Bill > SB256

This bill addresses regulations for clinician-administered drugs, defining such drugs as outpatient prescription medications that cannot be reasonably self-administered and are typically given by healthcare professionals in clinical settings like physician offices or hospital outpatient centers. The bill prohibits health maintenance organizations (HMOs) from requiring that pharmacies dispense these drugs directly to patients with the expectation that patients will transport the medication to a healthcare setting for administration. HMOs must authorize and pay for clinician-administered drugs dispensed by in-network hospitals or clinics, provided the medication must be provided more quickly than through other channels and follows standard network participant terms. The bill specifically defines clinician-administered drugs as those that cannot be self-administered by the patient or a non-clinician assistant and are typically administered by a healthcare professional authorized under state law. The legislation will take effect on January 1, 2026, and while it is not expected to have direct fiscal implications, the Insurance Department notes it may potentially impact insurance premium tax revenue due to potential changes in insurer cost structures. The bill aims to improve patient access and safety in drug administration by preventing practices like "brown-bagging" and ensuring appropriate drug dispensing and coverage.

Health and Social Services

https://gc.nh.gov/bill_status/legacy/bs2016/bill_status.aspx?lsr=1003&sy=2025&sortoption=&txtsessionyear=2025&txtbillnumber=SB256