Statement from Governor Hassan on Final Passage of Bipartisan Bill to Continue Streamlining Access to Treatment

Press Release

After the New Hampshire State Senate concurred with a House of Representatives amendment for final passage of Senate Bill 532, relative to prior authorization for substance abuse treatment, Governor Maggie Hassan issued the following statement:

"As we work to combat the heroin and opioid crisis and help save lives, we must ensure that people can access the treatment and care that they need. We took an important step forward earlier this year by passing expedited, bipartisan legislation that streamlined access to treatment for outpatient substance misuse treatment services, and Senate Bill 532 will build on those efforts by removing certain prior authorizations for patients in crisis to access inpatient services. I commend members from both parties for sending Senate Bill 532 to my desk, and I look forward to signing this important measure to streamline insurance regulations for accessing inpatient substance misuse treatment services.

"To further help patients access treatment, the New Hampshire Department of Insurance is reviewing state-regulated insurance companies' compliance with regulations that require parity for substance abuse and mental health treatment. In addition, the Insurance Department is hiring an outreach coordinator to work with providers and patients to help them better understand how to access treatment."

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