CSNI Legislative Update
The House and Senate did not meet in session last week. Instead, both chambers focused on committee work such as public hearings, executive session votes and subcommittee work sessions. The House is not scheduled to meet in full session again until May 4th at the earliest. The State Senate is likely looking at the same, May 4th.
High Priority Legislation Update
Legacy Budget- Bill
The department of Health and Human Services has come agreement with CSNI and other stakeholders on an amendment (see attached) to HB 642 relative to wait list registry and budget flexibility for services for the developmentally disabled. The bill will be voted in the Senate Health and Human Services Committee on Wednesday at 10am. The amendment removes the word “waitlist” and makes other technical changes. However, the main rationale behind the legislation will not change: HB 642 will allow the financial adjustment of budgets older than 24 months without a significant life change!
DS Quality Council Oversight Bill
The Senate Executive Departments and Administration committee discussed an attached amendment to HB 238, relative to the role of quality control and the developmental disability service system. The amendment largely guts the entire bill, leaving little, if anything, to improve the communication and efforts between DHHS and the Developmental Services Quality Council. While CSNI understands some of the department’s concerns with HB 238, we must use this vehicle to improve the council and make it more effective. That is why CSNI let DHHS and the Senate ED&A committee know that amendment #2023-1370s is not acceptable to the area agencies. We are pleased that another amendment is currently being drafted. I will report back with more information soon.
SAVE THE DATE: May 2nd
It is expected that the Senate Finance committee will conduct its public hearing on the state budget (HB 1 & HB 2) the afternoon of Tuesday, May 2 in Reps Hall at the State House.
State Budget Update (April 25th)
The Senate Finance committee will conduct the following agency budget presentation of interest at 3:15pm on Tuesday, April 25: DHHS: Division of Long Term Supports and Services.
What makes up the Division of Long Terms Supports and Services?
- Developmental Services
- Elderly and Adult Services
- Family Centered Services
Watch the agency budget presentation here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-mAyP5oOHzM
Health and Human Services Oversight Committee (April 28th)
On Friday, April 28th: HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES OVERSIGHT COMMITTEE (RSA 126-A:13), Room 205-207, LOB at 10:00 a.m. Regular meeting. Watch the meeting:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sg5tN3BKfTc
Other Bills of Interest in the ED&A Committee
The following two bills have had their second public hearing but remain in committee unacted upon. The deadline for the Senate Executive Departments committee to act is May 18.
HB 532 establishes the licensure and regulation of music therapists under the allied health professionals. The bill is being brought forward as the first step to obtain insurance reimbursement (private insurance & Medicaid) The music therapy profession needs to be licensed to be approved by health insurers for reimbursement.
HB 467-FN, relative to public playground accessibility. This bill requires public playgrounds in use on or after January 1, 2024, to have solid rubber or rubber composite surfacing for accessibility to the playground and each piece of equipment.
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