[{"_1":2,"_112":-5,"_113":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,76,88,100],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},"mediaId",6637732,"mediaKeyId","2579890-95d2a1f0c6846854d846f8fef54339e5","parentId",2579890,"title","Subcommittee moves to shorten credentialing window for mental-health providers; discusses retroactive billing language","audioSeconds",1720,"startMs",3620000,"endMs",5340000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2579890-95d2a1f0c6846854d846f8fef54339e5&start=3620&end=5340","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2579890-95d2a1f0c6846854d846f8fef54339e5/thumbnail_3620000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6637732/New-Hampshire/Subcommittee-moves-to-shorten-credentialing-window-for-mental-health-providers-discusses-retroactive-billing-language","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6637732-357e79775b7142c763dd44c7104ecb9d/orig.mp4?Expires=1771180135&Signature=hv0Y~qm1kIn4lD57sRAZVm5lpVPbvaqDuCzMTNY6WqqKonMae3o8IApVnAmHvhTaaqsfQT4iefB0cTkPYK8FdC~zYqGgVUR5A~CIHy52RP5DwuueFUi6Lom5sIFW5AN1pUNR6hUPYhm9kIL9pdNUoXboQEU5JC6nxWqO2Url9TlJWJLIldKH-Ca5kwn9ZlfrZNAFy-bHOmcAV~zsCqtY8etyBjoCLiLFQSmpb5KjYef-yHwXyX4KziQdxRnZBkpfLwf6RCY4CHomeGuR4Sz-G7XYG~XMGUXtuITTKX93ydddUhtXLzt3gVwHpUcfc61C3aCVteIww-zjLUH2lqKXWQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","New Hampshire Legislature","date","2025-03-12T20:30:51.183Z","article","The Commerce and Consumer Affairs subcommittee considered House Bill 507, which would require health carriers to credential mental-health providers within 30 days of a clean and complete application, matching an existing standard for primary care physicians.

DJ Betancourt, representing the Insurance Department, told the committee the department supports the core of section 1 of the bill that would shorten the credentialing timeframe from 45 to 30 days for mental-health clinicians. \"Anything that we can do to ease the pipeline of mental health providers into the system is something worthwhile,\" Betancourt said.

The bill also originally included a provision allowing retroactive billing: if a clinician applied and later became credentialed, the law would permit retroactive reimbursement for the period between application and credentialing. Insurance department staff urged caution on that second provision because practical contracting issues arise: credentialing and in-network contract rate negotiations often proceed in parallel. The department suggested more stakeholder work to define how a retroactive-payment mechanism would operate without creating payment disputes.

Committee action: Members proposed a narrow amendment that would remove the retroactive-billing provision (section 2) and set an effective date of Jan. 1, 2026, allowing implementation to align with budgeting and operational cycles. The sponsor agreed; members signaled assent and the committee directed staff to draft the amendment for next-week consideration.

Why it matters: Providers and behavioral-health advocates told the committee delays in credentialing limit network access to mental-health care. Shortening the credentialing timeframe aims to expand access. Lawmakers emphasized the need to work through the logistics of retroactive payment with carriers before creating a statutory requirement.

Next steps: Committee staff will prepare the agreed amendment (remove section 2, set effective date Jan. 1, 2026) and submit it for the next work session. The department said it would continue stakeholder discussions about the retroactive-payment question.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","House Commerce and Consumer Affairs (03/12/2025)","oneSentenceSummary","Lawmakers supported changing statute so health carriers credential mental-health providers within 30 days (matching primary care rules) and directed further work on retroactive-payment language that would allow providers to bill after credentialing.","taxTitle","Commerce and Consumer Affairs, House of Representatives, Committees\t, Legislative, New Hampshire","taxId",17743,"location","New Hampshire","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":77,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":78,"_41":79,"_43":80,"_45":81,"_47":82,"_49":83,"_51":84,"_53":85,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":86,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":87,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6637736,"Subcommittee splits on ambulance billing: keeps higher-rate bill alive, advances lower-rate option",2880,15120000,18000000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2579890-95d2a1f0c6846854d846f8fef54339e5&start=15120&end=18000","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2579890-95d2a1f0c6846854d846f8fef54339e5/thumbnail_15120000.jpg","/articles/6637736/New-Hampshire/Subcommittee-splits-on-ambulance-billing-keeps-higher-rate-bill-alive-advances-lower-rate-option","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6637736-50786fcd00f92c1f407f7025f2cdbae2/orig.mp4?Expires=1771180135&Signature=E-uk4RaICTEJKUKkYla25hw4BoycH-KE-NX9rh0g2rZrh0qWIGQXxWxJmxSXt-9fqO~SMuDCnW3dkGxQ0Pj2aLFZoj9Fk9wFKh~7WooZVTd8S9WOzCzKSC5BBieU-qsr8FYBKpwrt4ughNn1H67b9hTtAOAze9a68sqkNPzMXCT6OxKa7wLZ1-7HJ1bIrBdugogtqDjSWLOebtpC21MYB9IASBSncZ5cLhRh3hFC2bj5fenMgLjWzKF4OepTr8ysjxx9TnyDrhPSmPFtVZHTOlsaKZJDISQwfxqhtO5RTjt-II3xxitgoLrGMwg6Han9s4EyFmiKgnG1XV~4WNVdSw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","New Hampshire lawmakers spent a lengthy portion of the Commerce and Consumer Affairs subcommittee meeting debating how to limit ambulance balance-billing and how much private insurers should reimburse ambulance providers.

Two competing approaches: The subcommittee considered two bills. House Bill 316 would limit balance billing and set a reimbursement level tied to a percentage of Medicare rates chosen by the bills analyst; supporters described it as a data-driven, actuarial approach. House Bill 725 would also remove balance billing but set a higher statutory reimbursement level intended by ambulance providers to cover operational costs.

Testimony and concerns: Fire chiefs and ambulance providers, including Michael Setar of the Tilton-Northfield Fire District, gave operational testimony saying current Medicaid and Medicare reimbursements leave large shortfalls that local taxpayers often supplement. \"My operating budgets majority is EMS,\" Setar said, explaining local budget impacts and the prevalence of EMS calls. Providers and municipal officials urged higher reimbursements to keep services viable. Supporters of a higher payment level argued that a modest per-person premium increase spread across insured residents would preserve ambulance capacity.

Insurers and some committee members urged caution. Analysts who prepared a cost study described methodology choices and exclusions; some members said the actuarial presentation lacked the kind of narrative explanation they wanted. Insurers said the fiscal impact could be significant and recommended a measured path tied to verified claim data.

Committee actions: After debate, the subcommittee voted to retain HB725 (the higher-rate option) for more work and to report HB316 \"ought to pass\" in subcommittee. The clerk recorded the votes as follows in subcommittee proceedings: HB725 retained by a 7-0 tally; HB316 was reported \"ought to pass\" by a 5-2 tally.

Why it matters: Ambulance providers say they face a structural funding gap because Medicaid and Medicare reimbursements are low and local governments already subsidize services. The debate centers on whether private insurers should shoulder more of that gap via higher premiums or whether incremental, actuarially timed increases tied to validated data are preferable. The two bills represent different policy choices about who bears the cost when public payers underpay emergency transport.

Next steps: HB725 will be held for further study and potential amendment; HB316 will move forward from subcommittee. Members asked the department and actuaries for additional breakdowns of claim code impacts and said they would revisit the issue in September to evaluate outcomes and potential compromises.","After extensive testimony from EMS chiefs, fire officials and insurers, the subcommittee voted to retain the higher-reimbursement proposal (HB725) for further work and to advance a lower-rate bill (HB316) in subcommittee; both measures would limit balance billing but differ on insurer reimbursement levels.",{"_33":89,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":90,"_41":91,"_43":92,"_45":93,"_47":94,"_49":95,"_51":96,"_53":97,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":98,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":99,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6637741,"Subcommittee approves amended study commission on blockchain, broad membership and year-long report",536,1220000,1756000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2579890-95d2a1f0c6846854d846f8fef54339e5&start=1220&end=1756","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2579890-95d2a1f0c6846854d846f8fef54339e5/thumbnail_1220000.jpg","/articles/6637741/New-Hampshire/Subcommittee-approves-amended-study-commission-on-blockchain-broad-membership-and-year-long-report","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6637741-cd7511f479314c3b8ba65ec0e1ab1016/orig.mp4?Expires=1771180135&Signature=O-NOylkS2F7-K9ZVV9mn3xVaM63tGFpac0a4nOzFNX9vGxh8~hLKtSlQWZOqPa6gA8ee7wFBC04axM0nN4GcYz-UiMpXsmeiY64l0KnjUguvaKTMNfckijBzyHcTCMu5VQJBCaJn4eHAVehVZJLAnDRZ6zv5arGrUO18y~KoQAnYM-o8npe47YIQQeqoF3j5xwf1d-Ol7RZYzVPiW-WC87bknn9v7Lj7SzpfGtIHrtIAcLsMvm9ktKgL8CgDrKiS-yfdJSMk1omNUP24EzTpZOkQuiT7F4q9YzSJvrU8aOTvWIOjeYoZNYgzE2TmY6L4766rQkMuyhSXSZ~jNi69Mg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Commerce and Consumer Affairs subcommittee voted to advance an amended bill creating a state study commission on blockchain technologies, voting \"ought to pass as amended.\" The amendment expanded the commissions charges and membership and extended reporting and repeal dates.

Sponsor remarks and scope: Representative Ammon and other sponsors presented an updated amendment that \"replaces the entire bill\" and adds more specific charges for the commission, including legal, regulatory, financial and technological considerations for a possible state-level framework and a review of federal activity. The sponsor said he had added environmental protection considerations and language explicitly referencing federal efforts. \"I added environmental protection as 1 of the considerations,\" the sponsor told the committee, noting energy use concerns with certain blockchain designs.

The amended language also adjusted membership: it added the Secretary of State or designee and Attorney General or designee among state participants, increased appointed industry representation to two blockchain-industry members, and pushed the commissions repeal and report dates back one year (the repeal moved to November 1, 2026, with a matching report date). The sponsor said the commission would explore options including a potential blockchain-based trust and would examine federal activity that might preempt or influence state policy.

Why it matters: Committee members expressed interest in having a state-level expert body available if legislation or technology arrives rapidly, and some said they preferred federal standardization while acknowledging states often act first. Several members urged the commission to carefully survey federal developments and to avoid preempting federal action. One member asked that the commission remain focused because the topic covers many technical and legal areas.

Vote: The subcommittee approved the amendment and then voted the bill \"ought to pass as amended.\" The roll call on the final motion recorded more yes votes than no votes (committee tally reported during the session).","Lawmakers amended and approved a study commission to examine blockchain, legal/regulatory frameworks and environmental impacts; the subcommittee voted to report the bill \"ought to pass as amended.\"",{"_33":101,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":102,"_41":103,"_43":104,"_45":105,"_47":106,"_49":107,"_51":108,"_53":109,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":110,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":111,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6637746,"Secretary of State amends bill to let office remove fraudulent business filings, requires in-state registered agent address",982,2336000,3318000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2579890-95d2a1f0c6846854d846f8fef54339e5&start=2336&end=3318","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2579890-95d2a1f0c6846854d846f8fef54339e5/thumbnail_2336000.jpg","/articles/6637746/New-Hampshire/Secretary-of-State-amends-bill-to-let-office-remove-fraudulent-business-filings-requires-in-state-registered-agent-address","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6637746-094948ab683501678aebb911d10b8cf9/orig.mp4?Expires=1771180135&Signature=m3Ez2GGnJUa5dHNrPfAg5Rqd0CGnJsbfbH58mZtrW0WfI7AwqhpGIJUKQR4BWFV2pKiV3jfFy1m5Dy3KIWjXc6dCL24RIa9tmnpLqd~txYqgcZGNjfqPjxa2rqpOlw84eChkpzr-Izz~a3-WCM780GF2z0-BH-~nXMGuvJEf71rxqOJbnnNp1Zwms3cC2QkQckEBIheti-mLDWGy59pJL5-ncErYQMc5s9uD3dxklOj3ukzEfNPdQULfj2LKV6TnpXuKTFoWXyMU8jvfp~K7A95R9uvaFR1phVrk61zxds6nB3NkDT~6tg0r-NUNRRBhZGKmh9dpUIZBmZmwDPRAfg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Commerce and Consumer Affairs subcommittee voted to pass an amended version of House Bill 406 that narrows the Secretary of States authority to intervene in business filings and establishes minimum requirements for registered agents.

The amendment, presented by Tom Connolly of the Secretary of States Corporation Division, removed a prior proposal to validate filings proactively and instead authorizes the office to review and remove filings found to be fraudulent after receiving a sworn complaint from an affected person or business. \"The amendment narrows the scope of our authority to review after either we receive a written complaint from a consumer or from a business,\" Connolly said. He told the committee the change was made in response to concerns raised by the business community.

Why it matters: Committee members said the change responds to real harms experienced by New Hampshire businesses that discovered other people had used their name or address to form entities and open bank accounts. Supporters said the amendment gives the Secretary of State tools to remove unauthorized filings while avoiding broad, proactive review powers that raised enforcement and privacy concerns.

Under the amended bill, the corporation division would be able to: accept a sworn statement from someone reporting an unauthorized filing, remove or cancel a fraudulent filing from the public record, and refer criminal matters to county attorneys or the Attorney General for prosecution. The amendment also sets minimum qualifications for an individual acting as a registered agent: age 18, New Hampshire residency and a physical street address in the state. The amendment closes a perceived loophole in which filers used commercial mail-receiving services as a registered office address even though no individual was physically present there.

Connolly said the office already plans technical changes to its filing system to reduce fraud, such as issuing company authorization codes to authentic filers and replacing the current filing platform. He said those changes would not require additional legislation.

Committee reaction and vote: Members asked several operational questions: which entity types must maintain a registered office (Connolly said corporations, LLCs and most business entities; DBAs and some nonprofits are exceptions), how fraud reports would be handled, and whether the Secretary of State has investigatory resources (the office would rely on police or prosecutors for criminal investigations). Connolly described the intended procedure: the office will generally act on a sworn statement and a police report and can restore documents if a later petition shows the removal was in error. Representative McAleer moved the bill as amended; the subcommittee voted to send the amended bill forward. The clerk recorded the outcome as \"ought to pass as amended\" (vote recorded in subcommittee proceedings).","An amendment to House Bill 406 narrowed authority for the Secretary of States office to cancel or remove fraudulent corporate filings after a sworn complaint and set minimum requirements for registered agents, and the subcommittee voted to pass the bill as amended.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Subcommittee moves to shorten credentialing window for mental-health providers; discusses retroactive billing language

Subcommittee splits on ambulance billing: keeps higher-rate bill alive, advances lower-rate option

Subcommittee approves amended study commission on blockchain, broad membership and year-long report

Secretary of State amends bill to let office remove fraudulent business filings, requires in-state registered agent address