This week, the House and Senate took action to pass several bills that are supported by NHNPA.

The Senate voted to pass HB 359, dealing with warning labels on prescription drugs containing opiates.  The final version of this much-discussed bill requires that controlled drugs containing opiates be dispensed with an orange sticker with the word “Opioid” placed on the cap or dispenser, along with a warning label stating “Risk of Addiction and Overdose.”  The provider also is required to furnish each person that receives an opioid with a handout to be developed and approved by the Governor’s Commission on Alcohol and Drug Abuse Prevention, Treatment and Recovery.  (This requirement does not apply to drugs administered to patients treated in a facility licensed under RSA 151.)

The House passed SB 87, which clarifies that DHHS is allowed to administer and disburse federal or other funds to syringe service programs authorized under state law.  The House also passed SB 258, which clarifies the statutes concerning telemedicine and Medicaid coverage.

All of these bills will go back now to their originating bodies for review and a determination whether to concur with the changes or to ask for a committee of conference.

The Senate Finance Committee, as of Friday,  has begun its deliberations on the state budget.  We expect that by the end of next week we will know what the Senate Finance Committee has decided to do with respect to the inclusion in the budget of the SB 308 Medicaid provider rate and state loan repayment increases in SB 308.