[{"_1":2,"_100":-5,"_101":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,76,88],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},"mediaId",6537849,"mediaKeyId","3425992-6ab8869222f40a369cbff34ea8d7e7f4","parentId",3425992,"title","Committee removes felony penalty from medical‑treatment bill, shifts discipline to Board of Medicine; bill reported out","audioSeconds",560,"startMs",1166000,"endMs",1726000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3425992-6ab8869222f40a369cbff34ea8d7e7f4&start=1166&end=1726","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3425992-6ab8869222f40a369cbff34ea8d7e7f4/thumbnail_1166000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6537849/New-Hampshire/Committee-removes-felony-penalty-from-medicaltreatment-bill-shifts-discipline-to-Board-of-Medicine-bill-reported-out","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6537849-51260e7c29411c04a5654a9af6a79789/orig.mp4?Expires=1771098965&Signature=MBP4Mq7yIa14qr-lmRWFMaJc9kmw1rDciWE~BMNy5KoRoN9U~Y8YKojftpHwWjnWDhtDJhgM8gCNkVR0i0DCOL7fcxebaKhZpunp~Nr7ejHJMAd4SXTpAA~jbjSejDOB23PmvOw7RvL1e1okXl7nEmlJ3O0-Wnqtun2cEbaFOgr1mRkkINnRUr8NTuGTvDSzO5YMAV9zhLAyHRfvvfl9Un994v0OZqhDcelzPukbu5lrBtt60HTrFXyLcP8-7UMnEylnl2Q~p7KOVYjjdK8JKoEA~pccdsDv~Jdqiu5psQe7QCejnqKRea97k9AF~1SPllw8JpN~R-j7uogVWui79g__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","New Hampshire Legislature","date","2025-05-21T00:00:00Z","article","The Senate Health and Human Services Committee adopted a committee amendment to bill 3 77 that removes a felony penalty from the underlying proposal and routes allegations of violation to the Board of Medicine for administrative discipline under OPLC procedures, committee members said.

Sponsor and amendment overview: The sponsor explained the amendment eliminates the felony provision and aligns disciplinary consequences with standard professional discipline under the Board of Medicine. The amendment also preserves ongoing treatments for patients currently receiving the therapy (a grandfathering provision). The sponsor described the practical effect as moving enforcement away from criminal prosecution and into the licensing board’s normal investigatory and disciplinary process.

Senators discussed language and process: Committee members debated whether the disciplinary provision should read “may” or “shall.” Discussion centered on preserving due process while ensuring the Board of Medicine can impose administrative discipline when a violation has been found. One exchange clarified proposed final language: “A person who is found to have violated this section by the Board of Medicine shall be subject to administrative disciplinary action” and the amendment includes language stating the person “shall not be subject to criminal liability.” Senators also noted OPLC (Office of Professional Licensure and Certification) manages the Board of Medicine and its disciplinary processes.

Committee votes and other amendments: The committee adopted the committee amendment unanimously (5–0). Senator Innes later offered an amendment (16 10 S) that would have created a private right of action; senators agreed to hold that amendment for further review and said a sponsor (Senator Birdsall) would consult with others before floor action. After debate on the primary amendment, the committee moved the bill forward with an \"ought to pass as amended\" recommendation recorded at 3–2.

Why it matters: The change shifts enforcement from the criminal code to administrative oversight by the Board of Medicine, affecting how alleged violations are investigated and disciplined. The grandfathering provision preserves continuity of care for patients already on the treatments referenced in the bill.

Next steps: The committee adopted the amendment and reported the bill out as \"ought to pass as amended.\" Senators said additional drafting clarifications and review of the private‑right‑of‑action amendment would occur before the measure reaches the floor.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Senate Health and Human Services (05/21/2025)","oneSentenceSummary","The Senate Health and Human Services Committee adopted a committee amendment to bill 3 77 removing a felony penalty and directing alleged violations to administrative discipline by the Board of Medicine under OPLC procedures.","taxTitle","Judiciary, Senate , Committees\t, Legislative, New Hampshire","taxId",29511,"location","New Hampshire","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":77,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":78,"_41":79,"_43":80,"_45":81,"_47":82,"_49":83,"_51":84,"_53":85,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":86,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":87,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6537854,"Committee adds biosimilar definition to House Bill 117; sponsors say substitution could reduce costs",141,407000,548000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3425992-6ab8869222f40a369cbff34ea8d7e7f4&start=407&end=548","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3425992-6ab8869222f40a369cbff34ea8d7e7f4/thumbnail_407000.jpg","/articles/6537854/New-Hampshire/Committee-adds-biosimilar-definition-to-House-Bill-117-sponsors-say-substitution-could-reduce-costs","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6537854-45e015dca9dff4efbd0ebd9e67bc34b8/orig.mp4?Expires=1771098965&Signature=NIqdVfxnPiIiEFcyq8glovbIw2DJ~U5qTXYxa~V1MHagZ~wrfa4pn8yg~M~2JEo5V0wjL9uqmhuxmSfM4TOM7n2xWP-AK8i6cMQTh1qcf7lbIBI3zo1QtXtEw2l0WPxvkCSXXHRJoh4j8B8uoGU5wJrQLVwFS3fM7fwgWtC-lszoD5LJHCWc48pJcpGw2Vn3kcq8Q46zXzlnLZsryAgUV5bUx5DobTs-H8oxBX8k-wJhBInzLNcuUy145QQIXGEFjUCydcUIM21069uEMgJKU10AtWtr~sN7ewL-ILIkKFJPOxFMacF4IJ0b9NkpQRCIaiC0rWR8u9LpcGgrH5rOdA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Senate Health and Human Services Committee adopted a committee amendment to House Bill 117 that inserts a statutory definition of the term “biosimilar” and points to the federal standard for interchangeable biological products, committee members said.

The amendment, identified in committee as 20251611S, specifies the federal cross‑reference and adds the definition into state statute. The presenting senator said the amendment “points to the proper section of US code that… allows for interchangeable biological products. 42 US code section 262(i)(3) is the one that we should be pointing to.” The senator also noted a typographical issue in the draft and said the committee would correct a missing quotation mark through the committee amendment process.

Sponsor comments and rationale: The sponsor told the committee that adding the definition aligns the state provision with existing federal terminology and could allow substitution of biosimilar products under Food and Drug Administration guidance, which the sponsor said may lower costs for patients. “There are a number of high priced, biosimilar products and working with some various folks around the industry, we feel that this could, by allowing substitution of these, under FDA guidelines… we could actually save people a lot of money,” the sponsor said.

Committee action: The committee moved and adopted the amendment by voice vote; Senator Birdsall was recorded as seconding the original motion to pass the bill and seconding the amendment. Committee members then moved to place the bill on the consent calendar for committee reporting.

What it does and next steps: The amendment adds a statutory definition of “biosimilar” that mirrors the federal interchangeable biologics standard and resolves a drafting typo identified during consideration. Sponsors said the bill, as amended, will next follow the committee’s normal transmittal path to the Senate calendar.","Senate Health and Human Services adopted a committee amendment to House Bill 117 inserting a statutory definition of \"biosimilar\" and referencing the federal standard for interchangeable biological products; sponsors said the change could permit substitution under FDA guidelines and reduce drug costs.",{"_33":89,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":90,"_41":91,"_43":92,"_45":93,"_47":94,"_49":95,"_51":96,"_53":97,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":98,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":99,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6537859,"Senate panel reaches compromise language to prohibit balance billing, sets temporary EMS rate at 325% of Medicare",156,615000,771000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3425992-6ab8869222f40a369cbff34ea8d7e7f4&start=615&end=771","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3425992-6ab8869222f40a369cbff34ea8d7e7f4/thumbnail_615000.jpg","/articles/6537859/New-Hampshire/Senate-panel-reaches-compromise-language-to-prohibit-balance-billing-sets-temporary-EMS-rate-at-325-of-Medicare","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6537859-4afb2fb7a4b9b999999f4d345d07cf9b/orig.mp4?Expires=1771098965&Signature=Zb6OJxOSqTeWsE4WcvHfnWoNVlXqaT3RM-e7VzxQcpnoYU8WnH6ZezCEQNJeNjh1C0wvd2~gY1Hx94-oAZu3sUJaw3iSMFOoBvG43YlzzhRjxNbs1jh~KOqAoZrMB4jGwRI0DLRjSsBKBjSI~YAnonH-MYMU-J4vNzwL-PgBmf1xnP2pKuO4VvFJ6gvpaulj3kzJfdztsidfn4vInMD4~veN1kHPwD6xiNO3Sw0b9SJLyGLKTiOeeE2iT5GIkjQXbiqeLAeDArgA07ZJx19JOy6dulKMa0QKVdYFnMOCM73j~fcempQoPbpkdYYTBv28aVM072u8-WKryciLSjHj~w__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Senate Health and Human Services Committee agreed on compromise language related to House Bill 316 that would prohibit balance billing and establish a temporary in‑network rate for ambulance services set at 325% of Medicare for a two‑year period, senators said during the committee meeting.

The compromise — described by Senator Susan Prentiss as the product of negotiations with the House, the Department of Insurance and ambulance stakeholders — would ban balance billing, set a temporary rate that sunsets in two years and create a commission to review long‑term system and rate issues. “We are committed to prohibiting balance billing. We are committed to stabilizing the EMS system,” Senator Prentiss said.

Why it matters: Committee members said the measures are intended to protect consumers from surprise bills while preventing further erosion of ambulance coverage in parts of the state. Senator Birdsall, who joined the negotiations, said the agreement is aimed at ensuring someone shows up when a voter dials 911. “We have an agreement that will achieve the objectives that we all set out to do,” Birdsall said.

Key provisions described in the committee discussion:
- A ban on balance billing for covered emergency care.
- A temporary in‑network minimum rate of 325% of Medicare for ambulance services for two years; the rate is described in the compromise as a bridge while contracting and system issues are addressed.
- A requirement that ambulance providers initiate a standardized, department‑created form (described by sponsors as similar to a memorandum of intent) to begin the contracting process with plans, intended to synchronize provider and carrier steps toward contracting.
- An “any willing provider” provision and standardized contract language to incentivize providers to enter networks; higher in‑network rates and penalties for providers or carriers that fail to follow the initiation and contracting timelines were discussed as enforcement mechanisms.
- Creation of a commission to examine system‑level issues (including periodic rate review tied to CPI), and a plan for a second cost study to address methodological concerns raised about the first study.

Representatives from the Department of Insurance, identified in committee remarks as Michelle Heaton and Jennifer Smith, were present as technical resources; senators said the department would produce the standardized form to initiate contracting.

Committee action and next steps: Committee members agreed to re‑refer/prepare the compromise language to be introduced as a floor amendment; sponsors said they will present the amendment on the floor with the temporary rate schedule and the commission language. Committee members indicated ongoing work will include a second cost study and coordination of standardized contracting language. No final floor passage occurred in the meeting.

Context and limits: Senators repeatedly emphasized the measure is intended as a temporary bridge and that moving ambulance providers into network status cannot be compelled by the committee — the compromise uses incentives, standardized forms and regulatory tools to encourage contracting. Committee members also noted additional detail on timelines, penalties and commission membership would be developed before the floor presentation.

What’s next: The bill will be brought to the floor with the compromise language as an amendment; sponsors and the Department of Insurance will continue drafting the standardized contracting form and commission language and will complete a follow‑up cost study.","Senate Health and Human Services members agreed on compromise language for House Bill 316 to ban balance billing and stabilize emergency medical services with a temporary in‑network rate of 325% of Medicare for two years. The bill will be brought back as a floor amendment and work remains on contracting timelines and a follow-up cost study.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Committee removes felony penalty from medical‑treatment bill, shifts discipline to Board of Medicine; bill reported out

Committee adds biosimilar definition to House Bill 117; sponsors say substitution could reduce costs

Senate panel reaches compromise language to prohibit balance billing, sets temporary EMS rate at 325% of Medicare