H.245 is a legislative bill aimed at expanding the authority of the Green Mountain Care Board (the Board) to include the review and approval of health network budgets in addition to hospital budgets. The bill mandates the Board to investigate monopolistic practices by hospitals and health networks, ensuring that necessary actions are taken to mitigate such market power. Key amendments include the definition of "health networks" and the expansion of the Board's duties to encompass health network budget reviews. The bill also introduces new responsibilities for the Board, such as investigating the public health implications of monopolies and allowing for contracts with outside entities for these investigations.

Furthermore, the bill amends existing law to enable the Board to issue orders without prior notice in emergencies affecting public safety or financial conditions of hospitals or health networks. It establishes a process for public comment and hearings regarding budget violations, and mandates that officers and directors of these institutions file information under oath, with penalties for false statements. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2025, with specific budget review amendments applying to the fiscal year 2027.

Statutes affected:
As Introduced: 18-9375, 18-9376, 18-221