The bill H.160 aims to establish a "right to repair" for medical devices in Vermont, mandating that manufacturers (original equipment manufacturers or OEMs) provide hospitals and independent service organizations with necessary documentation, parts, and tools for the diagnosis, maintenance, and repair of medical equipment. The bill introduces a new chapter in the Vermont Statutes Annotated (9 V.S.A. chapter 106) specifically addressing this right, detailing definitions for terms such as "authorized repair provider," "documentation," "parts," and "tools." It stipulates that these resources must be made available on fair and reasonable terms, including provisions for free access to documentation and tools, as well as reasonable pricing for parts.

Additionally, the bill outlines specific requirements for OEMs regarding the availability of training materials and access to security-related functions of medical equipment. It clarifies that while OEMs are obligated to provide these resources, they are not required to disclose trade secrets. The legislation also includes enforcement mechanisms, allowing the Attorney General to take action against violations. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2025, and applies to medical equipment and parts sold or in use in the state from that date forward.