New Hampshire Senate Bill SB401

New Hampshire 2022 Regular Session

• Introduced: 12/23/21
• Refer: 12/23/21
• Report Pass: 3/10/22
• Report Pass: 3/29/22
• Engrossed: 4/1/22
• Refer: 4/1/22
• Report Pass: 4/14/22
• Report DNP: 4/14/22
• Refer: 4/21/22
• Report Pass: 4/28/22
• Enrolled: 6/27/22

Caption

Making appropriations to the department of transportation for local highway aid and to the body-worn and dashboard camera fund, and permitting the department of transportation to operate dash cameras in fleet vehicles.

Impact

In addition to the reimbursement adjustments, SB401 acknowledges the need for comprehensive studies on the impact of birthing service closures on rural communities. The Department of Business and Economic Affairs is instructed to secure funding for an in-depth impact study. The findings from this study could provide essential data that informs future legislative measures and improve provisions for maternity care, thereby fostering better healthcare outcomes for families in these underserved areas.

Summary

SB401 is a legislative act designed to enhance access to labor and delivery services in rural New Hampshire communities. Specifically, the bill mandates a 25% increase in Medicaid reimbursement rates for hospital birthing services, which aims to alleviate the financial pressures faced by rural healthcare providers. This increase is crucial as it directly addresses the diminishing availability of maternity care in these regions, seeking to ensure that women receive adequate support during childbirth.

Contention

While the bill has broad support for its critical goal of improving healthcare access, it has also faced discussions surrounding the adequacy of reimbursement rates for various birthing services and potential disparities in access between urban and rural locations. Another point of contention lies in the composition and focus of the commission established to oversee these initiatives. Stakeholders are keen on ensuring the commission consists of a diverse group of experts who can comprehensively address the various facets influencing labor and delivery services in rural settings.