Bill S.63 proposes significant changes to the regulatory framework governing health information technology and accountable care organizations (ACOs) in Vermont. The bill seeks to eliminate the Green Mountain Care Board's authority to approve the state's Health Information Technology Plan and review the budget of the Vermont Information Technology Leaders (VITL). It modifies the Board's certification process for ACOs, limiting it to those that contract with Vermont Medicaid, and establishes fees for ACO certification and budget review. Additionally, the bill removes ACOs from the expense allocation formula that funds the Board's operations and clarifies that the Board's review of hospital budgets does not constitute a contested case under the Administrative Procedures Act.

Key amendments include the repeal of the requirement for the Board to approve the Health Information Technology Plan and VITL's budget, as well as the introduction of a provision allowing a Board representative to be a voting member of the Health Information Exchange Steering Committee. The bill also adjusts the expense allocation percentages for the Board, increasing the share borne by hospitals and nonprofit health service corporations while eliminating the percentage previously allocated to ACOs. Furthermore, it streamlines the certification process for Medicare-only ACOs, establishes a clear timeline for budget reviews, and outlines penalties for hospitals that violate budget provisions. The effective dates for these changes vary, with some provisions taking effect immediately and others set to begin on July 1, 2025.

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