The bill, HB 82, proposes significant amendments to the licensing statutes and the regulatory framework governing various professions in New Hampshire, particularly focusing on the office of professional licensure and certification. Key changes include the transfer of responsibilities from various boards to the office, as indicated by the replacement of the term "board" with "office" throughout the legislation. The bill aims to streamline the licensing process for professions such as mental health practitioners, podiatrists, and school psychologists by repealing outdated statutes related to rulemaking and disciplinary actions. It also introduces a conditional licensure process for mental health professionals, allowing applicants to apply directly to the office, and modifies the requirements for criminal history checks, shifting the responsibility to the office.

Additionally, HB 82 establishes new licensure requirements for specialized medical fields, including cardiac electrophysiology and computed tomography professionals, while removing previous age and educational prerequisites. The bill also introduces a certification for doulas and lactation specialists, granting the executive director the authority to issue licenses and manage the renewal process. By modernizing and clarifying the regulatory landscape, the bill seeks to enhance efficiency and ensure that all applicants meet necessary qualifications and ethical standards. Overall, HB 82 represents a comprehensive effort to improve the licensing and certification processes across various professions in the state.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 310-A:67, 330-C:9, 330-A:6, 330-A:15-a, 420-J:8-c, 310-A:16, 310-A:18, 310-A:20, 329-B:6, 329-B:14-a, 329-B:15, 329-B:15-a, 329-B:17, 329-B:30, 315:6, 315:8, 285:10, 285:11, 285:13, 285:14, 311-B:5, 319-C:8, 310:2, 310:8
As Amended by the House: 310-A:67, 330-C:9, 330-A:6, 330-A:15-a, 420-J:8-c, 310-A:16, 310-A:18, 310-A:20, 329-B:6, 329-B:14-a, 329-B:15, 329-B:15-a, 329-B:17, 329-B:30, 315:6, 315:8, 285:10, 285:11, 285:13, 285:14, 311-B:5, 319-C:8, 310:2, 310:8, 205-D:12, 328-J:11, 310-A:208
As Amended by the Senate: 310-A:67, 330-C:9, 330-A:6, 330-A:15-a, 420-J:8-c, 310-A:16, 310-A:18, 310-A:20, 329-B:6, 329-B:14-a, 329-B:15, 329-B:15-a, 329-B:17, 329-B:30, 315:6, 315:8, 285:10, 285:11, 285:13, 285:14, 311-B:5, 319-C:8, 310:2, 310:8, 205-D:12, 328-J:11, 310-A:208