CONCORD, N.H. —

An expansion of patients' rights is now law in New Hampshire.

Gov. Kelly Ayotte on Wednesday signed House Bill 701, which allows patients to seek emerging health care options for rare and ultra-rare diseases.

The bill expands on an earlier measure that was signed into law in 2016 by then-Gov. Maggie Hassan.

"Unfortunately, the way it works is that just the time it takes to get lifesaving or new treatments done on the drug or even the medical device end, it takes too long if you are facing a life-threatening disease," Ayotte said.

As part of the expansion, patients can now petition the Superior Court for an injunction if their rights under the law are violated.

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