Over the last decade, New Hampshire’s substance use treatment system has grown significantly as the addiction crisis has spread. Without oversight by the State, parts of the system are largely unregulated, leaving patients to navigate an uneven treatment landscape with programs and services that vary in quality across the state.
Legislation from last year has been brought back in 2025 to protect the health of individuals battling addiction. This legislation would strengthen oversight and ensure patient protections and high quality, evidence-based services across the treatment system.
About the Bill
2025 legislation proposes to improve New Hampshire’s substance use treatment system by strengthening patient protections and ensuring high quality services. It includes two key parts:
- Mandatory Certification: A certification requirement for outpatient substance use treatment provider organizations that would require them to meet certain treatment standards and become certified by the N.H. Department of Health and Human Services in order to provide services.
- Investigations of Misconduct: Creation of a Behavioral Health Specialist position within the N.H. Department of Health and Human Services’ Office of the Ombudsman that would be dedicated to investigating reports of abuse or misconduct by treatment providers. This would also make it easier for patients, families, and staff to report concerns.
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Bill Status
A Legislative Service Request has been filed for the proposed legislation. Bill text will be released in the coming weeks, likely in late December or early January. Stay tuned for more information and how to get involved!
