Relative to repealing certain rulemaking authority regarding long-term care.
The immediate impact of this bill can be substantial as it effectively abolishes existing regulations that the Department of Health and Human Services relies on to manage long-term care programs, including the Choices for Independence Program. Should this bill pass, it may jeopardize the approval of federal waivers necessary for funding, specifically the CFI waiver, which is essential for compliance with federal standards and for securing federal funding essential for state operations. The potential financial repercussions could lead to significant state expenditure increases as the state might need to cover the costs previously funded by federal sources.
SB405 is a legislative proposal aimed at repealing the rulemaking authority of the New Hampshire commissioner of health and human services concerning long-term care, as specified in RSA 151-E. This repeal removes the health department's ability to set administrative rules that govern long-term care services, which are critical for oversight and regulation within this sector. The bill is introduced amid concerns regarding the regulatory landscape governing long-term care facilities and services in New Hampshire.
Notable opposition to SB405 stems from concerns about the implications of stripping regulatory authority from the health department. Critics argue that this could lead to insufficient oversight in a field that is crucial for vulnerable populations, particularly the elderly and those needing sustained care. Moreover, the loss of regulatory structure could result in the withdrawal or reduction of key federal funding that supports various long-term care services, raising alarms among healthcare advocates regarding the long-term efficacy and quality of care provided within the state.