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Committee advances technical bill allowing APRNs and physician associates to authorize seclusion or restraint in safety emergencies
Summary
SB 501 would align New Hampshire statute with CMS rules by authorizing APRNs and physician associates to order seclusion or restraint during personal safety emergencies; DHHS and New Hampshire Hospital said the change reduces delays and brings state law into federal alignment.
Sen. Sue Prentiss presented SB 501, a technical bill requested by the Department of Health and Human Services to permit advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) and physician associates to authorize seclusion or restraint during a personal safety emergency. Supporters said the change aligns state statute with CMS regulations and the Joint Commission's accreditation standards, and reduces the practical problem of an APRN having to contact a physician who may not know the patient in an urgent situation.
Rosemary Wyant, DHHS counsel, and Megan Thompson, APRN lead at New Hampshire Hospital, said restraint and seclusion are last-resort clinical interventions used to protect patient and staff safety; Thompson testified that allowing licensed practitioners recognized by CMS to issue such orders avoids dangerous delays. The bill contains language to resolve conflicts with the patient bill of rights statute.
The committee voted in executive session to recommend "ought to pass" for SB 501 and moved the recommendation by consent.
