This bill proposes significant amendments to existing health care facility licensing laws, specifically exempting direct-pay health care facilities from certain licensing requirements and the moratorium on new licenses and bed capacity for nursing homes and skilled nursing facilities. It allows for the establishment of facilities that operate on a membership-based business model or provide services exclusively to patients who pay directly for those services. The moratorium on licensing and bed capacity will not apply to these facilities, including rehabilitation facilities focused on treating substance use disorders or mental health issues. Key insertions in the bill include the definition of "direct payment" and the establishment of a new section outlining the rights of patients in these facilities, while the existing moratorium under RSA 151:2, VI is deleted.

Furthermore, the bill introduces a Patients' Bill of Rights specifically for direct-pay and membership-based facilities, ensuring that patients are treated with dignity and respect and are fully informed of their rights and responsibilities. It mandates the Department of Health and Human Services to conduct a study on the impact of direct pay models on New Hampshire's health care system, with results to be reported to key legislative leaders by June 30, 2026. The fiscal impact of the bill remains indeterminable, as it does not provide funding or authorize new positions, and the costs associated with the study are also uncertain. The act is set to take effect 60 days after its passage.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 151:2, 151:19, 151:2-f
As Amended by the House: 151:2, 151:19, 151:2-f