Government Affairs Commission Update on HB 572 and 580

The New Hampshire Senate voted resoundingly against two bills that NHNA Govt. Affairs was tracking for you:

• HB 572 – would have amended the conduct of Medical Screening Panels by eliminating live testimony. Medical Screening Panels have been operating in NH for years to reduce the number of malpractice cases coming before the courts. The Panel reviews evidence and determines if the case is legitimate. There are studies underway reviewing the function of the Panels and legislators agreed that the studies should be concluded prior to any change in the Panel process.

• HB 580 – would have allowed patients to withhold parts of their medical record from health care providers. Legislators, prompted by eloquent testimony by nurse Senator Peggy Gilmour ( Nashua ) agreed that sufficient protection exists for patient medical records and limiting the scope of the record would impair patient care.

Thank you to all who contacted your legislator about these issues!