.
HB 1760 repeals a requirement that the New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services seek a waiver to impose pharmacy copayments and premiums on Medicaid beneficiaries, including those in the New Hampshire Advantage Health Care Program and the Children's Health Insurance Program. It removes specific law sections (2025, 141:65; RSA 126-AA:2-a; and RSA 126-A:3, IX) that would have mandated these cost-sharing measures. The bill appropriates funds to the Department of Health and Human Services to cover the resulting revenue shortfall for the 2026-2027 biennium. This change directly eliminates new costs for Medicaid participants while maintaining program funding stability.
HB 1313 repeals New Hampshire's current law (RSA 132:37-40) that prohibited people from entering or remaining on public sidewalks adjacent to reproductive health care facilities. This directly affects individuals and groups seeking to engage in free speech activities - such as handing out literature or speaking - near clinic entrances. The key provision removes the buffer zone restriction, allowing people to approach sidewalks without legal penalty. The bill takes effect immediately upon passage and has no estimated fiscal impact on state or local governments.
