Bill S.189, introduced by Senator Lyons, aims to establish a formal approval process for hospitals in Vermont when they propose to reduce or eliminate services. Under the new provisions added to 18 V.S.A. 9405d, hospitals must obtain approval from the Secretary of Human Services before making any service reductions or eliminations. The bill outlines specific requirements for hospitals, including providing a notice of intent to relevant stakeholders at least 60 days prior to the proposed changes, posting the notice on their website, publishing it in local newspapers, and conducting a public engagement process to gather community feedback. The Agency of Human Services will review the proposals for consistency with the Statewide Health Care Delivery Strategic Plan and community health needs, and may approve the changes if they do not unduly burden access to necessary care.

Additionally, the bill amends 18 V.S.A. 9456 to require the Green Mountain Care Board to review the impact of any approved service reductions on the hospital's budget. The Board will have the authority to adjust the hospital's budget as necessary, ensuring that any savings from service reductions are either returned to payers and Vermonters or reinvested in primary care and community-based services. The act is set to take effect upon passage.

Statutes affected:
As Introduced: 18-9456