This bill proposes to exempt direct-pay health care facilities from certain licensing requirements and the moratorium on licensing and bed capacity as outlined in RSA 151:2, VI(a). It amends existing law to allow for the issuance of licenses to facilities that operate on a membership-based business model or provide services exclusively to patients who make direct payments. Key amendments include the modification of RSA 151:2, VI(a)(1) to specify that the moratorium does not apply to facilities treating substance use disorders or mental health issues, and the update of RSA 151:19 to exclude direct-pay and membership-based facilities from the definition of "facility" for certain rights provisions. The bill also establishes new policies under RSA 151:2-f, which include requirements for patient information and assistance plans.

Furthermore, HB 1562-FN introduces a Patients' Bill of Rights for these facilities, ensuring that patients are informed about their care, have the right to participate in care planning, refuse treatment, and manage their financial affairs. It emphasizes confidentiality, prohibits abuse, and guarantees the right to private communication and participation in community activities. The bill removes the moratorium on licenses for certain new health care facilities, allowing the Department of Health and Human Services to license these membership-based facilities and charge fees to offset processing costs. Additionally, it mandates a study on the impact of direct-pay models on New Hampshire's health care system, with results due by June 30, 2027. The fiscal impact of the bill is indeterminable, as it does not provide funding or authorize new positions, but it is expected to influence state revenues and expenditures related to licensing fees and the study.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 151:2, 151:19, 151:2-f
HB1562 text: 151:2, 151:19, 151:2-f