New Hampshire House Bill HB200

New Hampshire 2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/3/23
• Refer: 1/3/23
• Report Pass: 1/27/23
• Engrossed: 3/7/23
• Refer: 3/7/23
• Refer: 5/3/23
• Refer: 5/11/23

Caption

Relative to choice of counselor to evaluate a child in family court proceedings.

Impact

If enacted, HB 200 will amend RSA 461-A and RSA 490-D, establishing a framework that prioritizes parental choice in the mental health practitioner selection process. The proposed changes will enable parents to have a decisive role in choosing counselors, particularly in contentious situations where they might disagree on a provider. Furthermore, in instances of conflict or allegations of abuse, the court will be required to appoint counselors who are participating providers in the involved parties’ health insurance networks, thereby also addressing insurance considerations in mental health care.

Summary

House Bill 200 aims to enhance parental rights by allowing parents to select their own counselors for counseling sessions mandated by family court proceedings involving child evaluation. The bill specifically amends existing laws to ensure that parents are informed of their rights regarding the choice of mental health practitioners when a child is required to participate in counseling as part of a parenting plan. This flexibility is intended to empower parents and ensure that the selected counselors can better meet the individual needs of their children during court evaluations.

Contention

There may be various points of contention surrounding the bill, primarily revolving around concerns regarding the judicial process and the welfare of the child during evaluations. Opponents may argue that allowing parents to choose counselors could lead to conflict and further disputes during already fraught family court proceedings. On the other hand, supporters will contend that this measure strengthens parental rights and provides families with better access to suitable mental health resources tailored to their unique circumstances.