Legislation effective January 1, 1998 created the Office of Licensed Allied Health Professionals. Under this Chapter are six professions that are licensed by the six Governing Boards of Athletic Trainers, Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy, Recreational Therapists, Respiratory Care Practitioners, and Speech-Language Pathology. Prior to RSA 328-F taking affect, these professions were licensed and administered under the laws and rules of the Board of Medicine.
RSA 328-F was established to regulate licensed allied health professionals in the state to assure that the services are effective and of a quality consistent with the standard of care within each profession, and to safeguard the public against harm which may be caused by unqualified, impaired, or unlicensed practitioners.
Members are appointed by the Governor for staggered terms and are comprised of both, professionals working in the respective profession, medical doctors, and public members for their perspective as a consumer. Each Governing Board is an independent decision making entity with independent laws and administrative rules.
How can I become a board member? Send a letter of interest and a resume to the Governor, State House, 107 North Main Street, Room 208, Concord New Hampshire 03301. Please include in your letter if you are interested in becoming a public member or a member of one of the Boards as a licensed professional.
The Office employs a small administrative staff and contracts with other state agencies to provide investigation and legal support. License fees support all Governing Board expenses.
The Governing Board grants licenses to qualified applicants. It is responsible for monitoring its licensees to ensure that they maintain current levels of professional knowledge and skill, and that they practice safely and ethically. If a licensee or applicant fails to meet these requirements, the Governing Board is authorized to deny the application or to impose disciplinary sanctions against that licensee. Disciplinary sanctions may range in severity from a reprimand to the revocation of all rights to practice in the state.
The Board of Directors is comprised of the chairs of the six Governing Boards.
Board of Directors:
President: Carl J. Rod Chair of the Respiratory Care Practitioners Governing Board
Eileen Thayer, Chair of the Occupational Therapy Governing Board
Andrea Lemire St. Onge, At, Chair of the Athletic Trainers Governing Board
Wendy Farricy, Chair of the Physical Therapy Governing Board
Sharon Nichols, Chair of the Recreational Therapy Governing Board
Dianne Roosen, Chair of the Speech-Language Pathology Governing Board
The Board of Director’s composition is subject to changes on a yearly basis, as Governing Board Chairs are appointed every January.