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HB 1347 · 2026 · House · Commerce and Consumer Affairs Committee

Protecting independent provider referrals

AI-generated

relative to health care provider networks and referrals.

Prohibits health care facilities from refusing referrals from independent primary care providers when the facility and specialist accept the patient's insurance, and establishes penalties for noncompliance.AI-generated

Status

Referred to interim study (House) · March 11, 2026
  1. ✓Introduced
  2. ✕House
  3. Senate
  4. Governor
  5. Law

Analysis

This bill prohibits health care facilities from refusing referrals from independent and outside primary care providers so long as the health care facility and specialist accept the insurance of the patient, and establishes penalties for failure to comply.

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

“No health care facility licensed under this chapter shall prohibit referrals from independent and outside primary care providers so long as the health care facility and specialist accept the insurance of the patient, pursuant to RSA 151:21, XXI.”
RSA 151:9-c

Official record

Bill page — docket & status

gc.nh.gov · the authoritative source

Sponsors

Rep. Trinidad TellezDPrime

Rep. David NagelD

Public testimony

16 signed in online · 7 wrote testimony

100% support0% oppose0% neutral

In their wordsVerbatim, exactly as submitted

“This is common sense. Apparently there are some folks who don’t understand that it is wrong and dangerous to share someone else’s personal information on the internet. This should be a no-brainer for anyone in elected office.…”
— Janet Lucas, Camptonsupports
“I am writing as a Bow resident and an independent family physician practicing in Concord in strong support of HB 1347. A health system should not deny a patient access to a specialist on the sole basis that their PCP is not employed by that system.…”
— Eric Kropp, Bowsupports
“HB 1347 protects patient choice. It protects continuity of care. It protects independent practices in New Hampshire. And most importantly, it protects patients during a time when access is already strained. This bill is fair, reasonable, and urgently needed.…”
— Phenton Harker, Manchestersupports

Verbatim excerpts of submitted testimony, quoted from the testimony tool.

Read the testimony · as of Aug 12, 2026

Votes

yeanay
Starting text: Bill as introduced
  • Mar 3, 2026HouseCommittee report· consent calendar: Refer for Interim Study13–0
    Overall
    100% yea
  • Mar 11, 2026HouseVoice voteRefer for Interim Studyadopted

Hearings and debates

  • Feb 17, 2026Public hearingHouse Commerce and Consumer Affairs43:19–54:2011m 1slocated in the stream transcriptPublic Hearing
  • Feb 18, 2026Public hearingHouse Commerce and Consumer AffairsWatchnot located in the transcript — opens the full streamFull Committee Work Session; ==RECESSED== Executive Session
  • Mar 11, 2026Floor debateHouse floorWatchnot located in the transcript — opens the full streamRefer for Interim Study — adopted, voice vote

Timestamps locate where this bill is taken up in the chamber's YouTube stream.

Legislative history

  1. Jan 7, 2026HouseIntroduced 01/07/2026 and referred to Commerce and Consumer Affairs HJ 1 P. 16
  2. Feb 17, 2026HousePublic Hearing: 02/17/2026 10:30 am GP 159
  3. Feb 18, 2026HouseFull Committee Work Session: 02/18/2026 10:00 am GP 229
  4. Feb 18, 2026House==RECESSED== Executive Session: 02/18/2026 01:00 pm GP 229
  5. Mar 3, 2026House: Refer for Interim Study 03/03/2026 (Vote 13-0; CC) HC 10 P. 7
  6. Mar 11, 2026HouseRefer for Interim Study: MA VV 03/11/2026 HJ 7 P. 10

Coverage

No reporting linked yet.

Documents (PDF)

Bill text & amendments link direct to gc.nh.gov; committee reports stream from the state record.