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Bill would let physician associates and nurse practitioners sign vehicle and immunization certifications, sponsors say
Summary
Sen. Sue Prentiss introduced SB 453 to allow physician associates (PAs) and advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs/NPs) to sign motor‑vehicle adaptive equipment certifications and medical contraindication forms for immunizations, aiming to reduce delays in underserved areas.
Sen. Sue Prentiss told the committee SB 453 would expand the pool of licensed practitioners who can sign required certifications for vehicle adaptive controls and medical contraindications for immunizations to include physician associates and nurse practitioners, reflecting current clinical practice and easing access in rural areas.
Support from the New Hampshire Nurse Practitioners Association (represented by Executive Director Jim Monahan) emphasized that the bill does not change substantive standards or DMV criteria; it simply updates statutes to reflect provider practice so that patients are not delayed when physicians are not available. Monahan said nurse practitioners and PAs already comply with the same documentation and standards and that the bill preserves the required verification steps in each program.
Committee members asked whether there had been opposition in the Senate; witnesses said there was little or no substantive opposition in the Senate hearing and that the bill aligns with workforce realities in many communities.
The public hearing closed with general support from nursing and PA representatives and no immediate committee action recorded.
