NH
New Hampshire Senate Bill SB220

New Hampshire 2022 Regular Session

New Hampshire Senate Bill SB220

Introduced
12/14/21  
Refer
12/14/21  
Report Pass
1/27/22  
Engrossed
3/23/22  
Refer
3/23/22  
Report Pass
4/20/22  
Report DNP
4/20/22  
Enrolled
5/24/22  
Chaptered
6/1/22  

Caption

Relative to establishing a committee to study licensure of mental health professionals.

Impact

If enacted, the bill would result in the formation of a dedicated committee tasked with reviewing the current licensure criteria and processes across several boards, including those for alcohol and drug abuse counselors, medicine, mental health practice, nursing, and psychology. The committee’s goal is to identify barriers to licensure that may impede timely and efficient access to qualified practitioners and make recommendations that might include changes to synchronizing state licensure standards with those of neighboring states.

Summary

Senate Bill 220 aims to address the shortage of qualified mental health professionals in New Hampshire by establishing a committee to study and make recommendations concerning the licensure of such professionals. The bill emphasizes the competitive landscape that New Hampshire faces concerning neighboring states in attracting qualified mental health staff. Legislative findings suggest that the existing licensure requirements and processes may be influencing the availability of mental health services within the state.

Contention

Notable points of contention may arise around the committee's findings, particularly regarding the recommendations for potential changes to licensure processes. Stakeholders could express differing views about the effectiveness and implications of proposed changes to licensure laws, especially concerning how they might impact service delivery in communities struggling with mental health issues. Furthermore, the exploration of joining licensure compacts may prompt discussions about the balance between state regulations and the need for standardized, efficient practices to attract a robust mental health workforce.

Latest SB220 Activity

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

NH SB207

Relative to mental health critical incident intervention and management, and relative to mental health practice.

NH SB330

Establishing a committee to study and make recommendations relative to the office of professional licensure and certification and the licensure of professions under boards, councils, and commissions within the office and relative to the expiration of terms of the board of foresters members.

NH HB1413

Relative to mental health supervision agreements and relative to establishing a committee to study increasing access to and accountability for mental health services.

NH HB322

Relative to establishing a committee to study the New Hampshire board of medicine.

NH SB313

Relative to the authority of the office of professional licensure and certification to establish fees.

NH SB411

Establishing a committee to study emergency mental health services for persons 21 years of age and younger in New Hampshire.

NH HB322

Relative to establishing a committee to study the New Hampshire board of medicine and making an appropriation to the department of health and human services.

NH HB655

Relative to the office of professional licensure and certification.

NH HB1020

Establishing a committee to study restoration of competency.

NH HB1222

Relative to physician assistant scope of practice and establishing a committee to research physician assistant scope of practice.

Similar Bills

CO SB015

Licensed Professional Counselors in Communities

NH SB330

Establishing a committee to study and make recommendations relative to the office of professional licensure and certification and the licensure of professions under boards, councils, and commissions within the office and relative to the expiration of terms of the board of foresters members.

NH SB207

Relative to mental health critical incident intervention and management, and relative to mental health practice.

CA AB1522

State Bar Act: expedited licensure: federal attorneys.

NH SB313

Relative to the authority of the office of professional licensure and certification to establish fees.

CO SB102

Rule Review Bill

OK SB443

Practice of medicine; modifying certain powers and duties of the Board of Medical Licensure and Supervision; modifying certain licensure requirements. Effective date. Emergency.

OK HB3035

Professions and occupations; Allopathic Medical and Surgical Licensure and Supervision Act; licenses; investigator duties; physicians or surgeons; inactive status; executive director duties; effective date.