The bill introduces a new section, 9405d, to Vermont's healthcare laws, which mandates that hospitals considering the elimination of specific services—such as emergency department services, primary care, obstetrics, and inpatient psychiatric services—must provide a preliminary notice of intent to the Agency of Human Services, the Green Mountain Care Board, and the Office of the Health Care Advocate. This notice must include the rationale for the proposed elimination, the financial impacts, and a description of alternatives considered. The Agency will evaluate the information and may consult with the hospital to explore options for maintaining the service. Additionally, if a hospital decides to proceed with the elimination, it must provide a formal notice of intent at least 60 days prior to the effective date, conduct a public engagement process, and summarize community responses.

The bill also amends section 9456 regarding budget reviews, removing previous requirements for hospitals to notify the Board about service reductions or eliminations in connection with budget compliance. Instead, it establishes that upon notification of a service elimination, the Board will review the impact on the hospital's budget and may adjust it accordingly. The act emphasizes the importance of maintaining access to necessary healthcare services while allowing for the elimination of certain services under specified conditions. The bill is set to take effect upon passage.

Statutes affected:
As Introduced: 18-9456
As Passed By the Senate -- Official: 18-9456
As Passed By the Senate -- Unofficial: 18-9456
As Passed by Both House and Senate -- Official: 18-9456
As Passed by Both House and Senate -- Unofficial: 18-9456
As Enacted: 18-9456