Bill > S0277

This bill makes several key changes to Vermont's certificate of need program and the Health Resource Allocation Plan: - It replaces the Health Resource Allocation Plan with a report published by the Green Mountain Care Board that identifies Vermont's critical health needs, goods, services, and resources. The Board will use this report to inform its regulatory processes, rather than referencing the Health Resource Allocation Plan. - It amends the criteria for the Green Mountain Care Board to grant a certificate of need, focusing the review on whether the proposed project aligns with health care reform goals and principles, is reasonable in cost, addresses community needs, and improves quality and access to care. - It streamlines the certificate of need application process, including allowing for expedited review in certain circumstances and modifying timelines. - It increases some of the monetary thresholds that trigger the certificate of need requirement, such as increasing the threshold for new health services from $500,000 to $1 million in annual operating expenses. The bill is intended to better align Vermont's certificate of need program and health planning efforts with the state's broader health care reform initiatives.