The program established under this chapter shall:

1. I. Provide leadership and direction in the area of serving persons with hearing impairment.
2. II. Review, update and implement the state plan for the deaf and hard of hearing and ensure it is an integral part of the operation of the department of education.
3. III. [Repealed.]
4. IV. Provide administrative support upon request of the board of licensure of interpreters for the deaf, deafblind, and hard of hearing established in RSA 326-I. Such support may include the operation of a state screening for New Hampshire interpreters.
5. V. Collect data on the needs of the deaf or hard of hearing community and investigate resources to meet those needs.
6. VI. Provide technical assistance to state and private agencies requesting such assistance in order to ensure accessibility for the deaf or hard of hearing.
7. VII. Assist in development of legislation affecting deaf or hard of hearing people in the state as approved by the state board of education.
8. VIII. Work with the New Hampshire registry of interpreters for the deaf, the New Hampshire Association of the Deaf, Self-Help for the Hard of Hearing, and any other consumer group interested in hearing loss, as needed, to ensure quality of services for the deaf or hard of hearing.
9. IX. Serve as an information and referral source for the state on the subject of hearing impairment.

Source. 1989, 51:1. 2001, 232:2, eff. July 1, 2001. 2018, 275:3, eff. Aug. 17, 2018. 2021, 86:2, eff. Jan. 1, 2022; 210:1, VIII, pt. I, eff. Oct. 9, 2021.