This bill mandates that outpatient substance use disorder treatment programs must be licensed by the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS). It introduces new provisions that require the DHHS to designate a behavioral health specialist within the office of the ombudsman to specifically investigate and resolve complaints related to substance use and mental health treatment facilities. The bill also includes an appropriation of $211,000 to establish a compliance officer position to ensure adherence to these new licensing requirements. Additionally, it specifies that certain programs, such as impaired driver care management and nonclinical recovery support services, will be exempt from licensure.

The bill amends existing law by inserting language that emphasizes the importance of promoting the health, safety, welfare, and civil rights of individuals receiving treatment. It also establishes a new subparagraph in the licensing requirements that outlines the types of outpatient substance use disorder treatment facilities that will require licensure. The effective date for the compliance officer position is set for July 1, 2025, while the rest of the act will take effect 60 days after its passage. Overall, the bill aims to enhance the oversight and quality of substance use disorder treatment services in New Hampshire.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 172:1, 172:2-a, 6:12, 172:2-c, 126-A:4
As Amended by the House: 126-A:4, 151:2
HB751 text: 172:1, 172:2-a, 6:12, 172:2-c, 126-A:4