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SB 501 · 2026 · Senate · Health and Human Services Committee

Seclusion and restraint in emergencies

AI-generated

relative 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
  1. ✓Introduced
  2. ✓Senate
  3. ✕House
  4. Governor
  5. 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.

Official record

Bill page — docket & status

gc.nh.gov · the authoritative source

Sponsors

Sen. Suzanne PrentissDPrimeAssistant Democratic Leader
  • 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

7 signed in online

71% support29% oppose0% neutral

Read the testimony · as of Aug 12, 2026

Hearings

  • 2026-02-119:00 amSenate Health and Human ServicesSH 100Public hearing
  • 2026-04-089:00 amHouse Health, Human Services and Elderly AffairsGP 158Public hearing
  • 2026-04-1510:00 amHouse Health, Human Services and Elderly AffairsGP 158Public hearing

Legislative history

  1. Jan 7, 2026SenIntroduced 01/07/2026 and Referred to Health and Human Services; SJ 1
  2. Feb 11, 2026SenHearing: 02/11/2026, Room 100, SH, 01:15 pm; SC 5
  3. Feb 19, 2026Sen: Ought to Pass, 02/19/2026; Vote 5-0; CC; SC 6
  4. Feb 19, 2026SenOught to Pass: MA, VV; OT3rdg; 02/19/2026; SJ 4
  5. Feb 19, 2026HouseIntroduced (in recess of) 02/19/2026 and referred to Health, Human Services and Elderly Affairs HJ 5 P. 124
  6. Apr 8, 2026HousePublic Hearing: 04/08/2026 11:00 am GP 158
  7. Apr 15, 2026HouseExecutive Session: 04/15/2026 10:00 am GP 158
  8. Apr 15, 2026HouseMajority : Inexpedient to Legislate 04/15/2026 (Vote 10-8; RC) HC 18 P. 14
  9. Apr 22, 2026HouseMinority : Ought to Pass
  10. 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)

  • Introducedversion

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