Tennille Irish

I am writing to respectfully express opposition to House Bill 1321, which proposes additional regulation regarding the prescription and administration of elective intravenous (IV) therapy services. According to the bill language, HB1321 would require that elective IV therapy be prescribed or ordered only by a physician, physician associate, or advanced practice registered nurse, and administered only by those professionals or a registered nurse acting within the scope of their practice. Additionally, the bill defines elective IV therapy as treatments sought to alleviate temporary discomfort or improve temporary wellness and that occur outside licensed health facilities or physician offices. While patient safety and appropriate medical oversight are critically important goals, this legislation raises several concerns regarding access to care, workforce utilization, economic impact, and regulatory redundancy. First, HB1321 may unnecessarily restrict access to elective wellness services that are currently provided in safe, controlled environments by trained professionals operating under established clinical protocols. Requiring additional prescribing and administration restrictions could limit consumer access to services that many individuals utilize to support hydration, recovery, or general wellness. Second, the proposed requirements may contribute to workforce shortages and increase costs to patients. Limiting who can prescribe or administer these services may reduce availability, especially in rural or underserved areas, and could increase healthcare costs by requiring physician-level involvement in services that may already be safely delegated under existing professional standards. Third, New Hampshire already maintains licensing, scope-of-practice, and professional discipline standards for nurses and other medical providers. These regulatory frameworks are designed to ensure patient safety and clinical accountability. Additional statutory restrictions may create regulatory overlap without clear evidence that current safeguards are insufficient. Fourth, HB1321 could negatively affect small businesses and wellness providers that operate responsibly and contribute to local economies. Increased compliance burdens and staffing requirements may lead to business closures, reduced employment opportunities, and decreased consumer choice. Finally, policy decisions that restrict healthcare services should be supported by clear evidence demonstrating significant public health risk or widespread patient harm. Without such evidence, additional restrictions may unintentionally limit safe, consumer-driven healthcare options. For these reasons, I respectfully urge the legislature to reconsider HB1321 and instead consider collaborative approaches that support patient safety while preserving access, professional flexibility, and small business sustainability. Thank you for your time, consideration, and service to the residents of New Hampshire.