Revision: May 14, 2026, 8:12 p.m.
Sen. Prentiss, Dist 5
Sen. Birdsell, Dist 19
May 13, 2026
2026-1944s
09/08
Floor Amendment to HB 1279
Amend the title of the bill by replacing it with the following:
AN ACT relative to the use of physical force in defense of a person and relative to authorization of seclusion or restraint during a personal safety emergency by a physician, physician associate, or advanced practice registered nurse.
Amend the bill by replacing all after section 1 with the following:
2 New Hampshire Mental Health Services System; Treatment Rights; Seclusion or Restraint. Amend RSA 135-C:57, V to read as follows:
V. Freedom from seclusion or physical or pharmacological restraint. Notwithstanding any state law to the contrary, seclusion or restraint shall be administered only by order of a physician, physician associate, or an APRN with the consent of the person, who has made an informed decision, or as a form of emergency treatment imposed by law or by rules, adopted by the commissioner under RSA 541-A.
I. Section 1 of this act shall take effect January 1, 2027.
II. The remainder of this act shall take effect 60 days after its passage.
2026-1944s
AMENDED ANALYSIS
This bill:
I. Modifies the standard for when force can be used against someone likely to use unlawful force in the commission of a felony.
II. Authorizes a physician, physician associate, or advanced practice registered nurse (APRN) to order seclusion or restraint during a personal safety emergency at New Hampshire hospital and other designated receiving facilities.