New Hampshire House Bill HB614

New Hampshire 2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/12/23
• Refer: 1/12/23
• Report Pass: 2/16/23
• Refer: 2/22/23
• Report DNP: 11/15/23

Caption

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

Impact

If passed, HB614 will enable the Department of Health and Human Services to conduct a comprehensive analysis aiming to determine whether a more extensive epidemiological study is needed. The approved funds will be utilized to contract with an academic or research organization, which underscores a collaborative approach to tackling public health concerns. By shifting some degree of focus towards this specific health issue, the bill could potentially lay the groundwork for future interventions or policy changes in environmental health and community health initiatives.

Summary

House Bill 614 proposes an appropriation of $500,000 to the New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services. The funding is intended to support a Phase 3 Feasibility Study focused on the incidence of kidney cancer in the town of Merrimack. This study is prompted by a statistically significant excess of kidney cancer cases observed in the area, as well as the presence of environmental contaminants that could potentially be linked to these health outcomes. The bill emphasizes the necessity of further investigation to understand contributing factors to this alarming health issue.

Contention

While the bill appears to be a pragmatic response to a pressing health crisis, it may also open discussions on the role of government in health research funding and the potential challenges linked to environmental health. As the funding is reliant on prior use of non-state funds before accessing state resources, there may be concerns regarding the effectiveness and feasibility of the study under budgetary constraints. Additionally, local stakeholders may engage in dialogue about the findings and implications of the study, particularly if it triggers further health assessments or regulations surrounding environmental quality.