HB 1406 prohibits health insurance companies (health carriers) from using artificial intelligence to override doctors' clinical decisions. Specifically, it bans AI from auditing or adjusting provider codes based on AI recommendations that would change a physician's professional judgment about patient care. Health carriers must document all AI use in claims processing and provide these records to regulators. Violations are considered unfair insurance practices, potentially resulting in fines or restitution for denied care. The law directly affects healthcare providers and insurers, taking effect January 1, 2027.
HB 1318 renews a state committee studying non-drug treatment options for chronic pain patients, extending its work through 2027. The bill requires the committee to submit annual interim reports to legislative leaders and the governor by November 1 each year, with a final report due by November 1, 2027. It focuses on developing payment models to support patient-centered, integrated care for chronic pain management. The committee’s prior work established a foundation for a pilot program, and this renewal aims to explore practical implementation strategies.
HB 1761 establishes a publicly administered Family and Medical Leave Insurance (FMLI) program to expand New Hampshire's existing paid family and medical leave system. The program will provide wage replacement benefits for eligible employees and self-employed individuals who meet income requirements during a defined base period, covering leave for qualifying family or medical reasons. It creates clear definitions for key terms like "covered individual," "application year," and "average weekly wage" to determine eligibility and benefit amounts. The Department of Insurance will administer the program and enforce protections against interference with leave rights.
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.
HB 1463 requires New Hampshire's insurance department to conduct a detailed analysis of how health insurance companies comply with state laws governing managed care and medical review practices. The department must consult with community physicians and health systems across all counties to assess compliance and recommend penalties for non-compliant insurers. The report must be submitted to state leaders by November 1, 2026, and the bill does not provide new funding, potentially requiring the department to use existing resources or General Fund money for the analysis. This bill directly affects insurers, the insurance department, and healthcare providers consulted during the review.
SB 433, the "Seizure Safe Schools Act," requires New Hampshire public, charter, and private schools to train at least two staff members per school (by the 2026-27 school year) to recognize seizures and administer FDA-approved seizure rescue medication. It mandates parental consent for medication use, including written authorization, healthcare provider documentation, and individualized "seizure action plans" for students with seizure disorders. Schools must store medication securely and provide 75 minutes of training every two years for relevant staff on seizure recognition and first aid. The law applies only to schools with students requiring FDA-approved seizure medication, ensuring protocols align with medical guidelines while protecting trained staff from liability.
SB 551 establishes that every individual in New Hampshire has a fundamental right to reproductive health care services permitted under state law, including abortion, contraception, and pregnancy-related care. The bill prohibits state officials from cooperating with out-of-state investigations into such care, protects health care providers from professional discipline for legally provided services, and bans malpractice insurers from considering protected care when setting premiums. It also blocks enforcement of foreign court judgments related to reproductive health care and prevents extradition for legally protected activities. This law directly affects all residents of New Hampshire, health care providers, licensing boards, and state agencies handling reproductive health services.
SB 450 establishes a 3-year pilot program (2026-2029) allowing community mental health centers registered with the Department of Health and Human Services to receive state park passes for their clients. Participating centers must submit annual anonymized reports on pass usage and program impact, with funding coming from state/federal grants and donations (costing under $10,000 annually). The program directly affects mental health centers and their clients by providing subsidized park access. It expires automatically in 2029 per the bill’s repeal clause.
SB 515 requires that children placed in specialized treatment facilities (qualified residential treatment programs) receive a qualified assessment within 30 days and have their placement reviewed by a court within 60 days. It directly affects children in juvenile court cases involving such placements, their families, and the courts handling these matters. The bill also allows court proceedings to continue if a child’s legal counsel cannot be secured after diligent efforts, while prioritizing issues not affecting the child’s expressed interests. These changes align state law with federal requirements under the Family First Prevention Services Act and aim to ensure timely oversight of children’s care. The bill has no fiscal impact on state or local government.
SB 476 requires hospitals to follow federal price transparency rules and provides a "good faith estimate" safe harbor, protecting them from penalties if cost estimates differ due to clinical changes or outside factors. It mandates health insurers to give personalized, pre-service cost estimates for scheduled services through their existing federal tools (Transparency in Coverage APIs), accessible via the state's HealthCost portal. The bill expands the state's health data system (CHIS/APCD) to power consumer cost comparisons for uninsured and out-of-network care without building new IT infrastructure. These changes directly affect hospitals, insurers, and consumers by making upfront health care costs clearer before treatment.
