SB 501 · 2026 · Senate · Health and Human Services Committee
Seclusion and restraint in emergencies
AI-generatedrelative to authorization of seclusion or restraint during a personal safety emergency by a physician, physician associate, or advanced practice registered nurse.
Authorizes a physician, physician associate, or advanced practice registered nurse to order seclusion or restraint during a personal safety emergency at New Hampshire hospital and other designated receiving facilities.AI-generated
Status
Died on the table in the House · May 7, 2026- ✓Introduced
- ✓Senate
- ✕House
- Governor
- Law
Analysis
This bill authorizes a physician, physician associate, or advanced practice registered nurse (APRN) to order seclusion or restraint during a personal safety emergency at New Hampshire hospital and other designated receiving facilities. The bill is a request of the department of health and human services.
From the bill's official ANALYSIS section.
In the bill's words
Quoted verbatim from the bill as introduced. Passages chosen from the operative text.Computed by this site
“Notwithstanding any state law to the contrary, seclusion or restraint shall be administered only by order of a physician, physician associate, or an APRN with the consent of the person, who has made an informed decision, or as a form of emergency treatment imposed by law or by rules, adopted by the commissioner under RSA 541-A.”
Official record
gc.nh.gov · the authoritative source
Sponsors
- Sen. Timothy LangRMajority Whip
- Sen. Howard PearlRChair· Executive Departments and Administration
- Sen. Rebecca Perkins KwokaDMinority Leader
- Sen. Keith MurphyRDeputy President Pro Tempore
- Sen. Kevin AvardRVice Chair· Health and Human Services
- Sen. Ruth WardRDeputy Majority Leader
- Sen. Regina BirdsellRMajority Leader
Also: Sen. David WattersD, Sen. Donovan FentonD, Sen. Tim McGoughR
Public testimony
Votes
yeanay- Feb 19, 2026SenateCommittee report: Ought to Pass5–0Overall100% yea
- Feb 19, 2026SenateVoice voteOught to Passadopted
- Apr 15, 2026HouseCommittee report· regular calendar: Inexpedient to Legislate10–8Overall56% yea
- Overall55% yeaParty-line voteRepublicans185–597% yeaDemocrats3–1492% yea
Hearings and debates
- Feb 11, 2026Public hearingSenate Health and Human Services4:43:53–4:52:318m 38slocated in the stream transcriptHearing
- Feb 19, 2026Floor debateSenate floorWatchnot located in the transcript — opens the full streamCommittee Report: Ought to Pass; Ought to Pass — adopted, voice vote
- Apr 8, 2026Public hearingHouse Health, Human Services and Elderly Affairs2:05:56–2:08:252m 29slocated in the stream transcriptPublic Hearing
- Apr 15, 2026Public hearingHouse Health, Human Services and Elderly Affairs46:02–47:151m 13slocated in the stream transcriptMajority Committee Report: Inexpedient to Legislate — roll call; Executive Session
- May 7, 2026Floor debateHouse floor2:03:02–2:08:415m 39slocated in the stream transcriptLay SB501 on Table (Rep. W. MacDonald) — adopted, roll call 188-154
Timestamps locate where this bill is taken up in the chamber's YouTube stream.
Legislative history
- Jan 7, 2026SenIntroduced 01/07/2026 and Referred to Health and Human Services; SJ 1
- Feb 11, 2026SenHearing: 02/11/2026, Room 100, SH, 01:15 pm; SC 5
- Feb 19, 2026Sen: Ought to Pass, 02/19/2026; Vote 5-0; CC; SC 6
- Feb 19, 2026SenOught to Pass: MA, VV; OT3rdg; 02/19/2026; SJ 4
- Feb 19, 2026HouseIntroduced (in recess of) 02/19/2026 and referred to Health, Human Services and Elderly Affairs HJ 5 P. 124
- Apr 8, 2026HousePublic Hearing: 04/08/2026 11:00 am GP 158
- Apr 15, 2026HouseExecutive Session: 04/15/2026 10:00 am GP 158
- Apr 15, 2026HouseMajority : Inexpedient to Legislate 04/15/2026 (Vote 10-8; RC) HC 18 P. 14
- Apr 22, 2026HouseMinority : Ought to Pass
- May 7, 2026HouseLay SB501 on Table (Rep. W. MacDonald): MA RC 188-154 05/07/2026 HJ 12 P. 31
Coverage
No reporting linked yet.
Documents (PDF)
Bill text & amendments link direct to gc.nh.gov; committee reports stream from the state record.