This bill requires entities employing licensed physicians, advance practice nurses, or physician assistants who care for individuals under 18 years of age to provide a minimum of 2 hours of training on recognizing and reporting child abuse and neglect. The training must be completed within 90 days of employment and renewed every 2 years. The bill aims to address the issue of healthcare providers missing or not reporting cases of child abuse and neglect, which can have tragic outcomes. The Department of Health and Human Services estimates that implementing this bill will cost approximately $50,000 per year, with first-year costs expected to be $25,000 in FY 2025.
Overall, this bill seeks to ensure that healthcare providers who care for children receive training on recognizing and reporting child abuse and neglect. By requiring this training, the bill aims to improve the identification and reporting of cases of child abuse and neglect, ultimately protecting the well-being of children in New Hampshire.