SB 403-FN is a New Hampshire bill designed to tackle the health care workforce shortage by establishing certification for community health workers (CHWs), incentivizing students to enter the health care field, and removing career advancement barriers for direct care providers. The bill introduces voluntary certification for CHWs, which allows individuals to use the title "certified community health worker" or the initials "CCHW" upon meeting certain criteria. It also amends the Nurse Practice Act to permit the Office of Professional Licensure and Certification to issue certificates of medication administration to licensed nursing assistants who fulfill specific requirements. Additionally, the bill extends the reporting deadlines for the legislative commission on interdisciplinary primary care workforce issues.

The fiscal note attached to the bill indicates no direct appropriation of funds, as the Department of Health and Human Services is expected to use federal and general funds within its existing budget to support CHW work through FY 2025, with an anticipated $4.2 million available. The Office of Professional Licensure and Certification is responsible for drafting rules for the new certification, establishing fees, and setting standards for investigations and disciplinary actions. The bill projects an increase in revenue from certification fees, with an expectation of 30 new licenses in FY 2025 and more in the following years. The bill's Section 6 will take effect on January 1, 2025, with the remainder becoming effective upon its passage.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 126-T:4, 151:2-b, 326-B:27, 310:2
As Amended by the Senate: 126-T:4, 326-B:27, 310:2
As Amended by the House: 126-T:4, 326-B:27, 310:2
Version adopted by both bodies: 126-T:4, 326-B:27, 310:2