Revision: May 15, 2024, 11:06 a.m.
Sen. Birdsell, Dist 19
May 9, 2024
2024-1886s
09/08
Floor Amendment to HB 1413
Amend the title of the bill by replacing it with the following:
AN ACT relative to mental health supervision agreements and relative to establishing a committee to study increasing access to and accountability for mental health services.
Amend the bill by replacing all after section 1 with the following:
2 Legislative Findings. The general court finds that access to timely mental and behavioral health services is crucial to ensuring the wellbeing of New Hampshire residents.
3 Study Committee Established; Members; Duties.
I. There is established a committee to study mental health access and accountability in New Hampshire to review a number of ways in which greater mental health provider network adequacy and access for New Hampshire residents might be ensured.
II. The members of the study committee shall consist of:
(a) Four members of the house of representatives, 2 of whom shall be from the house health, human services, and elderly affairs committee, one of whom shall be from the house commerce and consumer affairs committee, and one of whom shall be at large, all appointed by the speaker of the house of representatives.
(b) One member of the senate, appointed by the president of the senate.
III. Members of the committee shall receive mileage at the legislative rate when attending to the duties of the committee. The committee’s study shall include, but not be limited to, the following:
(a) Researching the credentialing processes and requirements for mental health providers and seeking to address barriers to such providers' achieving accreditation in a timely fashion.
(b) Researching, identifying, and considering other barriers to access to mental health providers and services.
(c) Reviewing enforcement options to ensure network adequacy measures are implemented in a timely and efficient manner.
(d) Exploring public policies which will enhance mental health provider network adequacy and increase access.
IV. The committee may solicit input from any person or entity the committee deems relevant to its study.
V. The members of the committee shall elect a chairperson from among the members. The first meeting of the committee shall be called by the named senate member. The first meeting of the committee shall be held within 45 days of the effective date of this section. Four members of the committee shall constitute a quorum.
VI. The committee shall submit a report including its findings and any recommendations for proposed legislation on or before November 1, 2024, to the speaker of the house of representatives, the president of the senate, the house clerk, the senate clerk, and the governor.
I. Section 1 of this act shall take effect 60 days after its passage.
II. The remainder of this act shall take effect upon its passage.
2024-1886s
AMENDED ANALYSIS
This bill revises the requirements for the written agreement that must be on record with the board of mental health practice concerning a supervisor's responsibilities with respect to a candidate for mental health licensure. This bill further establishes a legislative committee to study increasing access to and accountability for mental health services.