The bill amends Vermont's health information technology laws, particularly concerning the Health Information Technology Plan and the Green Mountain Care Board's role. A significant change is the repeal of the requirement for the Department of Vermont Health Access to seek Board approval for the proposed Plan, allowing for more efficient updates. Additionally, a representative from the Green Mountain Care Board is now a voting member of the Health Information Exchange Steering Committee, which aims to enhance collaboration. The bill also clarifies the responsibilities of the Vermont Information Technology Leaders (VITL) in managing the statewide health information exchange and revises the financial assessment structure for the Board, adjusting stakeholder contributions and introducing a streamlined certification process for Medicare-only accountable care organizations (ACOs).

Moreover, the bill establishes new standards for reviewing and approving budgets for ACOs receiving Medicaid or commercial insurer payments. The Green Mountain Care Board is tasked with accommodating various ACO models while ensuring oversight and innovation support. It outlines factors for the Board's review, including fund efficacy and public input on ACO operations. The bill also specifies fiscal year requirements for hospitals, clarifies the Board's budget review authority, introduces penalties for budget violations, and establishes a fee structure for ACO certification. It repeals a previous statute related to Medicaid advisory rate cases and sets effective dates for various provisions, with some taking effect as early as January 1, 2026.

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