This bill adds a new subdivision to RSA 329, which defines informed consent and patient rights in the context of a doctor-patient relationship. The bill outlines the process of informed consent, stating that it occurs when a patient authorizes or agrees to undergo a specific medical intervention after communication with their physician. The bill also specifies that physicians must assess the patient's ability to understand relevant medical information and make an independent decision, present information accurately and sensitively, and document the informed consent conversation and decision in the medical record. In emergencies, when a decision must be made urgently and the patient is unable to participate, physicians may initiate treatment without prior informed consent but must inform the patient or surrogate at the earliest opportunity and obtain consent for ongoing treatment.

The bill also outlines patient rights, stating that patients have the right to courtesy, respect, dignity, and timely attention to their needs. They have the right to receive information from their physicians and discuss the benefits, risks, and costs of treatment alternatives. Patients also have the right to ask questions about their health status or recommended treatment, make decisions about their care, have their privacy and confidentiality respected, obtain copies of their medical records, seek a second opinion, be advised of any conflicts of interest their physician may have, and receive continuity of care. The bill will take effect 60 days after its passage.