Vermont House Bill H0140

Vermont 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/4/25
• Refer: 2/4/25

Caption

An act relating to the provision of grants for community nurses and community care coordinators working in collaboration with municipalities

Impact

The bill proposes that the Department of Health would administer the grant program and allocate up to $10,000 per municipality to support local initiatives for community nursing and care coordination. Municipalities would be required to meet specific criteria to qualify for funding, including demonstrating financial accountability and a clear structure for ongoing service provision. This legislation could potentially transform how healthcare is delivered in rural Vermont, creating a framework for sustainable community-based health services.

Summary

House Bill H0140 seeks to enhance healthcare access in Vermont by establishing a grant program aimed at funding community nurses and community care coordinators. The intent of the bill is to improve health outcomes and reduce reliance on institutional care, particularly for individuals who heavily utilize healthcare services. This initiative aligns with recommendations from the Green Mountain Care Board's consultant report, emphasizing the need for such services in rural communities where access to healthcare professionals can be limited.

Contention

While the bill presents a proactive step toward improving community health services, it may face scrutiny regarding the funding allocation and the effectiveness of such programs in improving health outcomes. Concerns could arise about whether municipalities will be able to secure additional funding after the grant period ends and how they plan to maintain services in the long run. Additionally, there may be discussions surrounding the qualification criteria, and whether they sufficiently encourage collaboration with existing healthcare providers, such as federally qualified health centers.