Senate Executive Departments and Administration [Source] Translate

The meeting began with an introduction of interpretation services equipment. The committee opened a hearing on Amendment 579S to Senate Bill 425, introduced by Senator David Rochefort, proposing that New Hampshire join the multi-state physician-associate licensure compact. This amendment aims to facilitate interstate practice for physician associates (PAs) without altering their scope of practice, addressing healthcare workforce needs in New Hampshire. Support for the amendment was expressed by representatives from the New Hampshire Society of Physician Associates and the American Academy of PAs, highlighting benefits such as improved access to care and reduced licensing burdens. Patricia Tilley and David Chorney from the Department of Health and Human Services supported the amendment, citing reasons like expanding access to care in rural areas and enhancing competitiveness for federal funding. Committee members raised questions about workforce dynamics and potential loss of healthcare professionals to other states. The hearing on the amendment was closed, and the committee transitioned to a hearing on House Bill 1025, introduced by Representative Jim Creighton, which updates language within the Department of Military Affairs and Veterans Services, closing without questions. Representative Creighton then introduced House Bill 1101, proposing to expand the Governor's Council from four to five members to avoid tie votes, with support from Nicole Bixler, Deputy Adjutant General. The committee closed the hearing without further questions. The committee moved into executive session, where both House Bill 1101 and House Bill 1025 passed unanimously. House Bill 1152 was introduced by Representative Creighton, aiming to ensure that donations to the Department of Military Affairs and Veterans Services do not lapse at the end of the fiscal year. The committee closed the hearing without questions, and the bill passed unanimously in executive session. Representative Mike Belcher introduced House Bill 392, proposing to dissolve the Office of Health Access and the Environmental Justice program, citing unethical decisions during the COVID-19 pandemic. In opposition, Representative Lucy Weber argued that the office facilitates access to healthcare for those facing barriers. The meeting included testimonies from various stakeholders opposing HB 392, emphasizing the office's critical role in supporting vulnerable populations and ensuring access to essential services. The meeting also discussed the implications of dissolving the Office of Health Equity, with experts warning that it could jeopardize significant federal funding and increase administrative costs. Kathy Stratton from the New Hampshire Medical Society opposed the bill, highlighting the office's importance in addressing healthcare access. House Bill 1193 was introduced, proposing to name a new 911 Center in Laconia after Bruce Cheney, with support from Representative Charlie St. Clair and Mark Doyle. Representative Lauren Selig introduced House Bill 1162, seeking a three-year extension for the Holocaust and Genocide Education Commission, emphasizing the need for ongoing education on these topics. The committee heard testimonies supporting the bill and moved to pass it without opposition. The meeting concluded with a motion to adjourn, noting no meeting the following week and mentioning ongoing work on an AI bill and preparations for upcoming public hearings.