Committee Summary for Senate Health and Human Services (03/04/2026)

Rochefort, David(Chairman)(R)[B-]2025	Avard, Kevin(V Chairman)(R)[B]2025	Birdsell, Regina(R)[B-]2025
Prentiss, Suzanne(D)[F]2025	Long, Pat(D)[F]2025

Bill/Time	Type	Title	Sponsor
SB544 0944S 00:10:38.611 - 8:05:40 AM	Executive Session	limiting changes to prescription drug formularies under health benefit plans.	Fenton, Donovan(D)[F]2025
SB546 00:10:38.611 - 8:05:40 AM	Executive Session	relative to health carrier network access monitoring.	Rosenwald, Cindy(D)[F]2025
SB547 00:10:38.611 - 8:05:40 AM	Executive Session	relative to regulation and transparency of pharmacy benefit manager practices.	Rosenwald, Cindy(D)[F]2025
SB549 00:25:38.611 - 8:20:40 AM	Executive Session	prohibiting the state or local government from distributing or funding organizations that distribute drug paraphernalia.	Murphy, Keith(R)[A]2025
SB612 2026-1016s 00:25:38.611 - 8:20:40 AM	Executive Session	relative to clinical eligibility criteria for nursing facility and home and community based care.	Avard, Kevin(R)[B]2025
SB615 2026-1007s 00:40:38.611 - 8:35:40 AM	Executive Session	relative to the use and regulation of EBT cards and SNAP eligibility.	Sullivan, Victoria(R)[A-]2025
SB670 0912s 00:55:38.611 - 8:50:40 AM	Executive Session	establishing a developmental services oversight commission; relative to membership and duties of the incapacitated and vulnerable adult fatality review committee; relative to reporting requirements regarding the death of a child in residential care; and relative to the registry of founded reports of abuse, neglect, or exploitation of vulnerable adults.	Rochefort, David(R)[B-]2025
SB664 01:27:41.693 - 9:22:43 AM	Executive Session	limiting hospital executive compensation in communities designated as distressed place-based economies under certain circumstances.	Rochefort, David(R)[B-]2025
SB665 0895F 01:27:41.693 - 9:22:43 AM	Executive Session	requiring pharmacies to charge consumers the lowest available price for prescription drugs.	Ricciardi, Denise(R)[B]2025
SB478 01:42:41.693 - 9:37:43 AM	Executive Session	relative to strengthening prescription drug affordability and pharmacy benefits manager accountability.	McGough, Tim(R)[B+]2025
SB453 01:57:41.693 - 9:52:43 AM	Public Hearing	authorizing advanced practice registered nurses and physician associates to make certain certifications.	Prentiss, Suzanne(D)[F]2025
SB613 01:57:41.693 - 9:52:43 AM	Public Hearing	relative to licensing requirements for health care facilities established within a 15 mile radius of a critical access hospital.	Prentiss, Suzanne(D)[F]2025
SB453 02:12:41.693 - 10:07:43 AM	Executive Session	authorizing advanced practice registered nurses and physician associates to make certain certifications.	Prentiss, Suzanne(D)[F]2025

SB544 0944S: Senator Prentice Support00:10:38.611 - 8:05:40 AM; Explains the amendment increases notification timeline for formulary changes, classifies denials as adverse determinations, and addresses maximum allowable cost issues for drug reimbursements. Notes similar language in upcoming amendments.
SB544 0944S: Committee Vote Vote00:10:38.611 - 8:05:40 AM; Amendment passes unanimously. Ought to pass as amended passes with one opposition, then by consent.
SB546: Senator Hayward Information Only00:10:38.611 - 8:05:40 AM; Supports interim study due to ongoing rule rewrites by Insurance Department addressing network adequacy.
SB546: Senator Prentice Support00:10:38.611 - 8:05:40 AM; Prefers ought to pass but accepts interim study; warns of future reintroduction if rules inadequate.
SB546: Committee Vote Vote00:10:38.611 - 8:05:40 AM; Interim study passes unanimously by consent.
SB547: Senator Prentice Information Only00:10:38.611 - 8:05:40 AM; Praises bill for improving PBM regulation; notes fiduciary classification and reporting addressed in other bills.
SB547: Committee Vote Vote00:10:38.611 - 8:05:40 AM; Interim study passes unanimously by consent.
SB549: Senator Murphy (mentioned) Support00:25:38.611 - 8:20:40 AM; Eager for further amendment on floor to enhance needle exchange.
SB549: Senator Long Support00:25:38.611 - 8:20:40 AM; Supports needle exchange to reduce diseases and street disposal; notes Manchester's positive experiences.
SB549: Committee Vote Vote00:25:38.611 - 8:20:40 AM; Ought to pass as amended passes unanimously; not on consent due to potential floor amendment.
SB612 2026-1016s: DJ Bettencourt, Insurance Commissioner Information Only00:25:38.611 - 8:20:40 AM; Explains amendment creates self-insurance mechanism via risk retention group model for liability insurance affordability in child care, foster care, etc. Discusses solvency, oversight, and interstate participation potential.
SB612 2026-1016s: Emily Dory, Legal Counsel Information Only00:25:38.611 - 8:20:40 AM; Details application process, governance, financial requirements, reporting, and regulatory authority for risk pools; emphasizes actuarial soundness and consumer protection.
SB612 2026-1016s: Senator Richardi (mentioned) Support00:25:38.611 - 8:20:40 AM; Introduced concept based on Texas law, adapted for NH due to lack of captive insurance framework.
SB612 2026-1016s: Senator Ayyad Information Only00:40:38.611 - 8:35:40 AM; Asks about timeline for critical mass; commissioner notes closer than expected due to national interest.
SB612 2026-1016s: Senator Ayyad Information Only00:40:38.611 - 8:35:40 AM; Confirms title accuracy post-amendment.
SB612 2026-1016s: Senator Birdsell Information Only00:40:38.611 - 8:35:40 AM; Inquires about governance and board; confirms no involvement of existing pools like PRIME.
SB612 2026-1016s: Committee Vote Vote00:40:38.611 - 8:35:40 AM; Amendment passes unanimously. Ought to pass as amended passes unanimously by consent.
SB615 2026-1007s: Senator Murphy Support00:40:38.611 - 8:35:40 AM; Amendment establishes commission to study SNAP restrictions on junk food, including diverse stakeholders like DHHS, recipients, industry reps, and programs like Double Up Food Bucks; aims for meaningful reform.
SB615 2026-1007s: Senator Rosenwald Support00:55:38.611 - 8:50:40 AM; Supports commission for comprehensive input on complex issues.
SB615 2026-1007s: Senator Ebert Oppose00:55:38.611 - 8:50:40 AM; Opposes amendment, prefers underlying bill to restrict junk food immediately; will support if committee passes amendment.
SB615 2026-1007s: Senator Burtso Support00:55:38.611 - 8:50:40 AM; Defends value of commissions based on PTSD commission success.
SB615 2026-1007s: Senator Long Information Only00:55:38.611 - 8:50:40 AM; Favors incentives like Double Up Food Bucks over restrictions to encourage healthy choices.
SB615 2026-1007s: Committee Vote Vote00:55:38.611 - 8:50:40 AM; Amendment passes 4-1. Ought to pass as amended passes unanimously by consent.
SB670 0912s: Senator Prentice Support00:55:38.611 - 8:50:40 AM; Amendment incorporates DOJ and HHS recommendations, narrows scope to avoid capturing 4,000 unnecessary deaths, removes problematic commission composition; keeps bill moving without delay.
SB670 0912s: Committee Vote Vote00:55:38.611 - 8:50:40 AM; Amendment passes unanimously. Ought to pass as amended passes unanimously by consent.
SB664: Senator Prentiss Support01:27:41.693 - 9:22:43 AM; Senator Prentiss expresses conflict due to her experience in healthcare in the North Country, a distressed area targeted by the bill. She notes the complexities of rural healthcare systems and concerns about compensation packages amid workforce gaps. She mentions the Charitable Trust Unit investigating similar issues and awaiting a report that could inform decisions. Despite her conflict, she supports the ought to pass motion.
SB664: Senator Hayward Oppose01:27:41.693 - 9:22:43 AM; Senator Hayward argues that the bill sets a bad precedent by targeting specific areas, potentially leading to a slippery slope where state intervention limits hospital boards' ability to attract and retain executives. He believes it ties the hands of those running hospitals and could make future regulations uncomfortable.
SB664: Committee Chair (Rochefort) Vote01:27:41.693 - 9:22:43 AM; The chair calls for a vote on the ought to pass motion, resulting in 4 ayes to 1 nay. Decides not to put it on consent and to take it to the floor.
SB665 0895F: Committee Chair (Rochefort) Support01:27:41.693 - 9:22:43 AM; The chair moves ought to pass with amendment 0895F and provides extensive background on PBM legislation, noting his 20+ years of involvement. He highlights the amendment's key provisions: removing exclusions for licensing to enhance regulation, clarifying PBMs as fiduciaries, increasing transparency on drug pricing, rebates, and discounts with semi-annual reporting, codifying audit protections and clawbacks with appeals, incorporating formulary changes, and increasing fines for violations. Emphasizes collaboration with the department to balance meaningful reform without overreach, preserving market flexibility while ensuring accountability. Thanks the department for their work.
SB665 0895F: Department Commissioner Information Only01:27:41.693 - 9:22:43 AM; The commissioner praises the chair's summary and the collaborative process to amalgamate various PBM bills. Stresses the goal of increasing transparency to enhance the free market system, allowing the market to react based on information.
SB665 0895F: Michelle (Department Staff) Information Only01:42:41.693 - 9:37:43 AM; Michelle discusses spread pricing transparency, noting how smaller entities use it to mitigate risks. The amendment requires clear disclosure of pricing models to plan sponsors, preserving options like flexible rebate pass-throughs while respecting federal limits. Explains why the state plan is exempt due to ERISA and timing considerations.
SB665 0895F: Committee Chair (Rochefort) Information Only01:42:41.693 - 9:37:43 AM; The chair clarifies that SB 665 was chosen as the vehicle for PBM reform due to its bipartisan support and replace-all amendment. Calls for votes: amendment passes 4-0, ought to pass as amended passes unanimously on consent.
SB478: Committee Chair (Rochefort) Information Only01:42:41.693 - 9:37:43 AM; The chair moves interim study on SB 478, thanking Senator McGough and co-sponsors for foundational work incorporated into SB 665. Notes that since 665 has passed, interim study is appropriate for 478. Vote: 4-1 for interim study, then consent.
SB453: Kim Mohan, New Hampshire Nurse Practitioner Association Support01:57:41.693 - 9:52:43 AM; Kim Mohan represents NHNPA, providing context on APRNs including 2,300 providers offering primary care, acute care, CRNAs, and midwives. Emphasizes that APRNs are preferred providers chosen for their philosophy, trust, and expertise, not as alternatives to physicians. Notes prior global signature legislation allowing APRNs to sign where within scope, but implementation issues persist, like DMV rejections causing extra paperwork. Supports SB 453 to clarify and enable APRNs and physician associates to make certifications without confusion.
SB613: Senator Prentice Support01:57:41.693 - 9:52:43 AM; Senator Prentice from District 5 introduces SB 613, the Rural Healthcare System Stabilization Act, requiring facilities like ambulatory surgical centers, urgent cares, birthing centers, dialysis centers, or new hospitals within 15 miles of critical access hospitals to provide written notice via certified mail describing proposed services. Aims to inform and allow preparation for impacts on services, staffing, and volumes. Highlights rural hospitals' role as essential lifelines, stabilization points, and economic hubs facing thin margins, workforce shortages, and closure risks. Shares personal North Country experience with ambulance transports and stresses protecting community stability without limiting competition—just notice and review. References federal concerns and the Rural Health Transformation Program.
SB613: Aubrey Friedman, Bridgewater Oppose02:12:41.693 - 10:07:43 AM; Aubrey Friedman opposes SB 613 as anti-competition, expanding existing notification requirements to six broad categories including vague 'special healthcare services.' Argues it adds mandates on new businesses, potentially discouraging entry. Believes competition benefits patients; if services are needed, new providers fill gaps hospitals can't, and market forces will determine viability. Urges focus on consumers over institutions and repealing related RSA provisions to encourage more facilities.
SB453: Committee Vote02:12:41.693 - 10:07:43 AM; Motion to ought to pass SB 453, passes unanimously. Moved to consent, passes. Senator Prentice to take it out.