Managing Healthcare Compliance in New Hampshire

In New Hampshire, healthcare providers and organizations are subject to specific regulations and requirements overseen by state authorities. The New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), along with other state agencies, is responsible for enforcing these important rules. Ensuring healthcare compliance in New Hampshire involves maintaining both federal and state guidelines, while providing quality patient care.

New Hampshire healthcare organizations must develop dynamic compliance programs to keep up with evolving regulations. It’s essential for healthcare facilities to establish effective systems for monitoring and adhering to the state’s compliance requirements. This article delves into the crucial components necessary for maintaining compliance in New Hampshire.

New Hampshire Healthcare Compliance Resources

Let’s start with the important state government agencies you’ll need to work with:

• The New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) is a state agency responsible for overseeing a wide range of public health services and programs, aimed at enhancing the health and well-being of New Hampshire’s residents.
• The New Hampshire Hospital Association (NHHA) is an organization dedicated to supporting and advocating for hospitals and health systems in New Hampshire, focusing on improving healthcare quality and accessibility for the state’s communities.
• The New Hampshire Medicaid (Medical Assistance) program within DHHS provides medical assistance to eligible low-income residents, offering a range of healthcare services to support their health and well-being.
• The Board of Medicine within the New Hampshire Office of Professional Licensure and Certification (OPLC) is responsible for licensing and regulating medical professionals in the state to ensure high standards of practice and protect public health.
• The Board of Mental Health Practice within the New Hampshire Office of Professional Licensure and Certification (OPLC) oversees the licensure and ethical standards of mental health professionals in the state, ensuring competent and professional mental health care services.

These agencies help maintain the integrity and quality of healthcare services in New Hampshire, protecting the public and promoting patient safety. The resources provided by these New Hampshire state agencies are essential for promoting public health, ensuring access to healthcare, supporting healthcare professionals, and enhancing overall health outcomes for the residents of New Hampshire.

Regulations Unique to New Hampshire

To meet the standards of healthcare compliance in New Hampshire, there are a few additional regulations.

Telehealth Policy

Medical and mental health providers in New Hampshire should note the state’s telehealth policy and regulations that include a broader scope of services and delivery methods. The state’s telemedicine parity law — covering audio, video, and other electronic media — must be equitably covered by insurers, similar to in-person care​​​​. New Hampshire’s telehealth policy includes flexibility in service delivery, elimination of site restrictions, reimbursement parity, and covered audio-only Medicaid services.

Therapeutic Cannabis Regulations

It may benefit healthcare professionals within the state to be aware of the New Hampshire Therapeutic Cannabis Program, which allows for the legal use of cannabis for medical/therapeutic purposes. Established under RSA 126-X, the program includes a confidential registry for qualifying patients, caregivers, and medical providers. Two significant changes were made in 2023. First, HB 611 relaxed the criteria for severe pain as a qualifying condition, no longer requiring it to be resistant to other treatments. Secondly, Alternative Treatment Centers (ATCs) in New Hampshire can now dispense therapeutic cannabis to out-of-state and Canadian visitors who meet certain conditions, adhering to the same purchase and possession limits as New Hampshire patients. This change allows for a broader range of eligible individuals to access therapeutic cannabis, expanding providers’ patient reach.

Tips To Manage Healthcare Compliance in New Hampshire

Effectively managing healthcare compliance in New Hampshire is a critical responsibility for healthcare organizations, as it ensures the delivery of high-quality care while adhering to legal and regulatory requirements. Here are some key strategies to help healthcare organizations manage compliance effectively:

• Conduct State-Specific Training: Provide ongoing training and education to staff that is customized to your state’s regulations as well as your facility. If using a learning management system, ensure the vendor offers New Hampshire-approved training.
• Organize Policies By Requirement: Including “NH” in every document that is required by the state will make it much easier for you to find these documents in an online system when a surveyor is onsite. It is also best practice to include the standard you are meeting for additional clarity.
• Establish a System for Monitoring Risk: Being able to identify compliance risks before they become incidents or violations can save the entire organization time and money. Identifying trends and consistently reviewing reports can signal issues, such as training not being completed or a large number of incidents in one location.
• Use Compliance Management Software: Accreditation surveyors say organizations that use compliance software are more prepared for onsite visits and surveys. The software helps to keep documents and policies organized, ensures training content is up to date, and makes reporting easy.

By implementing these strategies and fostering a culture of compliance within your healthcare organization, you can effectively manage healthcare compliance, reduce risks, and provide the best possible care to your patients while staying within legal boundaries.

Credentialing Compliance in New Hampshire

Medical credentialing in New Hampshire is overseen by the Office of Professional Licensure and Certification (OPLC). As in any state, the process is vital for ensuring healthcare providers meet standards for competence and ethics. The OPLC supports over 50 professional licensing boards, including the Board of Medicine, which licenses qualified physicians and monitors their ongoing practice​​​​​​. Physicians can be credentialed through two main pathways: directly via the Federation of State Medical Boards (FSMB), involving a uniform application, credentials verification, and submission of supporting documents, or through the Interstate Medical Licensure Compact Commission (IMLCC) for expedited licensure for those already licensed in member states​​. This rigorous process ensures the maintenance of high healthcare standards and patient safety in New Hampshire. Conveniently, license renewals are also completed online through the OPLC website.

Meet New Hampshire Compliance Requirements With MedTrainer 

While the path may be complex, healthcare providers who prioritize compliance will not only avoid legal troubles but also enhance the quality of care they provide to their patients in New Hampshire . 

MedTrainer’s all-in-one compliance platform can streamline management of New Hampshire healthcare compliance. MedTrainer seamlessly consolidates your organization’s policies, incident reports, safety plans, HR documents, contracts, and more. This centralized repository ensures all employees have easy access to essential information. The course library is curated to align with regulatory and accreditation requirements, and courses are regularly added and updated to ensure the most current information. Learn more about MedTrainer today!