The bill amends Vermont's health information technology laws, focusing on the Health Information Technology Plan's responsibilities and processes. It designates the Department of Vermont Health Access, in collaboration with the Health Information Exchange Steering Committee, to coordinate the statewide plan, which will be revised annually and comprehensively updated every five years. Notably, the requirement for the Department to submit the proposed Plan to the Green Mountain Care Board for approval has been repealed, allowing for more streamlined updates. Additionally, a representative from the Green Mountain Care Board will now serve as a voting member of the Steering Committee, enhancing collaboration.

Furthermore, the bill modifies the financial responsibilities of the Green Mountain Care Board and the Vermont Information Technology Leaders (VITL), including changes to expense allocation among entities. It introduces a streamlined certification process for Medicare-only accountable care organizations (ACOs) and updates criteria to align with Vermont's health care reform goals. The bill also establishes new standards for reviewing ACO budgets, removing the previous minimum requirement of 10,000 attributed lives, and emphasizes balancing oversight with support for innovation. Additionally, it amends hospital budget review laws and governance of ACOs, specifying fiscal year start dates and granting the Board authority to impose civil administrative penalties for budget violations.

Statutes affected:
As Introduced: 18-9351, 18-9352, 18-9374(h), 18-9374, 18-9375, 18-9382, 18-9454, 18-9456, 18-9572, 18-9573
As Passed By the Senate -- Official: 18-9351, 18-9352, 18-9374(h), 18-9374, 18-9375, 18-9382, 18-9454, 18-9456, 18-9572, 18-9573
As Passed By the Senate -- Unofficial: 18-9351, 18-9352, 18-9374(h), 18-9374, 18-9375, 18-9382, 18-9454, 18-9456, 18-9572, 18-9573
As Passed by Both House and Senate -- Official: 18-9351, 18-9352, 18-9374(h), 18-9374, 18-9375, 18-9382, 18-9454, 18-9456, 18-9572, 18-9573
As Passed by Both House and Senate -- Unofficial: 18-9351, 18-9352, 18-9374(h), 18-9374, 18-9375, 18-9382, 18-9454, 18-9456, 18-9572, 18-9573
As Enacted: 18-9351, 18-9352, 18-9374(h), 18-9374, 18-9375, 18-9382, 18-9454, 18-9456, 18-9572, 18-9573