The bill H.140, introduced by Representatives Holcombe and Masland, aims to establish a grant program to support community nurses and community care coordinators in collaboration with municipalities in Vermont. The legislative intent is to enhance health outcomes and reduce unnecessary institutional care, particularly for high utilizers, by increasing access to these services in rural areas. The Department of Health will administer the grant program, which will provide municipalities with grants of up to $10,000 to fund community nurse or community care coordinator programs, contingent upon meeting specific eligibility criteria.
The bill outlines the requirements for municipalities to apply for grants, including the need for a separate financial account for the program, transparency in fiscal and organizational matters, and approval from the municipal legislative body. It also allows for joint applications from multiple municipalities and prioritizes funding for new programs over expansions of existing ones. The bill appropriates $200,000 for the fiscal year 2026 to support this initiative, with the intent to continue this funding annually. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2025.
Statutes affected: As Introduced: 18-222