This bill requires outpatient substance use disorder treatment facilities in New Hampshire to obtain certification from the Department of Health and Human Services. It establishes a certification process for facilities providing outpatient services like intensive outpatient, partial hospitalization, and medically managed outpatient treatment, while exempting nonclinical recovery support services and certain other providers. Facilities will pay certification fees to a new "substance use treatment certification fund" that will cover the costs of the certification program. The bill also requires the Department to maintain a public online list of certified facilities and to create a dedicated behavioral health specialist position within the Ombudsman's office to investigate complaints about treatment facilities.
SB 136 creates a state fund to cover medically necessary care for uninsured patients by imposing a surcharge on commercial health insurers, reinsurers, and certain self-insured plans (including state/municipal plans). The fund, managed by the Department of Insurance, will support non-profit safety-net health providers who treat uninsured individuals who don’t qualify for government programs. Insurers must pay the assessment directly without passing costs to consumers via higher premiums, and an advisory committee will determine annual assessment levels and fund distribution. The program will begin in January 2026, with assessments collected quarterly starting in 2026.
HB 705 requires health insurance carriers in New Hampshire to publish specific cost data online in digital files, directly affecting insurers and making it easier for consumers to compare prices. The bill mandates three types of publicly accessible files: in-network provider rates (including negotiated prices), out-of-network allowed amounts, and prescription drug pricing (both current negotiated rates and historical average costs). All data must be updated monthly, include plain-language descriptions, and be free to access without login requirements. The law takes effect for plan years beginning January 1, 2026.
SB 256 requires health maintenance organizations (HMOs) to cover clinician-administered drugs (CADs) - outpatient medications that patients cannot safely self-administer and are typically given by healthcare professionals in clinics or hospitals - without requiring prior authorization. It prohibits HMOs from mandating that pharmacies dispense CADs directly to patients for them to transport to a healthcare setting for administration. The bill mandates HMOs to use the lowest-cost reimbursement method for covered CADs and ensures coverage aligns with medical standards of care. This directly affects patients needing CADs (like IV therapies) and HMOs operating in New Hampshire, effective January 1, 2026.
SB 247 allows community pharmacies to decline filling prescriptions when a pharmacy benefits manager (PBM) offers reimbursement below the pharmacy’s actual drug cost, without facing network exclusion. Pharmacies must inform patients to contact their insurer for alternative pharmacy options. The bill also requires pharmacy administrative organizations (PSAOs) to share PBM contracts and payment details with pharmacies within 3 days and prohibits PSAOs from forcing pharmacies to buy drugs from specific suppliers. This applies to independent pharmacies and takes effect January 1, 2026.
HB 208 updates certification rules for school nurses in New Hampshire by requiring 3 years of current experience in acute/chronic pediatric care (replacing broader "related nursing areas" language) and adding leadership skills in professional nursing practice as a competency requirement. It directly affects school nurses seeking or renewing certification in the state. The bill amends RSA 200:29 to tighten clinical experience standards and emphasizes pediatric-focused skills. The Legislative Budget Assistant estimates minimal fiscal impact ($10,000 or less annually through 2028). The changes take effect 60 days after enactment.
SB 650 allows New Hampshire alternative treatment centers to use CBD and other nonintoxicating hemp-derived cannabinoids (like CBD) in therapeutic products, while requiring these products to undergo contaminant and cannabinoid testing. It specifically prohibits centers from using any hemp-derived products containing natural THC over 0.3% (including delta-8, delta-9, or synthetic THC variants). The bill directly affects licensed alternative treatment centers by expanding permitted ingredients for therapeutic products under strict safety testing rules. It does not change recreational cannabis laws or allow intoxicating THC products. The law takes effect 60 days after passage.
SB 651 would legalize cannabis use for adults 21 and older in New Hampshire, requiring businesses to obtain licenses and follow regulations similar to alcohol, including age verification for purchases, product testing, and labeling. It establishes a new cannabis tax fund, with revenue from sales allocated to support substance abuse prevention, treatment, and education programs through a dedicated fund managed by the Department of Health and Human Services. These programs would cover evidence-based initiatives, mental health services for dual-diagnosis cases, and public education campaigns about cannabis risks for both youth and adults. The bill mandates annual reporting on fund usage and ensures tax revenue directly supports state efforts to address substance misuse.
HB 191 prohibits transporting, recruiting, or harboring a pregnant minor under 18 (unemancipated) within New Hampshire to obtain an abortion without parental permission, imposing criminal penalties. It classifies first offenses as class A misdemeanors and repeat offenses (two prior violations) as class B felonies. Exemptions include parents/guardians, those with written parental consent, common carriers, and emergency medical personnel. The bill also allows civil lawsuits for wrongful death if a violation leads to an abortion, with damages covering economic, noneconomic, and punitive costs. This directly affects individuals assisting minors in accessing abortion services without parental involvement.
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.
