N.H. Rev. Stat. § 126-A:19
The commissioner shall develop a statewide program of community living facilities for persons with developmental disabilities or mental illnesses. The commissioner shall be responsible for the selection, certification, and monitoring of such community living facilities in accordance with rules adopted by the commissioner pursuant to RSA 541-A. The commissioner shall also be responsible for prior approval of all individual residential placements and shall adopt rules relative to monitoring the care, treatment, and habilitation provided to all residents of community living facilities. Rates for enhanced family care residents shall be set according to the severity of the resident's disability. Placements of children shall be consistent with RSA 170-A, 170-C, and 170-E, as appropriate. Approval by the commissioner of an individual for placement in a community living facility shall be based on a finding by the commissioner that the community living facility is the least restrictive environment appropriate to the needs of the individual. "Least restrictive environment" means the facility, program, or service which least inhibits a person's freedom of movement, freedom of choice, and participation in the community, while achieving the purposes of habilitation and treatment.
RSA 126-A:19
1995, 310:1, eff. Nov. 1, 1995.