Bill > S0249

This bill allows hospitals and health systems in Vermont to collaborate on initiatives aimed at cost containment, improving access to care, enhancing quality, preserving rural hospitals, or advancing the state's healthcare strategy, and to be protected from antitrust lawsuits under a legal concept called "state action immunity." To qualify for this immunity, these collaborations must be authorized and actively supervised by the Secretary of Human Services, who will review and approve any proposed collaborations and their specific initiatives to ensure they align with the state's health policy goals. Hospitals and health systems can share necessary cost, utilization, workforce, and quality data during these approved collaborations without violating antitrust laws. The bill also amends existing laws to clarify that these approved hospital collaborations are exempt from certain prohibitions against unfair competition and criminal antitrust violations.

Health and Social Services

https://legislature.vermont.gov/bill/status/2026/S.249