Revision: Dec. 3, 2019, 10:49 a.m.
HB 1520 - AS INTRODUCED
2020 SESSION
20-2490
01/05
HOUSE BILL 1520
AN ACT establishing the New Hampshire health policy commission.
SPONSORS: Rep. Knirk, Carr. 3; Rep. Indruk, Hills. 34; Rep. Woods, Merr. 23; Rep. Fargo, Straf. 14; Rep. Weston, Graf. 8; Sen. Hennessey, Dist 5
COMMITTEE: Health, Human Services and Elderly Affairs
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ANALYSIS
This bill establishes the New Hampshire health policy commission to monitor health care delivery and spending.
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Explanation: Matter added to current law appears in bold italics.
Matter removed from current law appears [in brackets and struckthrough.]
Matter which is either (a) all new or (b) repealed and reenacted appears in regular type.
20-2490
01/05
STATE OF NEW HAMPSHIRE
In the Year of Our Lord Two Thousand Twenty
AN ACT establishing the New Hampshire health policy commission.
Be it Enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives in General Court convened:
1 Statement of Purpose. The general court recognizes that health care delivery which provides better health outcomes and better care at lower cost across New Hampshire is important to the economy and well-being of New Hampshire citizens. Therefore, the general court hereby establishes the New Hampshire health policy commission to make recommendations to achieve this goal.
2 New Subdivision; New Hampshire Health Policy Commission. Amend RSA 126-A by inserting after section 80 the following new subdivision:
New Hampshire Health Policy Commission
126-A:81 New Hampshire Health Policy Commission Established.
I. There is established the New Hampshire health policy commission to advise the governor and council, the attorney general, and the general court on health care policy.
II. The members of the commission shall be as follows:
(a) The commissioner of the department of health and human services, or designee.
(b) The commissioner of the insurance department, or designee.
(c) The attorney general, or designee.
(d) A physician, appointed by the New Hampshire Medical Society.
(e) A representative of the Bi-State Primary Care Association, appointed by the association.
(f) A representative of the New Hampshire Hospital Association, appointed by the association.
(g) The director of the university of New Hampshire institute for health policy and practice, or designee.
(h) A representative of the Business and Industry Association (BIA), appointed by the association.
(i) A representative of labor with expertise in representing the health care workforce, appointed by the Service Employees International Union (SEIU) Local 1984.
(j) A representative of the Home Care Association of New Hampshire, appointed by the association.
(k) The president of Endowment for Health, or designee.
(l) A representative of long-term care providers, appointed by the New Hampshire Health Care Association.
(m) A representative of New Hampshire health insurers, appointed by America's Health Insurance Plans (AHIP).
(n) A public member with expertise in health care delivery and management, appointed by the governor with confirmation by the executive council.
III. The members appointed pursuant to subparagraphs II(a) through (c) shall serve terms coterminous with their terms in office. The members appointed pursuant to subparagraphs II(d) through (n) shall serve 4-year terms; provided that initially such members shall serve staggered terms and no such member shall serve more than 2 consecutive terms. The members of the commission shall elect a chairperson from among the members. The first meeting of the commission shall be called by the commissioner of the department of health and human services. The first meeting of the commission shall be held within 45 days of the effective date of this subdivision. A majority of the members shall constitute a quorum. The commission shall convene at least 4 times per year. The commission shall be subject to the provisions of 91-A.
IV.(a) The commission's duties shall include, but not be limited to:
(1) Monitoring health care costs in New Hampshire.
(2) Monitoring provider and payer performance.
(3) Creating standards for health care delivery systems to best meet medical, behavioral, and social needs.
(4) Analyzing the impact of health care market transactions such as mergers and acquisitions on cost, access, and quality of care.
(5) Analyzing community health care delivery and innovations.
(6) Safeguarding consumers, patients, and providers regarding prior authorization requirements, coverage, and health care decisions by health plans and insurers.
(7) Analyzing the unique needs of health care delivery in rural areas addressing cost and the impact of changes on critical access hospitals and making recommendations regarding such changes.
(8) Identifying the needs of New Hampshire residents regarding health care services, programs, and facilities, identifying the resources currently available and the additional resources which are necessary to meet such needs with affordable access.
(9) Other matters the commission deems necessary related to health care policy.
(b) The commission may solicit information and participation from any source determined to be necessary by the commission. The commission may develop standing advisory committees as it deems necessary.
(c) The commission shall be administratively attached, pursuant to RSA 21-G, to the department of health and human services.
V. The commission shall submit an annual report to the governor, speaker of the house of representatives, president of the senate, and chairpersons of the house and senate committees having jurisdiction over finance and health and human services November 1 of each year, commencing on November 1, 2020, regarding the activities of the commission.
3 Effective Date. This act shall take effect upon its passage.