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Bill

HB 360

prohibiting public schools from performing diagnostic tests or surgical procedures, or prescribing pharmaceutical drugs.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Judy Aron and 5 co-sponsors

HB 360 bans public schools from performing diagnostic tests, surgeries, or dispensing drugs, shifting all student health services to external providers and parents.

Executive Session: 11/05/2025 02:00 pm GP 232
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Bill Summary · HB 360

Legislative bill overview

HB 360 would prohibit public schools in New Hampshire from performing diagnostic tests, surgical procedures, or prescribing pharmaceutical drugs to students. The bill appears designed to restrict school-based medical services and transfer health-related decisions back to parents and external healthcare providers.

Why is this important

Schools currently provide various health services including vision/hearing screenings, vaccinations, medication administration (like inhalers and EpiPens), and basic first aid—services that improve student access to preventive care and manage chronic conditions. This bill would eliminate or severely restrict these services, potentially affecting student health outcomes, particularly for low-income families with limited healthcare access, while creating logistical challenges for managing acute medical needs during the school day.

Potential points of contention

  • Scope ambiguity: The definition of "diagnostic tests" is unclear—would this include routine vision/hearing screenings, COVID tests, or pregnancy tests currently offered in schools?
  • Emergency medical care: The bill doesn't specify exceptions for life-threatening situations (e.g., administering epinephrine for anaphylaxis), raising safety concerns about school capacity to respond to medical emergencies.
  • Equity implications: Students from families without regular healthcare access would lose preventive services, potentially widening health disparities and shifting burden to emergency rooms.
  • Pharmaceutical administration: Restricting medication administration could prevent students with asthma, diabetes, or seizure disorders from safely attending school.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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