This bill aims to enhance the rights of health care patients, particularly those with life-threatening diseases, by expanding their access to emerging treatment options. It introduces new definitions for "telehealth prescreening" and "remote signing," allowing health care providers in New Hampshire to conduct remote consultations and obtain consent for treatments from patients located in any state. The bill also provides immunity from legal action for manufacturers, pharmacists, health care facilities, and providers involved in the care of patients using investigational drugs, biologics, or devices, as long as they comply with specific conditions, including obtaining informed consent and not engaging in willful misconduct.

Additionally, the bill amends existing laws to clarify that no private cause of action can be brought against entities involved in the care of patients using investigational treatments, except under certain circumstances. It allows patients or their guardians to seek injunctive relief and attorney's fees if their rights under this chapter are violated by regulatory or law enforcement authorities. The legislation is designed to foster an environment conducive to clinical trials and the development of new treatments in New Hampshire, with an effective date set for January 1, 2026.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 126-Z:1, 126-Z:3, 126-Z:4