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 requirement for a conceptual development phase certificate of need for projects anticipated to exceed $50 million, up from the previous threshold of $30 million.

Furthermore, 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 explicitly stated in the new legal language added to the existing law. The bill is set to take effect on July 1, 2025, allowing for a transition period for health care facilities to adjust to the new thresholds and requirements.

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