Bill > SB18

This bill modifies existing law to allow the commissioner of health and human services more flexibility in increasing bed capacity for pediatric intermediate care facilities, which are specialized healthcare facilities that provide ongoing medical care for children with complex medical needs. Currently, a moratorium exists that prevents increasing bed capacity in most healthcare facilities, but this bill creates an exception for pediatric intermediate care facilities. Specifically, the bill authorizes the commissioner to assess the capacity of such facilities and potentially increase their licensed bed count, but only after reporting to relevant legislative committees and receiving approval from the fiscal committee of the general court. The bill initially allows two additional pediatric residents beyond the facility's previous licensed capacity (effective July 1, 2023, and expiring June 30, 2026), and then establishes a process for the commissioner to request additional beds if deemed necessary. This provides a structured mechanism for responding to changing pediatric healthcare needs while maintaining legislative oversight of such capacity increases. The bill will take effect 60 days after its passage.

Health and Social Services

https://gc.nh.gov/bill_status/legacy/bs2016/bill_docket.aspx?lsr=185&sy=2025&sortoption=&txtsessionyear=2025&txtbillnumber=SB18