Bill H.56 proposes the establishment of an emergency stockpile of essential medications specifically for reproductive and gender-affirming care in Vermont. The bill mandates the Department of Health to assess, purchase, and maintain this supply to ensure ongoing availability for individuals in the state. It includes provisions for the Department to contract with healthcare providers and facilities to facilitate the administration of the stockpile. Additionally, the Department is required to adopt rules regarding the specific medications to be stockpiled, their procurement and distribution, and protocols for inventory management.

The bill also includes a reporting requirement, mandating the Department of Health to provide an annual report to the General Assembly detailing the status of the emergency supply, including the number of doses on hand and utilization rates. Furthermore, it allows for the adoption of emergency rules to address potential limitations on access to these essential medications, which are considered an imminent peril to public health. The act is set to take effect upon passage.