NH Senate Approves Measure to Address Health Care Worker Shortage

March 14, 2019

Contact Name: Sara Persechino

Phone: (603) 271-3479

Email: Sara.Persechino@leg.state.nh.us

CONCORD—Today, the New Hampshire Senate voted to pass SB 308-FN. This bill takes a multitude of steps to address New Hampshire’s critical shortage of health care workers, including: increasing Medicaid rates; making appropriations to establish new positions and programs to develop and enhance the state’s health care workforce; increasing scholarship opportunities for students majoring in a health care field; and developing and enhancing programs offered in health care at New Hampshire’s educational institutions.

Senator Cindy Rosenwald (D-Nashua), prime sponsor of SB 308-FN, released the following statement after the vote:

“Across New Hampshire, a workforce shortage is slowing our state’s economic potential. There is no field where this is felt more strongly than in health care, where a lack of providers negatively impacts the health and wellbeing of Granite Staters and our state’s ongoing efforts to address the mental health crisis and opioid epidemic. SB 308-FN offers a holistic approach to bolster New Hampshire’s health care workforce, and I’m proud to see it pass the Senate today.”