This bill, known as HB 1616, introduces two main provisions. Firstly, it mandates that schools must obtain written parental consent for each new service provided to a Medicaid-enrolled child under the Medicaid to schools program. This requirement specifies that each new service is defined by a new Medicaid International Classification of Diseases (ICD) diagnostic code. Additionally, the bill requires the commissioner of the department of health and human services to submit an annual report to various legislative policy committees regarding the total cost and the number of students served by the Medicaid to schools program. The bill amends RSA 186-C:25, VII to include chairpersons of the house and senate policy committees with jurisdiction over education and health and human services in the reporting process and amends RSA 200:27-a to require explicit written parental consent for each new service as defined by a new diagnostic billing code.

Secondly, the bill establishes a pilot recruitment and retention program within the department of health and human services, aimed at addressing employee vacancy rates and reliance on contracted staff at certain facilities. The program may include incentives for department employees, which are not considered gifts and are not subject to collective bargaining. The department is required to report on the effectiveness of the pilot program by December 31, 2024, for potential inclusion in the state operating budget for the biennium ending June 30, 2027. The fiscal note indicates that there is no anticipated impact on state revenue, but there is an expected increase in state general fund expenditures for FY 2025 between $860,000 and $910,000, with additional expenses in FY 2026. Sections 1 and 2 of the bill will take effect on January 1, 2025, while the pilot program will be repealed on September 15, 2025. The remainder of the act shall take effect upon its passage.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 186-C:25, 200:27-a
As Amended by the House: 186-C:25, 200:27-a
As Amended by the Senate: 186-C:25, 200:27-a