Vermont House Bill H0665

Vermont 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/5/24
• Refer: 1/5/24

Caption

An act relating to the Green Mountain Care Board’s regulatory duties and hospital budget reviews

Impact

Should this bill be enacted, it would stipulate the creation of a new analyst position within the Green Mountain Care Board's hospital systems finance team. Additionally, it mandates the funding for at least two independent annual audits. These measures aim to facilitate the Board's capability to monitor hospitals' compliance with their budget orders, thereby ensuring that the financial practices align with the broader goals of affordability and efficiency in health care delivery.

Summary

House Bill H0665 is designed to enhance the regulatory functions of the Green Mountain Care Board by ensuring that it considers expenditures across all categories of health care providers when reviewing hospital budgets. The intent is to foster better coordination within the health care system, regulate hospital pricing, and identify ways to control the rising costs associated with health care spending in Vermont. By addressing spending comprehensively, the bill seeks to promote efficiency in hospital operations and improve the overall quality and accessibility of health care services in the state.

Contention

There may be some contention surrounding HB H0665 regarding the extent of regulatory oversight and the implications of increased scrutiny on hospital budgets. Stakeholders in the health care sector could express concerns about the balance between necessary oversight and the operational flexibility required by hospitals to manage their budgets effectively. The necessity of expanding the Board's regulatory duties could lead to discussions about the potential administrative burden on both the hospitals and the Board itself, as well as the need for maintaining quality patient care amidst tighter fiscal regulations.