Bill > H0270

This bill establishes confidentiality protections for communications made during peer support sessions for emergency service providers, which includes individuals like firefighters, emergency medical technicians, law enforcement officers, correctional officers, 911 call takers, dispatchers, ski patrollers, and certain mental health professionals working in crisis settings. A "peer support communication" is defined as anything said or written during a peer support session, or any notes or records from such a session, provided by an "emergency service peer support specialist," who is an individual trained and designated to offer support to emergency responders who have experienced traumatic events or are dealing with stress related to their work or personal lives. These communications are generally protected from disclosure in judicial, administrative, or arbitration proceedings, and written records are exempt from public inspection under the Public Records Act, with specific exceptions. These exceptions include threats of suicide or homicide, information about child or vulnerable adult abuse, admissions of conduct posing a risk to public safety, or admissions of a plan to commit a crime. The bill also clarifies that these protections do not prevent emergency service providers from disclosing personal experiences discussed in sessions if it aligns with their obligations under the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), and it shields employers and specialists from civil liability unless their conduct is grossly negligent, reckless, or intentional. This act is set to take effect on July 1, 2026.

Health and Social Services

https://legislature.vermont.gov/bill/status/2026/H.270