New Hampshire House Bill HB655

New Hampshire 2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/20/23
• Refer: 1/20/23
• Report Pass: 3/13/23
• Engrossed: 3/21/23
• Refer: 3/21/23
• Report Pass: 4/19/23
• Report Pass: 5/17/23
• Enrolled: 6/13/23
• Chaptered: 6/29/23
• Passed: 6/29/23

Caption

Relative to the office of professional licensure and certification.

Impact

If enacted, HB655 is expected to have a significant impact on state laws governing professional licensure. The focus on improving administrative efficiency could lead to reduced licensing fees for various professionals as excess funds in the OPLC fund are determined to be non-lapsing, which allows the office to carry over funds rather than reverting them to the general fund at the end of each biennium. This change in funding structure may provide the OPLC with the financial flexibility necessary to lower costs associated with licensing and certification, thus potentially increasing accessibility for new professionals entering the market.

Summary

House Bill 655 (HB655) focuses on reorganizing the Office of Professional Licensure and Certification (OPLC), aiming to enhance the efficiency and administrative operations surrounding professional licensing and certification in New Hampshire. The bill proposes a new chapter under RSA 310 that consolidates existing provisions and administrative authority for various professional boards and commissions under a single framework. It also repeals redundant provisions, streamlining the bureaucratic process related to licensure issues across numerous professions, including healthcare and technical fields.

Contention

Notably, there are concerns around the implications of consolidating administrative authorities under the OPLC. Some stakeholders question whether centralizing power could lead to less favorable outcomes for specific professional groups who may feel their unique needs are overlooked. Additionally, the transition might result in temporary disruptions for professionals who are used to navigating existing systems. Nonetheless, proponents argue that standardizing the regulatory framework will simplify processes and curb unnecessary bureaucratic overhead, aligning with broader goals to promote better service delivery in professional licensure across the state.