This bill amends the current law regarding the medical supervision of licensed registered nurses employed by the general court. It removes the oversight of the nurse from the department of health and human services and instead places the responsibility under the general court. The bill specifies that the health service room will be staffed by a licensed registered nurse who may be either employed or contracted by the general court. The nurse will operate under the scope of practice defined by the board of nursing and RSA 326-B, the Nurse Practices Act. Additionally, the chief medical officer of the department of health and human services may provide standing orders for medications requiring a prescription for the employed or contracted nurse.

The bill also includes provisions that protect the chief medical officer from criminal or civil liability, as well as professional disciplinary action, when issuing standing orders in good faith and with reasonable care. The expenses related to the health service room, including those for a contract nurse, will be charged to the joint expenses appropriation of the general court. The act is set to take effect 60 days after its passage, with an effective date of September 13, 2025.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 125:13-a
As Amended by the House: 125:13-a
Version adopted by both bodies: 125:13-a
CHAPTERED FINAL VERSION: 125:13-a