NHNA Update: HB2 (Trailer) and Its Impact on the BON

Thanks to your support in contacting your representatives, the Government Affairs Commission of NHNA has learned that compromises have been suggested to the HB2 Trailer Bill.

NHNA only recently learned of the HB 2 Trailer Bill. HB2 is the state’s budget. It is the next to the last piece of legislation acted upon during the session. Action on HB 2 is not expected until June, 2009. Trailer legislation addresses specific actions that are required for the budget bill. In the trailer legislation for HB 2, consolidation of the 21 health care boards in New Hampshire was proposed. Consolidation would occur at the administrative level and affect the support personnel at the Board of Nursing, including Executive Director, legal counsel, education specialists and license processors.

In effect, the all-volunteer Board of Nursing could lose its well qualified and supportive staff - those key individuals who coordinate the day-to-day operations and answer your phone call questions! NHNA opposes such a consolidation and offered several suggestions including consolidating only those Boards who did not meet their expenses because they were so small. The state of NH licenses over 112,000 health caregivers and other careers (e.g. plumbers, electricians, cosmetologists). The Board of Nursing issues over 38,000 of these licenses!

The Government Affairs Commission at their monthly meeting, March 24, learned that a study committee will be recommended to further investigate the impact and implications of consolidation. Included will be the input from the Boards and professional organizations. With the support of all nurses in all areas of practice the New Hampshire Nurses Association will provide the voice for nurses in shaping the profession!