BILLASINTRODUCEDANDPASSEDBYSENATE S.28
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S.28
IntroducedbySenatorsHardy,Lyons,Clarkson,Gulick,VyhovskyandWhite
ReferredtoCommitteeonHealthandWelfare
Date:January29,2025
Subject:Health;healthcareprofessionals;legallyprotectedhealthcare;
limited-servicespregnancycenters;ConsumerProtectionAct;
unprofessionalconduct;medicationabortions;fetaldeathreports
Statementofpurposeofbillasintroduced:Thisbillproposestoexpandthe
prohibitiononuntrueormisleadingadvertisingbyalimited-services
pregnancycenterundertheConsumerProtectionActtoapplytoanyuntrueor
misleadingadvertisingabouthealthcareservices.Itwouldeliminatespecific
responsibilityforlicensedhealthcareproviderswhoprovideservicesata
limited-servicespregnancycenterfortheservicesprovidedatthecenterand
wouldremovelanguageindicatingthatfailuretoensurethoseservicesare
conductedinaccordancewiththelawcouldconstituteunprofessionalconduct.
Thebillwouldalsoclarifyandexpandthetypesofactionsthatcouldbe
consideredunprofessionalconductforphysicians,physicianassistants,
advancedpracticeregisterednurses,andnaturopathicphysiciansundertheir
licensurestatutes.Thebillwouldeliminaterestrictionsonaphysician,
physicianassistant,oradvancedpracticeregisterednurseprescribing
medicationtoterminateanindividual’spregnancybasedonasynchronous
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electronicorotheronlinecommunicationwiththeindividual.Itwouldalso
specifythatfetaldeathreportsrequiredbylawmustbekeptconfidential.
Anactrelatingtoaccesstocertainlegallyprotectedhealthcareservices
ItisherebyenactedbytheGeneralAssemblyoftheStateofVermont:
Sec.1.9V.S.A.chapter63,subchapter11isamendedtoread:
Subchapter11.PregnancyServicesCentersHealthCareServices
§2491.FINDINGS;LEGISLATIVEINTENT
(a)Findings.TheGeneralAssemblyfindsthat:
(1)Centersthatseektocounselclientsagainstabortion,oftenreferred
toascrisispregnancycentersorlimited-servicespregnancycenters,have
becomecommonacrossthecountry,includinginVermont.Accurate
informationabouttheservicesthatalimited-servicespregnancycenter
performs,inadditiontoforthrightacknowledgementofitslimitations,is
essentialtoenableindividualsinthisStatetomakeinformeddecisionsabout
theircare.Thisincludesindividualsbeinginformedofwhethertheyare
receivingservicesfromalicensedandqualifiedhealthcareproviderata
limited-servicespregnancycenter,asthisallowsindividualstodetermineif
theyneedtoseekmedicalcareelsewhereinordertocontinueorterminatea
pregnancy.
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(2)Althoughsomelimited-servicespregnancycentersopenly
acknowledgeintheiradvertising,ontheirwebsites,andattheirfacilitiesthat
theyneitherprovideabortionsnorreferclientstootherprovidersofabortion
services,othersprovideconfusingandmisleadinginformationtopregnant
individualscontemplatingabortionbyleadingthoseindividualstobelievethat
theirfacilitiesofferabortionservicesandunbiasedcounseling.Somelimited-
servicespregnancycentershavepromotedpatentlyfalseorbiasedmedical
claimsaboutabortion,pregnancy,contraception,andreproductivehealthcare
providers.
(3)Falseandmisleadingadvertisingbycentersthatdonotofferorrefer
clientsforabortionisofspecialconcerntotheStatebecauseofthetime-
sensitiveandconstitutionallyprotectednatureofthedecisiontocontinueor
terminateapregnancy.Whenapregnantindividualismisledintobelieving
thatacenteroffersservicesthatitdoesnotinfactofferorreceivesfalseor
misleadinginformationregardinghealthcareoptions,theindividuallosestime
crucialtothedecisionwhethertoterminateapregnancyandmaylosethe
optiontochooseaparticularmethodortoterminateapregnancyatall.
(4)Tellingthetruthishowtrainedhealthcareprovidersdemonstrate
respectforpatients,fostertrust,promoteself-determination,andcultivatean
environmentwherebestpracticesinshareddecision-makingcanflourish.
Withoutveracityininformationandcommunication,itisdifficultfor
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21 BILLASINTRODUCEDANDPASSEDBYSENATE S.28
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individualstomakeinformed,voluntarychoicesthatareessentialtoone’s
senseofpersonalagencyandautonomy.
(5)(2)Advertisingstrategiesandeducationalinformationabouthealth
careoptionsthatlacktransparency,usemisleadingorambiguousterminology,
misrepresentorobfuscateservicesprovided,orprovidefactuallyinaccurate
informationareaformofmanipulationthatdisrespectsindividuals,
underminestrust,broadenshealthdisparity,andcanresultinpatientharm.
(b)Intent.
(1)ItistheintentoftheGeneralAssemblytoensurethatthepublicis
providedwithaccurate,factualinformationaboutthetypesofhealthcare
servicesthatareavailabletopregnantindividualsinthisState.TheGeneral
Assemblyrespectstheconstitutionallyprotectedrightofeachindividualto
personalreproductiveautonomy,whichincludestherighttoreceiveclear,
honest,andnonmisleadinginformationabouttheindividual’soptionsandto
makeinformed,voluntarychoicesafterconsideringallrelevantinformation.
(2)TheGeneralAssemblyrespectstherightoflimited-services
pregnancycenterstocounselindividualsagainstabortion,andnothinginthis
subchaptershouldbeconstruedtoregulate,limit,orcurtailsuchadvocacy.
§2492.DEFINITIONSDEFINITION
Asusedinthissubchapter:,
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20 BILLASINTRODUCEDANDPASSEDBYSENATE S.28
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(1)“Abortion”meansanymedicaltreatmentintendedtoinducethe
terminationof,ortoterminate,aclinicallydiagnosablepregnancyexceptfor
thepurposeofproducingalivebirth.
(2)“Client”meansanindividualwhoisinquiringaboutorseeking
servicesatapregnancyservicescenter.
(3)“Emergencycontraception”meansanydrugapprovedbytheU.S.
FoodandDrugAdministrationasacontraceptivemethodforuseaftersexual
intercourse,whetherprovidedoverthecounterorbyprescription.
(4)“Healthinformation”meansanyoralorwritteninformationinany
formormediumthatrelatestohealthinsuranceorthepast,present,orfuture
physicalormentalhealthorconditionofaclient.
(5)“Limited-servicespregnancycenter”meansapregnancyservices
centerthatdoesnotdirectlyprovide,orprovidereferralstoclientsfor,
abortionsoremergencycontraception.
(6)“Pregnancyservicescenter”meansafacility,includingamobile
facility,wheretheprimarypurposeistoprovideservicestoindividualswho
areormaybepregnantandthateitheroffersobstetricultrasounds,obstetric
sonograms,orprenatalcaretopregnantindividualsorhastheappearanceofa
medicalfacility.Apregnancyservicescenterhastheappearanceofamedical
facilityiftwoormoreofthefollowingfactorsarepresent:
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(A)Thecenterofferspregnancytestingorpregnancydiagnosis,or
both.
(B)Thecenterhasstafforvolunteerswhowearmedicalattireor
uniforms.
(C)Thecentercontainsoneormoreexaminationtables.
(D)Thecentercontainsaprivateorsemiprivateroomorarea
containingmedicalsuppliesormedicalinstruments.
(E)Thecenterhasstafforvolunteerswhocollecthealthinformation
fromclients.
(F)ThecenterislocatedonthesamepremisesasaState-licensed
medicalfacilityorproviderorsharesfacilityspacewithaState-licensed
medicalprovider.
(7)“Premises”meanslandandimprovementsorappurtenancesorany
partthereof.
“healthcareservices”meansservicesforthediagnosis,prevention,treatment,
cure,orreliefofaphysical,dental,behavioral,ormentalhealthconditionor
substanceusedisorder,includingcounseling,procedures,products,devices,
andmedications.
§2493.UNFAIRANDDECEPTIVEACT
(a)Itisanunfairanddeceptiveactandpracticeincommerceanda
violationofsection2453ofthistitleforanylimited-servicespregnancycenter
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persontodisseminateorcausetobedisseminatedtothepublicanyadvertising
aboutthehealthcareservicesorproposedservicesperformedatthatcenterin
thisStatethatisuntrueorclearlydesignedtomisleadthepublicaboutthe
natureoftheservicesprovided.Advertisingincludesrepresentationsmade
directlytoconsumers;marketingpractices;communicationinanyprint
medium,suchasnewspapers,magazines,mailers,orhandouts;andany
broadcastmedium,suchastelevisionorradio,telephonemarketing,or
advertisingovertheInternetinternetsuchasthroughwebsitesand,webads
advertisements,andsocialmedia.Forpurposesofthischapter,advertisingor
theprovisionofservicesbyalimited-servicespregnancycenterabouthealth
careservicesisanactincommerce.
(b)Healthcareproviderscertified,registered,orlicensedunderTitle26of
theVermontStatutesAnnotatedwhoareemployedby,contractedtoprovide
servicesfororonbehalfof,orvolunteertoprovideservicesatalimited-
servicespregnancycentershallberesponsibleforconductingandproviding
healthcareservices,information,andcounselingatthecenter.Thefailureofa
healthcareprofessionalcertified,registered,orlicensedunderTitle26ofthe
VermontStatutesAnnotatedtoconductortoensurethathealthcareservices,
information,andcounselingatthelimited-servicespregnancyservicescenter
areconductedinaccordancewithStatelawandprofessionalstandardsof
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20 BILLASINTRODUCEDANDPASSEDBYSENATE S.28
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practicemayconstituteunprofessionalconductunder3V.S.A.§129aand26
V.S.A.§1354.[Repealed.]
(c)TheAttorneyGeneralhasthesameauthoritytomakerules,conduct
civilinvestigations,andbringcivilactionswithrespecttoviolationsof
subsection(a)ofthissectionasprovidedundersubchapter1ofthischapter.
Sec.2.18V.S.A.§ 5222isamendedtoread:
§5222.REPORTS
(a)(1)Thefollowingfetaldeathsshallbereportedbythehospital,
physician,orfuneraldirectordirectlytotheCommissionerwithinsevendays
afterdeliveryonformsprescribedbytheDepartment:
(1)(A)Allfetaldeathsof20ormoreweeksofgestationor,if
gestationalageisunknown,of400ormoregrams,15ormoreounces,fetal
weightshallbereported.
(2)(B)Alltherapeuticorinducedabortions,aslegallyauthorizedtobe
performed,ofanylengthgestationorweightshallbereported.
(3)(2)Spontaneousabortionsandectopicpregnanciesoflessthan20
weeksgestationarenotrequiredtobereported.
(b)Thephysicianwhotreatsawomanasaresultofamiscarriageor
abortionshallreportthefetaldeathifitisnotknowntobepreviouslyreported
undersubsection(a)ofthissection.Ifthereisevidenceofviolenceorother
unusualorsuspiciouscircumstances,themedicalexaminershallbe
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21 BILLASINTRODUCEDANDPASSEDBYSENATE S.28
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immediatelynotified,andheorshethemedicalexaminershallcompleteat
leastthemedicalitemsonthereport.Ifafuneraldirectoristobeinvolved,
thephysicianmaydelegatetothefuneraldirectortheresponsibilityfor
completingitemsotherthanthoseofamedicalnature.Similarly,the
physicianmaydelegatetheresponsibilityforcompletionofnonmedicalitems
toappropriatepersonnelhavingaccesstorecordscontainingtheinformation.
(c)Ifafetaldeathoccursonamovingconveyance,theplaceofoccurrence
shallbegivenasthetownorcitywhereremovalfromthevehicletookplace.
(d)Fetaldeathreportsmadepursuanttosubsection(a)ofthissectionare
forstatisticalpurposesonlyandarenotpublicrecords.Theyshallbekept
confidentialandshallbedestroyedafterfiveyears.
Sec.3.26V.S.A.§ 1354isamendedtoread:
§1354.UNPROFESSIONAL CONDUCT
(a)Prohibitedconduct.TheBoardshallfindthatanyoneofthefollowing,
oranycombinationofthefollowing,whethertheconductatissuewas
committedwithinoroutsidetheState,constitutesunprofessionalconduct:
***
(2)alladvertisingofhealthcareservicesoramedicalbusinessthatis
intendedorhasatendencytoconfuse,mislead,ordeceivethepublicor
imposeuponcredulousorignorantpersonsandsobeharmfulorinjuriousto
publicmoralsorsafety;
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***
(21)(A)permittingone’snameorlicensetobeusedbyaperson,group,
orcorporationwhennotactuallyinchargeoforresponsibleforthetreatment
givenorotherhealthcareservicesprovided;
(B)failingtoprovideactiveoversightovertreatmentorotherhealth
careservicesthatareprovidedusingorrelyinguponthelicensee’snameor
license;
(C)failingtoactivelymonitortheeducation,training,andexperienceof
individualsprovidingtreatmentorotherhealthcareservicesthatareprovided
usingorrelyinguponthelicensee’snameorlicense;or
(D)failingtoreviewandapproveinformationabouttreatmentorhealth
careservicesthatareprovidedusingorrelyinguponthelicensee’snameor
licensepriortocommunicationoftheinformationtousersorpotentialusersof
thetreatmentorservices;
***
(29)delegationofprofessionalresponsibilities,includingdeliveryof
anyhealthcareservices,toapersonwhomthelicensedprofessionalknows,or
hasreasontoknow,isnotqualifiedbytraining,experience,education,or
licensingcredentialstoperformthem;
***
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(33)(A)providing,prescribing,dispensing,orfurnishingmedical
servicesorprescriptionmedicationorprescription-onlydevicestoapersonin
responsetoanycommunicationtransmittedorreceivedbycomputerorother
electronicmeans,whenthelicenseefailstotakethefollowingactionsto
establishandmaintainaproperphysician-patientrelationship:
(i)areasonableefforttoverifythatthepersonrequesting
medicationisinfactthepatient,andisinfactwhothepersonclaimstobe;
(ii)establishmentofdocumenteddiagnosisthroughtheuseof
acceptedmedicalpractices;and
(iii)maintenanceofacurrentmedicalrecord;
(B)forthepurposesofthissubdivision(33),anelectronic,on-line
online,ortelephonicevaluationbyquestionnaireisinadequatefortheinitial
evaluationofthepatient,exceptasotherwiseprovidedinsubdivision(C)(iv)
ofthissubdivision(33);
(C)thefollowingwouldnotbeinviolationofthissubdivision(33)if
transmittedorreceivedbycomputerorotherelectronicmeans:
(i)initialadmissionordersfornewlyhospitalizedpatients;
(ii)prescribingforapatientofanotherphysicianforwhomthe
prescriberhastakenthecall;
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(iii)prescribingforapatientexaminedbyalicensedadvanced
practiceregisterednurse,physicianassistant,orotheradvancedpractitioner
authorizedbylawandsupportedbythephysician;
(iv)infurtheranceof18V.S.A.chapter223,prescribing
medicationforanindividualtoterminatetheindividual’spregnancybasedon
anadaptivequestionnairethatallowsthelicenseetoobtainadditionalmedical
historyandaskfollow-upquestionsasneeded;
(v)continuingmedicationonashort-termbasisforanewpatient,
priortothepatient’sfirstappointment;or
(v)(vi)emergencysituationswherelifeorhealthofthepatientis
inimminentdanger;
***
(b)Failuretopracticecompetently.TheBoardmayalsofindthatfailureto
practicecompetentlybyreasonofanycauseonasingleoccasionoron
multipleoccasionsconstitutesunprofessionalconduct.Failuretopractice
competentlyincludes,asdeterminedbytheBoard:
(1)performanceofunsafeorunacceptablepatientcare;or
(2)failuretoconformtotheessentialstandardsofacceptableand
prevailingpractice.
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19 BILLASINTRODUCEDANDPASSEDBYSENATE S.28
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(c)Burdenofproof.Theburdenofproofinadisciplinaryactionshallbe
ontheStatetoshowbyapreponderanceoftheevidencethatthepersonhas
engagedinunprofessionalconduct.
(d)(1)Healthcareproviders.Notwithstandinganyotherlawtothe
contrary,nohealthcareproviderwhoiscertified,registered,orlicensedin
VermontshallbesubjecttoprofessionaldisciplinaryactionbytheBoard,nor
shalltheBoardtakeadverseactiononanapplicationforcertification,
registration,orlicensureofaqualifiedhealthcareprovider,basedsolelyon:
(A)(1)thehealthcareproviderprovidingorassistingintheprovisionof
legallyprotectedhealthcareactivity;or
(B)(2)acriminal,civil,ordisciplinaryactioninanotherstateagainstthe
healthcareproviderthatisbasedsolelyontheproviderprovidingorassisting
intheprovisionoflegallyprotectedhealthcareactivity.
(2)(e)Definitions.Asusedinthissubsectionsection:
(A)(1)“Healthcareprovider”meansapersonwhoprovides
professionalhealthcareservicestoanindividualduringthatindividual’s
medicalcare,treatment,orconfinement.
(B)(2)“Healthcareservices”meansservicesforthediagnosis,
prevention,treatment,cure,orreliefofaphysicalormentalhealthcondition,
includingcounseling,procedures,products,devices,andmedications.
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(C)(3)“Legallyprotectedhealthcareactivity”hasthesamemeaningas
in1V.S.A.§150.
Sec.4.26V.S.A.§ 1582isamendedtoread:
§1582.REGULATORYAUTHORITY;UNPROFESSIONAL CONDUCT
(a)TheBoardmaydenyanapplicationforlicensure,renewal,or
reinstatement;revokeorsuspendanylicensetopracticeissuedbyit;or
disciplineorinotherwaysconditionthepracticeofanapplicantorlicensee
uponduenoticeandopportunityforhearingifthepersonengagesinthe
followingconductortheconductsetforthin3V.S.A.§129a:
***
(3)engaginginconductofacharacterlikelytoconfuse,mislead,
deceive,defraud,orharmthepublic;
***
(9)(A)permittingone’snameorlicensetobeusedbyaperson,group,
orcorporationwhennotactuallyinchargeoforresponsibleforthetreatment
givenorotherhealthcareservicesprovided;
(B)failingtoprovideactiveoversightovertreatmentorotherhealth
careservicesthatareprovidedusingorrelyinguponthelicensee’snameor
license;
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(C)failingtoactivelymonitortheeducation,training,andexperienceof
individualsprovidingtreatmentorotherhealthcareservicesthatareprovided
usingorrelyinguponthelicensee’snameorlicense;or
(D)failingtoreviewandapproveinformationabouttreatmentorhealth
careservicesthatareprovidedusingorrelyinguponthelicensee’snameor
licensepriortocommunicationoftheinformationtousersorpotentialusersof
thetreatmentorservices;
***
(c)Asusedinthissection,“healthservices”meansservicesforthe
diagnosis,prevention,treatment,cure,orreliefofaphysicalormentalhealth
condition,includingcounseling,procedures,products,devices,and
medications.
***
Sec.5.26V.S.A.§ 1615isamendedtoread:
§1615.ADVANCEDPRACTICEREGISTEREDNURSES;
REGULATORYAUTHORITY;UNPROFESSIONAL CONDUCT
(a)Inadditiontotheprovisionsof3V.S.A.§129aandsection1582ofthis
chapter,theBoardmaydenyanapplicationforlicensure,renewal,or
reinstatementormayrevoke,suspend,orotherwisedisciplineanadvanced
practiceregisterednurseuponduenoticeandopportunityforhearingifthe
personengagesinthefollowingconduct:
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***
(6)ProvidingExceptasotherwiseprovidedinsubsection(b)ofthis
section,providing,prescribing,dispensing,orfurnishingmedicalservicesor
prescriptionmedicationorprescription-onlydevicestoapersoninresponseto
anycommunicationtransmittedorreceivedbycomputerorotherelectronic
meanswhenthelicenseefailstotakethefollowingactionstoestablishand
maintainaproperprovider-patientrelationship:
(A)areasonableefforttoverifythatthepersonrequesting
medicationisinfactthepatientandisinfactwhothepersonclaimstobe;
(B)establishmentofdocumenteddiagnosisthroughtheuseof
acceptedmedicalpractices;and
(C)maintenanceofacurrentmedicalrecord.
***
(13)(A)Permittingone’snameorlicensetobeusedbyaperson,group,
orcorporationwhennotactuallyinchargeoforresponsibleforthetreatment
givenorotherhealthcareservicesprovided;
(B)failingtoprovideactiveoversightovertreatmentorotherhealth
careservicesthatareprovidedusingorrelyingupontheAPRN’snameor
license;
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(C)failingtoactivelymonitortheeducation,training,andexperience
ofindividualsprovidingtreatmentorotherhealthcareservicesthatare
providedusingorrelyingupontheAPRN’snameorlicense;or
(D)failingtoreviewandapproveinformationabouttreatmentor
healthcareservicesthatareprovidedusingorrelyingupontheAPRN’sname
orlicensepriortocommunicationoftheinformationtousersorpotentialusers
ofthetreatmentorservices.
(b)(1)Forthepurposesofsubdivision(a)(6)ofthissection,anelectronic,
online,ortelephonicevaluationbyquestionnaireisinadequatefortheinitial
evaluationofthepatient,exceptasotherwiseprovidedinsubdivision(2)(D)of
thissubsection.
(2)Thefollowingwouldnotbeinviolationofsubdivision(a)(6)ofthis
section:
(A)initialadmissionordersfornewlyhospitalizedpatients;
(B)prescribingforapatientofanotherproviderforwhomthe
prescriberhastakencall;
(C)prescribingforapatientexaminedbyalicensedAPRN,
physicianassistant,orotherpractitionerauthorizedbylawandsupportedby
theAPRN;
(D)infurtheranceof18V.S.A.chapter223,prescribingmedication
foranindividualtoterminatetheindividual’spregnancybasedonanadaptive
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questionnairethatallowsthelicenseetoobtainadditionalmedicalhistoryand
askfollow-upquestionsasneeded;
(E)continuingmedicationonashort-termbasisforanewpatient
priortothepatient’sfirstappointment;or
(E)(F)emergencysituationswherethelifeorhealthofthepatientis
inimminentdanger.
(c)Asusedinthissection,“healthservices”meansservicesforthe
diagnosis,prevention,treatment,cure,orreliefofaphysicalormentalhealth
condition,includingcounseling,procedures,products,devices,and
medications.
Sec.6.26V.S.A.§ 1736isamendedtoread:
§1736.UNPROFESSIONAL CONDUCT
(a)Thefollowingconductandtheconductdescribedinsection1354of
thistitlebyalicensedphysicianassistantshallconstituteunprofessional
conduct;whenthatconductisbyanapplicantorpersonwholaterbecomesan
applicant,itmayconstitutegroundsfordenialoflicensure:
***
(2)occupationaladvertisingoradvertisingabouthealthcareservices
thatisintendedorhasatendencytoconfuse,mislead,ordeceivethepublic;
(3)exercisingundueinfluenceonortakingimproperadvantageofa
personusingtheindividual’sservices,orpromotingthesaleofprofessional
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goodsorservicesinamannerthatexploitsapersonforthefinancialgainof
thepractitionerorofathirdparty;
(4)failingtocomplywithprovisionsoffederalorstatestatutesorrules
governingtheprofession;
(5)convictionofacrimerelatedtotheprofession;and
(6)conductthatevidencesunfitnesstopracticeintheprofession.
***
(d)Asusedinthissection,“healthservices”meansservicesforthe
diagnosis,prevention,treatment,cure,orreliefofaphysicalormentalhealth
condition,includingcounseling,procedures,products,devices,and
medications.
Sec.7.26V.S.A.§ 1842isamendedtoread:
§1842.UNPROFESSIONAL CONDUCT
(a)Apersonlicensedasanosteopathicphysicianunderthischaptershall
notengageinunprofessionalconduct.Ifsuchconductiscommittedbyan
applicant,itshallbegroundsfordenialofalicense.
(b)Unprofessionalconductmeansthefollowingconductandconductset
forthin3V.S.A.§129a:
***
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(9)Delegatingprofessionalresponsibilities,includingthedeliveryof
healthcareservices,toapersonwhowhomthelicenseeknowsorhasreason
toknowisnotqualifiedbytraining,experience,orlicensuretoperformthem.
***
(14)(A)Permittingone’snameorlicensetobeusedbyaperson,group,
orcorporationwhennotactuallyinchargeoforresponsibleforthetreatment
orotherhealthcareservicesprovided;
(B)failingtoprovideactiveoversightovertreatmentorotherhealth
careservicesthatareprovidedusingorrelyinguponthelicensee’snameor
license;
(C)failingtoactivelymonitortheeducation,training,andexperience
ofindividualsprovidingtreatmentorotherhealthcareservicesthatare
providedusingorrelyinguponthelicensee’snameorlicense;or
(D)failingtoreviewandapproveinformationabouttreatmentor
healthcareservicesthatareprovidedusingorrelyinguponthelicensee’s
nameorlicensepriortocommunicationoftheinformationtousersorpotential
usersofthetreatmentorservices.
(c)Asusedinthissection,“healthservices”meansservicesforthe
diagnosis,prevention,treatment,cure,orreliefofaphysicalormentalhealth
condition,includingcounseling,procedures,products,devices,and
medications.
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Sec.8.26V.S.A.§ 2024isaddedtoread:
§ 2024.CONFIDENTIALITYOFPRESCRIBERINFORMATIONON
MEDICATIONSFORLEGALLYPROTECTEDHEALTHCARE
ACTIVITY
(a)Asusedinthissection,“gender-affirminghealthcareservices”and
“reproductivehealthcareservices”havethesamemeaningsasin1V.S.A.
§ 150.
(b)Upontherequestofaprescribingpractitionerandtotheextentnot
expresslyprohibitedunderfederallaw,apharmacistshallnotlistthe
practitioner’snameonafulfilledprescriptionformedicationforgender-
affirminghealthcareservicesorreproductivehealthcareservicesbutshall
insteadlistthenameofthefacilityatwhichthepractitionerisemployedorisa
contractemployee.
(c)Nothinginthischapterortherulesgoverningthepharmacyprofession
shallbeconstruedtorequireapharmacisttolisttheprescribingpractitioner’s
nameonafulfilledprescriptionformedicationforgender-affirminghealth
careservicesorreproductivehealthcareservices.
Sec.9.26V.S.A.§ 4132isamendedtoread:
§4132.UNPROFESSIONAL CONDUCT
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(a)Thefollowingconductandconductsetforthin3V.S.A.§129abya
personlicensedasanaturopathicphysicianunderthischapteroranapplicant
forlicensureconstitutesunprofessionalconduct:
***
(12)Delegatingprofessionalresponsibilities,includingthedeliveryof
healthcareservices,toapersonwhomthelicenseeknowsorhasreasonto
knowisnotqualifiedbytraining,experience,orlicensuretoperformthem.
(13)(A)Permittingone’snameorlicensetobeusedbyaperson,group,
orcorporationwhennotactuallyinchargeoforresponsibleforthetreatment
orotherhealthcareservicesprovided;
(B)failingtoprovideactiveoversightovertreatmentorotherhealth
careservicesthatareprovidedusingorrelyinguponthelicensee’snameor
license;
(C)failingtoactivelymonitortheeducation,training,andexperience
ofindividualsprovidingtreatmentorotherhealthcareservicesthatare
providedusingorrelyinguponthelicensee’snameorlicense;or
(D)failingtoreviewandapproveinformationabouttreatmentor
healthcareservicesthatareprovidedusingorrelyinguponthelicensee’s
nameorlicensepriortocommunicationoftheinformationtousersorpotential
usersofthetreatmentorservices.
***
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(e)Asusedinthissection,“healthservices”meansservicesforthe
diagnosis,prevention,treatment,cure,orreliefofaphysicalormentalhealth
condition,includingcounseling,procedures,products,devices,and
medications.
Sec.10.EFFECTIVEDATE
Thisactshalltakeeffectonpassage.
Sec.1.1V.S.A.§ 317(c)isamendedtoread:
(c)Thefollowingpublicrecordsareexemptfrompublicinspectionand
copying:
***
(44)RecordsheldbytheOfficeofProfessionalRegulation,Boardof
MedicalPractice,oranotherpublicagencythatissuesoneormorelicenses,
certificates,orregistrationstoengageinaState-regulatedprofessionor
occupationiftherecordscontainthetelephonenumber,emailaddress,
physicaladdress,ormailingaddress,oracombinationofthese,ofan
individualwhohasappliedfororhasbeengrantedalicense,certificate,or
registrationtopracticeaprofessionoroccupationinthisState,exceptthatthe
publicagencyshalldiscloseanyaddressthattheindividualhasdesignatedas
apublicaddressintherecord.
Sec.2.3V.S.A.§ 129aisamendedtoread:
§129a.UNPROFESSIONALCONDUCT
(a)Inadditiontoanyotherprovisionoflaw,thefollowingconductbya
licenseeconstitutesunprofessionalconduct.Whenthatconductisbyan
applicantorpersonwholaterbecomesanapplicant,itmayconstitutegrounds
fordenialofalicenseorotherdisciplinaryaction.Anyoneofthefollowing
itemsoranycombinationofitems,whethertheconductatissuewascommitted
withinoroutsidetheState,shallconstituteunprofessionalconduct:
(1)Fraudulentordeceptiveprocurementoruseofalicense.
(2)Advertising,includingadvertisingabouthealthcareservices,thatis
intendedorhasatendencytodeceiveormislead.
***
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(6)Delegatingprofessionalresponsibilities,includingthedeliveryof
healthcareservices,toapersonwhomthelicensedprofessionalknows,orhas
reasontoknow,isnotqualifiedbyanycombinationoftraining,experience,
education,orlicensingcredentialstoperformthem,orknowinglyproviding
professionalsupervisionorservingasapreceptortoapersonwhohasnot
beenlicensedorregisteredasrequiredbythelawsofthatperson’sprofession.
***
(21)Permittingone’snameorlicensetobeusedbyaperson,group,or
corporationwhennotactuallyinchargeoforresponsiblefor,oractively
overseeingtheprofessionalservicesprovided.
***
(f)(1)Healthcareproviders.Notwithstandingsubsection(e)ofthissection
oranyotherlawtothecontrary,nohealthcareproviderwhoiscertified,
registered,orlicensedinVermontshallbesubjecttoprofessionaldisciplinary
actionbyaboardortheDirector,norshallaboardortheDirectortake
adverseactiononanapplicationforcertification,registration,orlicensureof
aqualifiedhealthcareprovider,basedsolelyon:
***
(2)Definitions.Asusedinthissubsection:
***
(B)“Healthcareservices”meansservicesforthediagnosis,
prevention,treatment,cure,orreliefofaphysicalormentalhealthcondition,
includingcounseling,procedures,products,devices,andmedications.
***
Sec.3.9V.S.A.chapter63,subchapter11isamendedtoread:
Subchapter11.PregnancyServicesCentersHealthCareServices
§2491.FINDINGS;LEGISLATIVEINTENT
(a)Findings.TheGeneralAssemblyfindsthat:
(1)Centersthatseektocounselclientsagainstabortion,oftenreferred
toascrisispregnancycentersorlimited-servicespregnancycenters,have
becomecommonacrossthecountry,includinginVermont.Accurate
informationabouttheservicesthatalimited-servicespregnancycenter
performs,inadditiontoforthrightacknowledgementofitslimitations,is
essentialtoenableindividualsinthisStatetomakeinformeddecisionsabout
theircare.Thisincludesindividualsbeinginformedofwhethertheyare
receivingservicesfromalicensedandqualifiedhealthcareproviderata BILLASINTRODUCEDANDPASSEDBYSENATE S.28
2025 Page25of34
limited-servicespregnancycenter,asthisallowsindividualstodetermineif
theyneedtoseekmedicalcareelsewhereinordertocontinueorterminatea
pregnancy.
(2)Althoughsomelimited-servicespregnancycentersopenly
acknowledgeintheiradvertising,ontheirwebsites,andattheirfacilitiesthat
theyneitherprovideabortionsnorreferclientstootherprovidersofabortion
services,othersprovideconfusingandmisleadinginformationtopregnant
individualscontemplatingabortionbyleadingthoseindividualstobelievethat
theirfacilitiesofferabortionservicesandunbiasedcounseling.Somelimited-
servicespregnancycentershavepromotedpatentlyfalseorbiasedmedical
claimsaboutabortion,pregnancy,contraception,andreproductivehealthcare
providers.
(3)Falseandmisleadingadvertisingbycentersthatdonotofferor
referclientsforabortionisofspecialconcerntotheStatebecauseofthetime-
sensitiveandconstitutionallyprotectednatureofthedecisiontocontinueor
terminateapregnancy.Whenapregnantindividualismisledintobelieving
thatacenteroffersservicesthatitdoesnotinfactofferorreceivesfalseor
misleadinginformationregardinghealthcareoptions,theindividuallosestime
crucialtothedecisionwhethertoterminateapregnancyandmaylosethe
optiontochooseaparticularmethodortoterminateapregnancyatall.
(4)Tellingthetruthishowtrainedhealthcareprovidersdemonstrate
respectforpatients,fostertrust,promoteself-determination,andcultivatean
environmentwherebestpracticesinshareddecision-makingcanflourish.
Withoutveracityininformationandcommunication,itisdifficultfor
individualstomakeinformed,voluntarychoicesthatareessentialtoone’s
senseofpersonalagencyandautonomy.
(5)(2)Advertisingstrategiesandeducationalinformationabouthealth
careoptionsthatlacktransparency,usemisleadingorambiguousterminology,
misrepresentorobfuscateservicesprovided,orprovidefactuallyinaccurate
informationareaformofmanipulationthatdisrespectsindividuals,
underminestrust,broadenshealthdisparity,andcanresultinpatientharm.
(b)Intent.
(1)ItistheintentoftheGeneralAssemblytoensurethatthepublicis
providedwithaccurate,factualinformationaboutthetypesofhealthcare
servicesthatareavailabletopregnantindividualsinthisState.TheGeneral
Assemblyrespectstheconstitutionallyprotectedrightofeachindividualto
personalreproductiveautonomy,whichincludestherighttoreceiveclear,
honest,andnonmisleadinginformationabouttheindividual’soptionsandto
makeinformed,voluntarychoicesafterconsideringallrelevantinformation. BILLASINTRODUCEDANDPASSEDBYSENATE S.28
2025 Page26of34
(2)TheGeneralAssemblyrespectstherightoflimited-services
pregnancycenterstocounselindividualsagainstabortion,andnothinginthis
subchaptershouldbeconstruedtoregulate,limit,orcurtailsuchadvocacy.
§2492.DEFINITIONSDEFINITION
Asusedinthissubchapter:,
(1)“Abortion”meansanymedicaltreatmentintendedtoinducethe
terminationof,ortoterminate,aclinicallydiagnosablepregnancyexceptfor
thepurposeofproducingalivebirth.
(2)“Client”meansanindividualwhoisinquiringaboutorseeking
servicesatapregnancyservicescenter.
(3)“Emergencycontraception”meansanydrugapprovedbytheU.S.
FoodandDrugAdministrationasacontraceptivemethodforuseaftersexual
intercourse,whetherprovidedoverthecounterorbyprescription.
(4)“Healthinformation”meansanyoralorwritteninformationinany
formormediumthatrelatestohealthinsuranceorthepast,present,orfuture
physicalormentalhealthorconditionofaclient.
(5)“Limited-servicespregnancycenter”meansapregnancyservices
centerthatdoesnotdirectlyprovide,orprovidereferralstoclientsfor,
abortionsoremergencycontraception.
(6)“Pregnancyservicescenter”meansafacility,includingamobile
facility,wheretheprimarypurposeistoprovideservicestoindividualswho
areormaybepregnantandthateitheroffersobstetricultrasounds,obstetric
sonograms,orprenatalcaretopregnantindividualsorhastheappearanceof
amedicalfacility.Apregnancyservicescenterhastheappearanceofa
medicalfacilityiftwoormoreofthefollowingfactorsarepresent:
(A)Thecenterofferspregnancytestingorpregnancydiagnosis,or
both.
(B)Thecenterhasstafforvolunteerswhowearmedicalattireor
uniforms.
(C)Thecentercontainsoneormoreexaminationtables.
(D)Thecentercontainsaprivateorsemiprivateroomorarea
containingmedicalsuppliesormedicalinstruments.
(E)Thecenterhasstafforvolunteerswhocollecthealthinformation
fromclients. BILLASINTRODUCEDANDPASSEDBYSENATE S.28
2025 Page27of34
(F)ThecenterislocatedonthesamepremisesasaState-licensed
medicalfacilityorproviderorsharesfacilityspacewithaState-licensed
medicalprovider.
(7)“Premises”meanslandandimprovementsorappurtenancesorany
partthereof“healthcareservices”meansservicesforthediagnosis,
prevention,treatment,cure,orreliefofaphysical,dental,behavioral,or
mentalhealthconditionorsubstanceusedisorder,includingcounseling,
procedures,products,devices,andmedications.
§2493.UNFAIRANDDECEPTIVEACT
(a)Itisanunfairanddeceptiveactandpracticeincommerceanda
violationofsection2453ofthistitleforanylimited-servicespregnancycenter
persontodisseminateorcausetobedisseminatedtothepublicanyadvertising
aboutthehealthcareservicesorproposedservicesperformedatthatcenterin
thisStatethatisuntrueorclearlydesignedtomisleadthepublicaboutthe
natureoftheservicesprovided.Advertisingincludesrepresentationsmade
directlytoconsumers;marketingpractices;communicationinanyprint
medium,suchasnewspapers,magazines,mailers,orhandouts;andany
broadcastmedium,suchastelevisionorradio,telephonemarketing,or
advertisingovertheInternetinternetsuchasthroughwebsitesand,webads
advertisements,andsocialmedia.Forpurposesofthischapter,advertisingor
theprovisionofservicesbyalimited-servicespregnancycenterabouthealth
careservicesisanactincommerce.
(b)Healthcareproviderscertified,registered,orlicensedunderTitle26of
theVermontStatutesAnnotatedwhoareemployedby,contractedtoprovide
servicesfororonbehalfof,orvolunteertoprovideservicesatalimited-
servicespregnancycentershallberesponsibleforconductingandproviding
healthcareservices,information,andcounselingatthecenter.Thefailureof
ahealthcareprofessionalcertified,registered,orlicensedunderTitle26ofthe
VermontStatutesAnnotatedtoconductortoensurethathealthcareservices,
information,andcounselingatthelimited-servicespregnancyservicescenter
areconductedinaccordancewithStatelawandprofessionalstandardsof
practicemayconstituteunprofessionalconductunder3V.S.A.§129aand26
V.S.A.§1354.[Repealed.]
(c)TheAttorneyGeneralhasthesameauthoritytomakerules,conduct
civilinvestigations,andbringcivilactionswithrespecttoviolationsof
subsection(a)ofthissectionasprovidedundersubchapter1ofthischapter.
Sec.4.18V.S.A.§ 4999isamendedtoread:
§4999.DEFINITIONS
Asusedinthispart: BILLASINTRODUCEDANDPASSEDBYSENATE S.28
2025 Page28of34
***
(2)“Licensedhealthcareprofessional,”asusedin18V.S.A.chapter
107,meansaphysician,aphysicianassistant,anaturopathicphysician,oran
advancedpracticeregisterednurse.Asusedinchapter107ofthispartonly,
thetermalsoincludesanaturopathicphysician.
***
Sec.5.18V.S.A.§ 5200isamendedtoread:
§5200.DEFINITIONS
Asusedinthischapter:
***
(4)“Licensedhealthcareprofessional”meansaphysician,aphysician
assistant,anaturopathicphysician,oranadvancedpracticeregisterednurse.
(5)“Naturalorganicreduction”hasthesamemeaningasinsection
5302ofthistitle.
Sec.6.18V.S.A.§ 5222isamendedtoread:
§5222.REPORTS
(a)(1)Thefollowingfetaldeathsshallbereportedbythehospital,
physicianlicensedhealthcareprofessional,orfuneraldirectordirectlytothe
Commissionerwithinsevendaysafterdeliveryonformsprescribedbythe
Department:
(1)(A)Allfetaldeathsof20ormoreweeksofgestationor,ifgestational
ageisunknown,of400ormoregrams,15ormoreounces,fetalweightshall
bereported.
(2)(B)Alltherapeuticorinducedabortions,aslegallyauthorizedtobe
performed,ofanylengthgestationorweightshallbereported.
(3)(2)Spontaneousabortionsandectopicpregnanciesoflessthan20
weeksgestationarenotrequiredtobereported.
(b)Thephysicianlicensedhealthcareprofessionalwhotreatsawomanas
aresultofamiscarriageorabortionshallreportthefetaldeathifitisnot
knowntobepreviouslyreportedundersubsection(a)ofthissection.Ifthereis
evidenceofviolenceorotherunusualorsuspiciouscircumstances,themedical
examinershallbeimmediatelynotified,andheorshethemedicalexaminer
shallcompleteatleastthemedicalitemsonthereport.Ifafuneraldirectoris
tobeinvolved,thephysicianlicensedhealthcareprofessionalmaydelegateto
thefuneraldirectortheresponsibilityforcompletingitemsotherthanthoseof
amedicalnature.Similarly,thephysicianlicensedhealthcareprofessional BILLASINTRODUCEDANDPASSEDBYSENATE S.28
2025 Page29of34
maydelegatetheresponsibilityforcompletionofnonmedicalitemsto
appropriatepersonnelhavingaccesstorecordscontainingtheinformation.
(c)Ifafetaldeathoccursonamovingconveyance,theplaceofoccurrence
shallbegivenasthetownorcitywhereremovalfromthevehicletookplace.
(d)FetaldeathreportsReportsmadepursuanttothissectionarefor
statisticalpurposesonlyandarenotpublicrecords.Theyshallbekept
confidential;shallnotbedisclosedordiscoverableinanycivil,criminal,
administrative,orotherproceeding;andshallbedestroyedafterfivetwo
years.
Sec.7.26V.S.A.§ 1354isamendedtoread:
§1354.UNPROFESSIONALCONDUCT
(a)Prohibitedconduct.TheBoardshallfindthatanyoneofthefollowing,
oranycombinationofthefollowing,whethertheconductatissuewas
committedwithinoroutsidetheState,constitutesunprofessionalconduct:
***
(2)alladvertisingofabouthealthcareservicesoramedicalbusiness
thatisintendedorhasatendencytomisleadordeceivethepublicorimpose
uponcredulousorignorantpersonsandsobeharmfulorinjurioustopublic
moralsorsafety;
***
(21)permittingone’snameorlicensetobeusedbyaperson,group,or
corporationwhennotactuallyinchargeof,orresponsiblefor,oractively
overseeingthetreatmentgivenorotherhealthcareservicesprovided;
***
(29)delegationofprofessionalresponsibilities,includingdeliveryofany
healthcareservices,toapersonwhomthelicensedprofessionalknows,orhas
reasontoknow,isnotqualifiedbyanycombinationoftraining,experience,
education,orlicensingcredentialstoperformthem;
***
(33)(A)providing,prescribing,dispensing,orfurnishingmedical
servicesorprescriptionmedicationorprescription-onlydevicestoapersonin
responsetoanycommunicationtransmittedorreceivedbycomputerorother
electronicmeans,whenthelicenseefailstotakethefollowingactionsto
establishandmaintainaproperphysician-patientrelationship:
(i)areasonableefforttoverifythatthepersonrequesting
medicationisinfactthepatient,andisinfactwhothepersonclaimstobe; BILLASINTRODUCEDANDPASSEDBYSENATE S.28
2025 Page30of34
(ii)establishmentofdocumenteddiagnosisthroughtheuseof
acceptedmedicalpractices;and
(iii)maintenanceofacurrentmedicalrecord;
(B)forthepurposesofthissubdivision(33),anelectronic,on-line
online,ortelephonicevaluationbyquestionnaireisinadequatefortheinitial
evaluationofthepatient,exceptasotherwiseprovidedinsubdivision(C)(iv)of
thissubdivision(33);
(C)thefollowingwouldnotbeinviolationofthissubdivision(33)if
transmittedorreceivedbycomputerorotherelectronicmeans:
(i)initialadmissionordersfornewlyhospitalizedpatients;
(ii)prescribingforapatientofanotherphysicianforwhomthe
prescriberhastakenthecall;
(iii)prescribingforapatientexaminedbyalicensedadvanced
practiceregisterednurse,physicianassistant,orotheradvancedpractitioner
authorizedbylawandsupportedbythephysician;
(iv)infurtheranceof18V.S.A.chapter223,prescribing
medicationforanindividualtoterminatetheindividual’spregnancybasedon
anadaptivequestionnairethatallowsthelicenseetoobtainadditionalmedical
historyandaskfollow-upquestionsasneeded;
(v)continuingmedicationonashort-termbasisforanewpatient,
priortothepatient’sfirstappointment;or
(v)(vi)emergencysituationswherelifeorhealthofthepatientis
inimminentdanger;
***
(b)Failuretopracticecompetently.TheBoardmayalsofindthatfailure
topracticecompetentlybyreasonofanycauseonasingleoccasionoron
multipleoccasionsconstitutesunprofessionalconduct.Failuretopractice
competentlyincludes,asdeterminedbytheBoard:
(1)performanceofunsafeorunacceptablepatientcare;or
(2)failuretoconformtotheessentialstandardsofacceptableand
prevailingpractice.
(c)Burdenofproof.Theburdenofproofinadisciplinaryactionshallbe
ontheStatetoshowbyapreponderanceoftheevidencethatthepersonhas
engagedinunprofessionalconduct.
(d)(1)Healthcareproviders.Notwithstandinganyotherlawtothe
contrary,nohealthcareproviderwhoiscertified,registered,orlicensedin BILLASINTRODUCEDANDPASSEDBYSENATE S.28
2025 Page31of34
VermontshallbesubjecttoprofessionaldisciplinaryactionbytheBoard,nor
shalltheBoardtakeadverseactiononanapplicationforcertification,
registration,orlicensureofaqualifiedhealthcareprovider,basedsolelyon:
(A)(1)thehealthcareproviderprovidingorassistingintheprovisionof
legallyprotectedhealthcareactivity;or
(B)(2)acriminal,civil,ordisciplinaryactioninanotherstateagainst
thehealthcareproviderthatisbasedsolelyontheproviderprovidingor
assistingintheprovisionoflegallyprotectedhealthcareactivity.
(2)(e)Definitions.Asusedinthissubsectionsection:
(A)(1)“Healthcareprovider”meansapersonwhoprovides
professionalhealthcareservicestoanindividualduringthatindividual’s
medicalcare,treatment,orconfinement.
(B)(2)“Healthcareservices”meansservicesforthediagnosis,
prevention,treatment,cure,orreliefofaphysicalormentalhealthcondition,
includingcounseling,procedures,products,devices,andmedications.
(C)(3)“Legallyprotectedhealthcareactivity”hasthesamemeaningas
in1V.S.A.§150.
Sec.8.26V.S.A.§ 1615isamendedtoread:
§1615.ADVANCEDPRACTICEREGISTEREDNURSES;
REGULATORYAUTHORITY;UNPROFESSIONALCONDUCT
(a)Inadditiontotheprovisionsof3V.S.A.§129aandsection1582ofthis
chapter,theBoardmaydenyanapplicationforlicensure,renewal,or
reinstatementormayrevoke,suspend,orotherwisedisciplineanadvanced
practiceregisterednurseuponduenoticeandopportunityforhearingifthe
personengagesinthefollowingconduct:
***
(6)ProvidingExceptasotherwiseprovidedinsubsection(b)ofthis
section,providing,prescribing,dispensing,orfurnishingmedicalservicesor
prescriptionmedicationorprescription-onlydevicestoapersoninresponseto
anycommunicationtransmittedorreceivedbycomputerorotherelectronic
meanswhenthelicenseefailstotakethefollowingactionstoestablishand
maintainaproperprovider-patientrelationship:
(A)areasonableefforttoverifythatthepersonrequesting
medicationisinfactthepatientandisinfactwhothepersonclaimstobe;
(B)establishmentofdocumenteddiagnosisthroughtheuseof
acceptedmedicalpractices;and BILLASINTRODUCEDANDPASSEDBYSENATE S.28
2025 Page32of34
(C)maintenanceofacurrentmedicalrecord.
***
(b)(1)Forthepurposesofsubdivision(a)(6)ofthissection,anelectronic,
online,ortelephonicevaluationbyquestionnaireisinadequatefortheinitial
evaluationofthepatient,exceptasotherwiseprovidedinsubdivision(2)(D)of
thissubsection.
(2)Thefollowingwouldnotbeinviolationofsubdivision(a)(6)ofthis
section:
(A)initialadmissionordersfornewlyhospitalizedpatients;
(B)prescribingforapatientofanotherproviderforwhomthe
prescriberhastakencall;
(C)prescribingforapatientexaminedbyalicensedAPRN,
physicianassistant,orotherpractitionerauthorizedbylawandsupportedby
theAPRN;
(D)infurtheranceof18V.S.A.chapter223,prescribingmedication
foranindividualtoterminatetheindividual’spregnancybasedonanadaptive
questionnairethatallowsthelicenseetoobtainadditionalmedicalhistoryand
askfollow-upquestionsasneeded;
(E)continuingmedicationonashort-termbasisforanewpatient
priortothepatient’sfirstappointment;or
(E)(F)emergencysituationswherethelifeorhealthofthepatientis
inimminentdanger.
Sec.9.26V.S.A.§ 1658isamendedtoread:
§1658.UNPROFESSIONALCONDUCT
(a)Thefollowingconductandtheconductdescribedinsection1354ofthis
titlebyacertifiedanesthesiologistassistantconstitutesunprofessional
conduct.Whenthatconductisbyanapplicantorpersonwholaterbecomes
anapplicant,itmayconstitutegroundsfordenialofcertification:
***
(17)delegatingprofessionalresponsibilitiestoapersonwhomthe
certifiedprofessionalknows,orhasreasontoknow,isnotqualifiedbyany
combinationoftraining,experience,education,orlicensingcredentialsto
perform; BILLASINTRODUCEDANDPASSEDBYSENATE S.28
2025 Page33of34
***
Sec.10.26V.S.A.§ 1736isamendedtoread:
§1736.UNPROFESSIONALCONDUCT
(a)Thefollowingconductandtheconductdescribedinsection1354ofthis
titlebyalicensedphysicianassistantshallconstituteunprofessionalconduct;
whenthatconductisbyanapplicantorpersonwholaterbecomesan
applicant,itmayconstitutegroundsfordenialoflicensure:
***
(2)occupationaladvertisingoradvertisingabouthealthcareservices
thatisintendedorhasatendencytomisleadordeceivethepublic;
(3)exercisingundueinfluenceonortakingimproperadvantageofa
personusingtheindividual’sservices,orpromotingthesaleofprofessional
goodsorservicesinamannerthatexploitsapersonforthefinancialgainof
thepractitionerorofathirdparty;
(4)failingtocomplywithprovisionsoffederalorstatestatutesorrules
governingtheprofession;
(5)convictionofacrimerelatedtotheprofession;and
(6)conductthatevidencesunfitnesstopracticeintheprofession.
***
(d)Asusedinthissection,“healthcareservices”meansservicesforthe
diagnosis,prevention,treatment,cure,orreliefofaphysicalormentalhealth
condition,includingcounseling,procedures,products,devices,and
medications.
Sec.11.26V.S.A.§ 2024isaddedtoread:
§ 2024.CONFIDENTIALITYOFPRESCRIBERINFORMATIONON
MEDICATIONSFORLEGALLYPROTECTEDHEALTHCARE
ACTIVITY
(a)Asusedinthissection,“gender-affirminghealthcareservices”and
“reproductivehealthcareservices”havethesamemeaningsasin1V.S.A.
§ 150.
(b)Upontherequestofaprescribingpractitionerandtotheextentnot
expresslyprohibitedunderfederallaw,apharmacistshallnotlistthe
practitioner’snameonafulfilledprescriptionformedicationforgender-
affirminghealthcareservicesorreproductivehealthcareservicesbutshall
insteadlistthenameofthefacilityatwhichthepractitionerisemployedoris
acontractemployee. BILLASINTRODUCEDANDPASSEDBYSENATE S.28
2025 Page34of34
(c)Nothinginthischapterortherulesgoverningthepharmacyprofession
shallbeconstruedtorequireapharmacisttolisttheprescribingpractitioner’s
nameonafulfilledprescriptionformedicationforgender-affirminghealth
careservicesorreproductivehealthcareservices.
Sec.12.26V.S.A.§ 2858isamendedtoread:
§2858.UNPROFESSIONALCONDUCT
(a)Thefollowingconductandtheconductdescribedinsection1354ofthis
titlebyacertifiedradiologistassistantconstitutesunprofessionalconduct.
Whenthatconductisbyanapplicantorpersonwholaterbecomesan
applicant,itmayconstitutegroundsfordenialofcertification:
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(17)delegatingprofessionalresponsibilitiestoapersonwhomthe
certifiedprofessionalknowsorhasreasontoknowisnotqualifiedbyany
combinationoftraining,experience,education,orlicensingcredentialsto
perform;
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Sec.13.EFFECTIVEDATE
Thisactshalltakeeffectonpassage.