The bill S.20 proposes significant changes to the certificate of need (CON) requirements for health care facilities in Vermont. It aims to increase the monetary thresholds that trigger the need for a CON, raising the capital cost limit from $1.5 million to $10 million for non-hospital facilities and from $3 million to $10 million for hospitals. Additionally, the bill increases the threshold for annual operating expenses from $500,000 to $10 million for health care services or technologies. It also introduces a new provision that allows for the construction or expansion of ambulatory surgical centers, provided the cost exceeds $10 million. Furthermore, the bill stipulates that projects with anticipated expenditures over $50 million will require a conceptual development phase certificate of need before proceeding.

Moreover, the bill exempts health care services and facility projects that result from contracts awarded by the State of Vermont from the CON requirements. This exemption is intended to streamline the process for state-funded health care initiatives. The bill also includes a provision allowing the Green Mountain Care Board to periodically adjust the monetary thresholds based on the Consumer Price Index. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
As Introduced: 18-9434, 18-9435