Governor Ayotte Signs Law to Accelerate Credentialing for Mental Health Professionals, Improving Access for Granite Staters
CONCORD, NH (May 23, 2025) – Last week, Governor Kelly Ayotte signed into law House Bill 507, a pivotal measure that will help expand access to mental health care across New Hampshire. The new law requires health insurers to process credentialing applications from mental health professionals within 30 days, ensuring that qualified providers can begin helping Granite Staters more quickly.
The New Hampshire Insurance Department (NHID) was instrumental in advancing the legislation, working in close collaboration with lawmakers, healthcare leaders, and mental health advocates to ensure its passage. Insurance Commissioner DJ Bettencourt provided testimony on multiple occasions before the legislature, where the NHID emphasized the critical need to remove administrative barriers that prevent licensed professionals from delivering care, even when they are fully qualified and ready to serve.
“This new law ensures that when a Granite Stater reaches out for mental health support, help is closer at hand,” said Insurance Commissioner D.J. Bettencourt. “Too many providers have faced unnecessary barriers before being allowed to care for patients, and this legislation removes a critical roadblock. Governor Ayotte pledged to make mental health a priority of her administration, and she is delivering on that promise.”
Mental health needs continue to rise across New Hampshire. From anxiety and depression to substance use disorders and crisis intervention, access to timely and effective care is more important than ever. This new law brings meaningful change by speeding up the timeline for mental health professionals to be added to insurance networks so they can begin helping individuals and families without delay.
Under the updated law, mental health providers will now be credentialed on the same expedited timeline as primary care physicians, a recognition of the vital role they play in whole-person health. This small but powerful change will strengthen New Hampshire’s mental health workforce and increase the availability of care in communities across the state.
“This is a clear and meaningful victory for patients, providers, and communities,” added Commissioner Bettencourt. “We’re grateful to Governor Ayotte and the Legislature for their leadership in advancing mental health access and ensuring no Granite Stater is left waiting for the care they deserve.”
The law will take effect on January 1, 2026. Between now and then, the NHID will work closely with insurers and providers to ensure a smooth and effective implementation.
To learn more about the New Hampshire Insurance Department’s commitment to improving mental health access, please visit http://insurance.nh.gov.
The New Hampshire Insurance Department Can Help
The New Hampshire Insurance Department’s mission is to promote and protect the public good by ensuring the existence of a safe and competitive insurance marketplace through the development and enforcement of the insurance laws of the State of New Hampshire. Contact us with any questions or concerns you may have regarding your insurance coverage at 800-852-3416 or 603-271‐2261, or by email at consumerservices@ins.nh.gov. For more information, visit https://insurance.nh.gov/.