This bill amends existing laws to allow alternative treatment centers (ATCs) in New Hampshire to operate as for-profit entities, expanding their organizational structure beyond just not-for-profit entities. It redefines an "alternative treatment center" to include domestic business corporations and limited liability companies, as well as voluntary corporations. The bill removes the requirement for ATCs to be non-profit, stating that they may not need to be recognized as tax-exempt by the IRS. Additionally, it introduces provisions for ATCs to convert from voluntary corporations to either business corporations or limited liability companies, with specific guidelines for such conversions. The governance structure is also modified, requiring boards to include at least one medical professional and one qualified patient, while ensuring a majority of board members are New Hampshire residents.

Furthermore, the bill allows ATCs to merge or convert their corporate structure under certain conditions, including a prohibition on selling memberships or shares to foreign corporations for three years post-conversion. The bill incurs a one-time expenditure of $13,000 for necessary software and changes to accommodate the new for-profit status, which will be covered by non-general fund revenue sources. The Department of Health and Human Services has indicated that the bill will not have a fiscal impact on its operations, and any fiscal implications are not expected to be realized until FY 2027.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 126-X:1, 126-X:7, 126-X:8, 292:7, 293-A:9, 304-C:149
SB479 text: 126-X:1, 126-X:7, 126-X:8, 292:7, 293-A:9, 304-C:149