New Hampshire 2024 Regular Session

New Hampshire House Bill HB1638

Introduced
12/15/23  
Refer
12/15/23  

Caption

Relative to requiring case reviews and remedial measures for any department of health and human services employee who improperly performs their job.

Impact

Should this bill be enacted, it would lead to significant changes in the oversight processes of the Department of Health and Human Services. The provisions require that, if an employee is found to have consistently failed in their role, they will be placed on probation and required to undergo remedial training. In serious cases where employees put lives at risk due to negligence, termination may be enforced. These measures are anticipated to enforce higher standards of accountability among employees, thereby aiming to improve service delivery and safeguard public welfare.

Summary

House Bill 1638 (HB1638) introduces a legislative measure aimed at enhancing the accountability of employees within the Department of Health and Human Services. The bill mandates the implementation of case reviews and remedial measures for employees who are found to have improperly performed their jobs. Specifically, it stipulates that any employee receiving a complaint about their job performance must undergo a thorough review that examines their case management activities over the previous three years. The goal is to ensure that all department employees adhere to the standards outlined in their job descriptions and duties.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding HB1638 appears to be largely supportive, particularly among those advocating for stronger accountability measures within government agencies. Advocates argue that the bill is a crucial step towards improving the performance and integrity of health services personnel. However, there may be concerns regarding the enforcement of the provisions and the potential implications for employee morale. This reflects a nuanced perspective where the intention to improve service quality is met with considerations about the impacts on the workforce.

Contention

Notable points of contention regarding HB1638 may include discussions on the adequacy of the proposed oversight mechanisms and the criteria for determining improper job performance. Critics may raise concerns about the potential for subjective interpretations in performance evaluations and the fairness of remedial measures such as probation and termination. The balance between enforcing accountability and ensuring due process for employees could be focal points of debate during committee discussions, reflecting a need for careful implementation of the bill's provisions.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

NH HB91

Relative to privacy obligations of the department of health and human services.

NH SB127

Relative to certain programs administered by the department of health and human services.

NH SB36

Relative to systems of care for healthy aging.

NH SB115

Relative to making an appropriation to the department of health and human services for the purpose of funding vaccine administration through public health departments.

NH HB557

Relative to the department of health and human services' rulemaking authority regarding immunization requirements.

NH HB391

Relative to the memorandum of understanding on data sharing between the department of health and human services and the department of environmental services.

NH HB614

Making an appropriation to the department of health and human services to fund the Merrimack, New Hampshire Kidney Cancer Incidence Phase 3 Feasibility study.

NH SB134

Relative to disability pensions for public safety employees who are victims of violence.

NH SB75

Relative to the division of personnel in the department of administrative services.

NH SB74

Relative to the department of administrative services.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.