Bill > H0096

This bill increases the monetary thresholds for certificates of need (CON), which are regulatory approvals required for significant healthcare facility investments or changes in Vermont. Specifically, the bill raises the capital expenditure threshold for a new healthcare project from $1.5 million to $10 million, increases the equipment purchase cost threshold from $1 million to $5 million, and raises the annual operating expense threshold for new services from $500,000 to $3 million. The bill also eliminates separate provisions for hospitals and removes the requirement for certificates of need for ambulatory surgical centers. Additionally, the bill increases the project cost threshold that triggers a conceptual development phase certificate of need from $30 million to $50 million and adjusts the preparatory expenditure limit from $1.5-3 million to $10 million. The bill further expands exclusions from CON requirements, including routine equipment replacements and emergency medical services. The changes aim to reduce regulatory burden on healthcare facilities while maintaining oversight of significant healthcare investments. The bill will take effect immediately and apply to new healthcare projects initiated on or after its passage, with special provisions for applications already in process.

Budget and Finance, Health and Social Services

https://legislature.vermont.gov/bill/status/2026/H.96