Committee Summary for Health and Human Services Oversight Committee (12/19/2025)

Bill/Time	Type	Title	Sponsor
Unclear 00:06:20.000 - 9:02:22 AM	General Working Session	Unclear

Unclear: Chair (unidentified) Information Only00:06:20.000 - 9:02:22 AM; Called the meeting to order on Friday, December 19th, 2025, for the Health and Human Services Oversight Committee. Requested the clerk to call the roll, approved draft minutes from November 21 with no corrections.
Unclear: Committee Members (various) Information Only00:07:08.720 - 9:03:10 AM; Discussed minor corrections to names in the roll call, such as retitling Representative Gray to Senator Gray and noting Senator Rosenbald. Approved the minutes with a motion by Senator Gray, seconded by Representative Seaworth, passing unanimously with two abstentions.
Unclear: Patricia Tilly, Associate Commissioner at DHS Information Only00:08:16.720 - 9:04:18 AM; Provided a brief update on behalf of Commissioner Weaver, mentioning recent Milbank Fellowship in New Orleans. Introduced upcoming presentations on palliative and hospice care by Henry Litman, DCYF transition work by Rob Rodler, and the health officers report. Announced success in securing funds for the North Country and anticipation for rural health transformation funding from CMS, expected by December 31st. Noted preparation for accept and expend request for up to $200 million for two years, planning staffing and RFPs. Gave cliff notes on YDC facility build in Hampstead: on track, roof completed, move expected early January 2027. Responded to questions on playground inclusion (planned with ARPA funds) and confirmed rural health funding is 100% federal.
Unclear: Henry Litman, Medicaid Director for the State Information Only00:18:04.320 - 9:14:06 AM; Presented on Senate Bill 248 study committee findings regarding palliative and hospice care distinctions. Emphasized need for education on palliative care (available alongside curative treatments) versus hospice (no curative intent). Discussed collaboration with Foundation for Healthy Communities, Home Health & Hospice Care for education campaigns and potential bundling of services. Addressed access issues for brain injury waiver users. Provided update on Medicaid authorization backlogs: progress made post-pandemic with 250,000+ redeterminations, high priority with new staffing via HB2 procurement starting January, process improvements including training and electronic verification. Noted better performance on MAGI eligibility but challenges in long-term services due to asset reviews. Responded to questions on look-back statutes, suggesting potential legislative streamlining and internal policy/technology adjustments.
Unclear: Robert Rodler, Administrator, DCYF Families, DHS Information Only00:32:30.080 - 9:28:32 AM; Updated on tuition waiver program for foster and adopted children: 82 applicants, 65 received waivers (35 USNH, 30 community colleges). Noted data correction needed for CCSNH new/continuing students but no impact on totals. Provided historical chart since 2008, focusing on improving graduation rates, especially at community colleges. Responded to questions: colleges statutorily waive tuition; no funding from state beyond that; unlimited applicants but 70 slots total; promoted via early outreach (age 13-14), surveys, aftercare up to age 26; some elect military but face record challenges. Mentioned NH Chronicle feature on recipient Marcus Jones.
Unclear: Wayne Whitford, President, New Hampshire Health Officers Association Information Only00:45:33.280 - 9:41:35 AM; Presented annual state health officer readiness report (RSA 1211): 281 officers, 13% vacancy rate, 40% full-time, 38% volunteers. Many part-time or multi-role (e.g., fire chief). Concerns: inspections, septic, housing, water, emergencies, animal diseases. Training: 3-hour initial course, annual sessions. Involved in regional networks, supported by DHS liaison. Association focuses on education, advocacy for funding/training. Small towns struggle with volunteers; vacancies default to select board.
Unclear: Sophia Johnson, Administrator, Bureau of Prevention Services, DHS Information Only00:51:38.079 - 9:47:40 AM; Clarified DHS manages health officer appointments via nomination forms, tracks 3-year terms, provides public directory on website. For vacancies in rural areas without county health departments, options include sharing with adjacent towns or DHS assistance in connecting communities.