HB1784

Rationale for this bill: "There's no need for regulation that protects the public, nor studies that demonstrate effective reduction in prices and improvement in care! Let's hinder the established process so the health industry can make the "right decisions" for this public good, just as they have been doing for the past 40 years!" Oops, maybe, forget that 2nd sentence,.Or, if faced with the facts of catastrophic pricing failure and waste by consolidated hospitals and profit-directed insurers, just say there is not enough free market magic and eliminate all regulation. And, while we're at it, let's eliminate vaccines - let's get back to the grand 1890s...

I was recently appointed by Governor Ayotte, to serve as a public member on the New Hampshire Healthcare Consumer Protection Advisory Commission. During the recent December meeting of the Commission, Senator McGough advised us that he and Representative Miles had submitted NH HB 1784. I am concerned with a number of elements contained within NH HB 1784 that would fundamentally change the breadth and scope of the trust fund monies use. There was no prior discussion as to why there should be a moratorium on using trust funds for NH state agencies or academic research studies. There are potentially useful appropriations in both arenas that align with the mission of the trust, mandating discussion, if not consensus, from the full Commission on these topics. It is important to further understand why there is interest in exempting funding approved by the Commission from the Executive Council's final review and approval along with Governor Ayotte. Given the above concerns, despite my agreement with certain other content that appears to be thoughtful and well-intentioned, in its current form, the NH HB 1784 should be considered inexpedient to legislate. Respectfully submitted, . Mitchell G. Cohen MD, FASAM .

This is really stupid. Honestly. Definitely No!

Do not remove executive council approval for expenditures.