Vermont 2025-2026 Regular Session

Vermont Senate Bill S0028 Compare Versions

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Version 2 (New)

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3		-	S.28
4		-	IntroducedbySenatorsHardy,Lyons,Clarkson,Gulick,VyhovskyandWhite
5		-	ReferredtoCommitteeonHealthandWelfare
6		-	Date:January29,2025
7		-	Subject:Health;healthcareprofessionals;legallyprotectedhealthcare;
8		-	limited-servicespregnancycenters;ConsumerProtectionAct;
9		-	unprofessionalconduct;medicationabortions;fetaldeathreports
10		-	Statementofpurposeofbillasintroduced:Thisbillproposestoexpandthe
11		-	prohibitiononuntrueormisleadingadvertisingbyalimited-services
12		-	pregnancycenterundertheConsumerProtectionActtoapplytoanyuntrueor
13		-	misleadingadvertisingabouthealthcareservices.Itwouldeliminatespecific
14		-	responsibilityforlicensedhealthcareproviderswhoprovideservicesata
15		-	limited-servicespregnancycenterfortheservicesprovidedatthecenterand
16		-	wouldremovelanguageindicatingthatfailuretoensurethoseservicesare
17		-	conductedinaccordancewiththelawcouldconstituteunprofessionalconduct.
18		-	Thebillwouldalsoclarifyandexpandthetypesofactionsthatcouldbe
19		-	consideredunprofessionalconductforphysicians,physicianassistants,
20		-	advancedpracticeregisterednurses,andnaturopathicphysiciansundertheir
21		-	licensurestatutes.Thebillwouldeliminaterestrictionsonaphysician,
22		-	physicianassistant,oradvancedpracticeregisterednurseprescribing
23		-	medicationtoterminateanindividual’spregnancybasedonasynchronous
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46		-	electronicorotheronlinecommunicationwiththeindividual.Itwouldalso
47		-	specifythatfetaldeathreportsrequiredbylawmustbekeptconfidential.
48		-	Anactrelatingtoaccesstocertainlegallyprotectedhealthcareservices
49		-	ItisherebyenactedbytheGeneralAssemblyoftheStateofVermont:
50		-	Sec.1.9V.S.A.chapter63,subchapter11isamendedtoread:
51		-	Subchapter11.PregnancyServicesCentersHealthCareServices
52		-	§2491.FINDINGS;LEGISLATIVEINTENT
53		-	(a)Findings.TheGeneralAssemblyfindsthat:
54		-	(1)Centersthatseektocounselclientsagainstabortion,oftenreferred
55		-	toascrisispregnancycentersorlimited-servicespregnancycenters,have
56		-	becomecommonacrossthecountry,includinginVermont.Accurate
57		-	informationabouttheservicesthatalimited-servicespregnancycenter
58		-	performs,inadditiontoforthrightacknowledgementofitslimitations,is
59		-	essentialtoenableindividualsinthisStatetomakeinformeddecisionsabout
60		-	theircare.Thisincludesindividualsbeinginformedofwhethertheyare
61		-	receivingservicesfromalicensedandqualifiedhealthcareproviderata
62		-	limited-servicespregnancycenter,asthisallowsindividualstodetermineif
63		-	theyneedtoseekmedicalcareelsewhereinordertocontinueorterminatea
64		-	pregnancy.
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85		-	(2)Althoughsomelimited-servicespregnancycentersopenly
86		-	acknowledgeintheiradvertising,ontheirwebsites,andattheirfacilitiesthat
87		-	theyneitherprovideabortionsnorreferclientstootherprovidersofabortion
88		-	services,othersprovideconfusingandmisleadinginformationtopregnant
89		-	individualscontemplatingabortionbyleadingthoseindividualstobelievethat
90		-	theirfacilitiesofferabortionservicesandunbiasedcounseling.Somelimited-
91		-	servicespregnancycentershavepromotedpatentlyfalseorbiasedmedical
92		-	claimsaboutabortion,pregnancy,contraception,andreproductivehealthcare
93		-	providers.
94		-	(3)Falseandmisleadingadvertisingbycentersthatdonotofferorrefer
95		-	clientsforabortionisofspecialconcerntotheStatebecauseofthetime-
96		-	sensitiveandconstitutionallyprotectednatureofthedecisiontocontinueor
97		-	terminateapregnancy.Whenapregnantindividualismisledintobelieving
98		-	thatacenteroffersservicesthatitdoesnotinfactofferorreceivesfalseor
99		-	misleadinginformationregardinghealthcareoptions,theindividuallosestime
100		-	crucialtothedecisionwhethertoterminateapregnancyandmaylosethe
101		-	optiontochooseaparticularmethodortoterminateapregnancyatall.
102		-	(4)Tellingthetruthishowtrainedhealthcareprovidersdemonstrate
103		-	respectforpatients,fostertrust,promoteself-determination,andcultivatean
104		-	environmentwherebestpracticesinshareddecision-makingcanflourish.
105		-	Withoutveracityininformationandcommunication,itisdifficultfor
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128		-	individualstomakeinformed,voluntarychoicesthatareessentialtoone’s
129		-	senseofpersonalagencyandautonomy.
130		-	(5)(2)Advertisingstrategiesandeducationalinformationabouthealth
131		-	careoptionsthatlacktransparency,usemisleadingorambiguousterminology,
132		-	misrepresentorobfuscateservicesprovided,orprovidefactuallyinaccurate
133		-	informationareaformofmanipulationthatdisrespectsindividuals,
134		-	underminestrust,broadenshealthdisparity,andcanresultinpatientharm.
135		-	(b)Intent.
136		-	(1)ItistheintentoftheGeneralAssemblytoensurethatthepublicis
137		-	providedwithaccurate,factualinformationaboutthetypesofhealthcare
138		-	servicesthatareavailabletopregnantindividualsinthisState.TheGeneral
139		-	Assemblyrespectstheconstitutionallyprotectedrightofeachindividualto
140		-	personalreproductiveautonomy,whichincludestherighttoreceiveclear,
141		-	honest,andnonmisleadinginformationabouttheindividual’soptionsandto
142		-	makeinformed,voluntarychoicesafterconsideringallrelevantinformation.
143		-	(2)TheGeneralAssemblyrespectstherightoflimited-services
144		-	pregnancycenterstocounselindividualsagainstabortion,andnothinginthis
145		-	subchaptershouldbeconstruedtoregulate,limit,orcurtailsuchadvocacy.
146		-	§2492.DEFINITIONSDEFINITION
147		-	Asusedinthissubchapter:,
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169		-	(1)“Abortion”meansanymedicaltreatmentintendedtoinducethe
170		-	terminationof,ortoterminate,aclinicallydiagnosablepregnancyexceptfor
171		-	thepurposeofproducingalivebirth.
172		-	(2)“Client”meansanindividualwhoisinquiringaboutorseeking
173		-	servicesatapregnancyservicescenter.
174		-	(3)“Emergencycontraception”meansanydrugapprovedbytheU.S.
175		-	FoodandDrugAdministrationasacontraceptivemethodforuseaftersexual
176		-	intercourse,whetherprovidedoverthecounterorbyprescription.
177		-	(4)“Healthinformation”meansanyoralorwritteninformationinany
178		-	formormediumthatrelatestohealthinsuranceorthepast,present,orfuture
179		-	physicalormentalhealthorconditionofaclient.
180		-	(5)“Limited-servicespregnancycenter”meansapregnancyservices
181		-	centerthatdoesnotdirectlyprovide,orprovidereferralstoclientsfor,
182		-	abortionsoremergencycontraception.
183		-	(6)“Pregnancyservicescenter”meansafacility,includingamobile
184		-	facility,wheretheprimarypurposeistoprovideservicestoindividualswho
185		-	areormaybepregnantandthateitheroffersobstetricultrasounds,obstetric
186		-	sonograms,orprenatalcaretopregnantindividualsorhastheappearanceofa
187		-	medicalfacility.Apregnancyservicescenterhastheappearanceofamedical
188		-	facilityiftwoormoreofthefollowingfactorsarepresent:
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210		-	(A)Thecenterofferspregnancytestingorpregnancydiagnosis,or
211		-	both.
212		-	(B)Thecenterhasstafforvolunteerswhowearmedicalattireor
213		-	uniforms.
214		-	(C)Thecentercontainsoneormoreexaminationtables.
215		-	(D)Thecentercontainsaprivateorsemiprivateroomorarea
216		-	containingmedicalsuppliesormedicalinstruments.
217		-	(E)Thecenterhasstafforvolunteerswhocollecthealthinformation
218		-	fromclients.
219		-	(F)ThecenterislocatedonthesamepremisesasaState-licensed
220		-	medicalfacilityorproviderorsharesfacilityspacewithaState-licensed
221		-	medicalprovider.
222		-	(7)“Premises”meanslandandimprovementsorappurtenancesorany
223		-	partthereof.
224		-	“healthcareservices”meansservicesforthediagnosis,prevention,treatment,
225		-	cure,orreliefofaphysical,dental,behavioral,ormentalhealthconditionor
226		-	substanceusedisorder,includingcounseling,procedures,products,devices,
227		-	andmedications.
228		-	§2493.UNFAIRANDDECEPTIVEACT
229		-	(a)Itisanunfairanddeceptiveactandpracticeincommerceanda
230		-	violationofsection2453ofthistitleforanylimited-servicespregnancycenter
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253		-	persontodisseminateorcausetobedisseminatedtothepublicanyadvertising
254		-	aboutthehealthcareservicesorproposedservicesperformedatthatcenterin
255		-	thisStatethatisuntrueorclearlydesignedtomisleadthepublicaboutthe
256		-	natureoftheservicesprovided.Advertisingincludesrepresentationsmade
257		-	directlytoconsumers;marketingpractices;communicationinanyprint
258		-	medium,suchasnewspapers,magazines,mailers,orhandouts;andany
259		-	broadcastmedium,suchastelevisionorradio,telephonemarketing,or
260		-	advertisingovertheInternetinternetsuchasthroughwebsitesand,webads
261		-	advertisements,andsocialmedia.Forpurposesofthischapter,advertisingor
262		-	theprovisionofservicesbyalimited-servicespregnancycenterabouthealth
263		-	careservicesisanactincommerce.
264		-	(b)Healthcareproviderscertified,registered,orlicensedunderTitle26of
265		-	theVermontStatutesAnnotatedwhoareemployedby,contractedtoprovide
266		-	servicesfororonbehalfof,orvolunteertoprovideservicesatalimited-
267		-	servicespregnancycentershallberesponsibleforconductingandproviding
268		-	healthcareservices,information,andcounselingatthecenter.Thefailureofa
269		-	healthcareprofessionalcertified,registered,orlicensedunderTitle26ofthe
270		-	VermontStatutesAnnotatedtoconductortoensurethathealthcareservices,
271		-	information,andcounselingatthelimited-servicespregnancyservicescenter
272		-	areconductedinaccordancewithStatelawandprofessionalstandardsof
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294		-	practicemayconstituteunprofessionalconductunder3V.S.A.§129aand26
295		-	V.S.A.§1354.[Repealed.]
296		-	(c)TheAttorneyGeneralhasthesameauthoritytomakerules,conduct
297		-	civilinvestigations,andbringcivilactionswithrespecttoviolationsof
298		-	subsection(a)ofthissectionasprovidedundersubchapter1ofthischapter.
299		-	Sec.2.18V.S.A.§ 5222isamendedtoread:
300		-	§5222.REPORTS
301		-	(a)(1)Thefollowingfetaldeathsshallbereportedbythehospital,
302		-	physician,orfuneraldirectordirectlytotheCommissionerwithinsevendays
303		-	afterdeliveryonformsprescribedbytheDepartment:
304		-	(1)(A)Allfetaldeathsof20ormoreweeksofgestationor,if
305		-	gestationalageisunknown,of400ormoregrams,15ormoreounces,fetal
306		-	weightshallbereported.
307		-	(2)(B)Alltherapeuticorinducedabortions,aslegallyauthorizedtobe
308		-	performed,ofanylengthgestationorweightshallbereported.
309		-	(3)(2)Spontaneousabortionsandectopicpregnanciesoflessthan20
310		-	weeksgestationarenotrequiredtobereported.
311		-	(b)Thephysicianwhotreatsawomanasaresultofamiscarriageor
312		-	abortionshallreportthefetaldeathifitisnotknowntobepreviouslyreported
313		-	undersubsection(a)ofthissection.Ifthereisevidenceofviolenceorother
314		-	unusualorsuspiciouscircumstances,themedicalexaminershallbe
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337		-	immediatelynotified,andheorshethemedicalexaminershallcompleteat
338		-	leastthemedicalitemsonthereport.Ifafuneraldirectoristobeinvolved,
339		-	thephysicianmaydelegatetothefuneraldirectortheresponsibilityfor
340		-	completingitemsotherthanthoseofamedicalnature.Similarly,the
341		-	physicianmaydelegatetheresponsibilityforcompletionofnonmedicalitems
342		-	toappropriatepersonnelhavingaccesstorecordscontainingtheinformation.
343		-	(c)Ifafetaldeathoccursonamovingconveyance,theplaceofoccurrence
344		-	shallbegivenasthetownorcitywhereremovalfromthevehicletookplace.
345		-	(d)Fetaldeathreportsmadepursuanttosubsection(a)ofthissectionare
346		-	forstatisticalpurposesonlyandarenotpublicrecords.Theyshallbekept
347		-	confidentialandshallbedestroyedafterfiveyears.
348		-	Sec.3.26V.S.A.§ 1354isamendedtoread:
349		-	§1354.UNPROFESSIONAL CONDUCT
350		-	(a)Prohibitedconduct.TheBoardshallfindthatanyoneofthefollowing,
351		-	oranycombinationofthefollowing,whethertheconductatissuewas
352		-	committedwithinoroutsidetheState,constitutesunprofessionalconduct:
353		-	***
354		-	(2)alladvertisingofhealthcareservicesoramedicalbusinessthatis
355		-	intendedorhasatendencytoconfuse,mislead,ordeceivethepublicor
356		-	imposeuponcredulousorignorantpersonsandsobeharmfulorinjuriousto
357		-	publicmoralsorsafety;
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380		-	***
381		-	(21)(A)permittingone’snameorlicensetobeusedbyaperson,group,
382		-	orcorporationwhennotactuallyinchargeoforresponsibleforthetreatment
383		-	givenorotherhealthcareservicesprovided;
384		-	(B)failingtoprovideactiveoversightovertreatmentorotherhealth
385		-	careservicesthatareprovidedusingorrelyinguponthelicensee’snameor
386		-	license;
387		-	(C)failingtoactivelymonitortheeducation,training,andexperienceof
388		-	individualsprovidingtreatmentorotherhealthcareservicesthatareprovided
389		-	usingorrelyinguponthelicensee’snameorlicense;or
390		-	(D)failingtoreviewandapproveinformationabouttreatmentorhealth
391		-	careservicesthatareprovidedusingorrelyinguponthelicensee’snameor
392		-	licensepriortocommunicationoftheinformationtousersorpotentialusersof
393		-	thetreatmentorservices;
394		-	***
395		-	(29)delegationofprofessionalresponsibilities,includingdeliveryof
396		-	anyhealthcareservices,toapersonwhomthelicensedprofessionalknows,or
397		-	hasreasontoknow,isnotqualifiedbytraining,experience,education,or
398		-	licensingcredentialstoperformthem;
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421		-	(33)(A)providing,prescribing,dispensing,orfurnishingmedical
422		-	servicesorprescriptionmedicationorprescription-onlydevicestoapersonin
423		-	responsetoanycommunicationtransmittedorreceivedbycomputerorother
424		-	electronicmeans,whenthelicenseefailstotakethefollowingactionsto
425		-	establishandmaintainaproperphysician-patientrelationship:
426		-	(i)areasonableefforttoverifythatthepersonrequesting
427		-	medicationisinfactthepatient,andisinfactwhothepersonclaimstobe;
428		-	(ii)establishmentofdocumenteddiagnosisthroughtheuseof
429		-	acceptedmedicalpractices;and
430		-	(iii)maintenanceofacurrentmedicalrecord;
431		-	(B)forthepurposesofthissubdivision(33),anelectronic,on-line
432		-	online,ortelephonicevaluationbyquestionnaireisinadequatefortheinitial
433		-	evaluationofthepatient,exceptasotherwiseprovidedinsubdivision(C)(iv)
434		-	ofthissubdivision(33);
435		-	(C)thefollowingwouldnotbeinviolationofthissubdivision(33)if
436		-	transmittedorreceivedbycomputerorotherelectronicmeans:
437		-	(i)initialadmissionordersfornewlyhospitalizedpatients;
438		-	(ii)prescribingforapatientofanotherphysicianforwhomthe
439		-	prescriberhastakenthecall;
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460		-	(iii)prescribingforapatientexaminedbyalicensedadvanced
461		-	practiceregisterednurse,physicianassistant,orotheradvancedpractitioner
462		-	authorizedbylawandsupportedbythephysician;
463		-	(iv)infurtheranceof18V.S.A.chapter223,prescribing
464		-	medicationforanindividualtoterminatetheindividual’spregnancybasedon
465		-	anadaptivequestionnairethatallowsthelicenseetoobtainadditionalmedical
466		-	historyandaskfollow-upquestionsasneeded;
467		-	(v)continuingmedicationonashort-termbasisforanewpatient,
468		-	priortothepatient’sfirstappointment;or
469		-	(v)(vi)emergencysituationswherelifeorhealthofthepatientis
470		-	inimminentdanger;
471		-	***
472		-	(b)Failuretopracticecompetently.TheBoardmayalsofindthatfailureto
473		-	practicecompetentlybyreasonofanycauseonasingleoccasionoron
474		-	multipleoccasionsconstitutesunprofessionalconduct.Failuretopractice
475		-	competentlyincludes,asdeterminedbytheBoard:
476		-	(1)performanceofunsafeorunacceptablepatientcare;or
477		-	(2)failuretoconformtotheessentialstandardsofacceptableand
478		-	prevailingpractice.
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499		-	(c)Burdenofproof.Theburdenofproofinadisciplinaryactionshallbe
500		-	ontheStatetoshowbyapreponderanceoftheevidencethatthepersonhas
501		-	engagedinunprofessionalconduct.
502		-	(d)(1)Healthcareproviders.Notwithstandinganyotherlawtothe
503		-	contrary,nohealthcareproviderwhoiscertified,registered,orlicensedin
504		-	VermontshallbesubjecttoprofessionaldisciplinaryactionbytheBoard,nor
505		-	shalltheBoardtakeadverseactiononanapplicationforcertification,
506		-	registration,orlicensureofaqualifiedhealthcareprovider,basedsolelyon:
507		-	(A)(1)thehealthcareproviderprovidingorassistingintheprovisionof
508		-	legallyprotectedhealthcareactivity;or
509		-	(B)(2)acriminal,civil,ordisciplinaryactioninanotherstateagainstthe
510		-	healthcareproviderthatisbasedsolelyontheproviderprovidingorassisting
511		-	intheprovisionoflegallyprotectedhealthcareactivity.
512		-	(2)(e)Definitions.Asusedinthissubsectionsection:
513		-	(A)(1)“Healthcareprovider”meansapersonwhoprovides
514		-	professionalhealthcareservicestoanindividualduringthatindividual’s
515		-	medicalcare,treatment,orconfinement.
516		-	(B)(2)“Healthcareservices”meansservicesforthediagnosis,
517		-	prevention,treatment,cure,orreliefofaphysicalormentalhealthcondition,
518		-	includingcounseling,procedures,products,devices,andmedications.
519		-	1
520		-	2
521		-	3
522		-	4
523		-	5
524		-	6
525		-	7
526		-	8
527		-	9
528		-	10
529		-	11
530		-	12
531		-	13
532		-	14
533		-	15
534		-	16
535		-	17
536		-	18
537		-	19
538		-	20 BILLASINTRODUCEDANDPASSEDBYSENATE S.28
539		-	2025 Page14of34
540		-	(C)(3)“Legallyprotectedhealthcareactivity”hasthesamemeaningas
541		-	in1V.S.A.§150.
542		-	Sec.4.26V.S.A.§ 1582isamendedtoread:
543		-	§1582.REGULATORYAUTHORITY;UNPROFESSIONAL CONDUCT
544		-	(a)TheBoardmaydenyanapplicationforlicensure,renewal,or
545		-	reinstatement;revokeorsuspendanylicensetopracticeissuedbyit;or
546		-	disciplineorinotherwaysconditionthepracticeofanapplicantorlicensee
547		-	uponduenoticeandopportunityforhearingifthepersonengagesinthe
548		-	followingconductortheconductsetforthin3V.S.A.§129a:
549		-	***
550		-	(3)engaginginconductofacharacterlikelytoconfuse,mislead,
551		-	deceive,defraud,orharmthepublic;
552		-	***
553		-	(9)(A)permittingone’snameorlicensetobeusedbyaperson,group,
554		-	orcorporationwhennotactuallyinchargeoforresponsibleforthetreatment
555		-	givenorotherhealthcareservicesprovided;
556		-	(B)failingtoprovideactiveoversightovertreatmentorotherhealth
557		-	careservicesthatareprovidedusingorrelyinguponthelicensee’snameor
558		-	license;
559		-	1
560		-	2
561		-	3
562		-	4
563		-	5
564		-	6
565		-	7
566		-	8
567		-	9
568		-	10
569		-	11
570		-	12
571		-	13
572		-	14
573		-	15
574		-	16
575		-	17
576		-	18
577		-	19 BILLASINTRODUCEDANDPASSEDBYSENATE S.28
578		-	2025 Page15of34
579		-	(C)failingtoactivelymonitortheeducation,training,andexperienceof
580		-	individualsprovidingtreatmentorotherhealthcareservicesthatareprovided
581		-	usingorrelyinguponthelicensee’snameorlicense;or
582		-	(D)failingtoreviewandapproveinformationabouttreatmentorhealth
583		-	careservicesthatareprovidedusingorrelyinguponthelicensee’snameor
584		-	licensepriortocommunicationoftheinformationtousersorpotentialusersof
585		-	thetreatmentorservices;
586		-	***
587		-	(c)Asusedinthissection,“healthservices”meansservicesforthe
588		-	diagnosis,prevention,treatment,cure,orreliefofaphysicalormentalhealth
589		-	condition,includingcounseling,procedures,products,devices,and
590		-	medications.
591		-	***
592		-	Sec.5.26V.S.A.§ 1615isamendedtoread:
593		-	§1615.ADVANCEDPRACTICEREGISTEREDNURSES;
594		-	REGULATORYAUTHORITY;UNPROFESSIONAL CONDUCT
595		-	(a)Inadditiontotheprovisionsof3V.S.A.§129aandsection1582ofthis
596		-	chapter,theBoardmaydenyanapplicationforlicensure,renewal,or
597		-	reinstatementormayrevoke,suspend,orotherwisedisciplineanadvanced
598		-	practiceregisterednurseuponduenoticeandopportunityforhearingifthe
599		-	personengagesinthefollowingconduct:
600		-	1
601		-	2
602		-	3
603		-	4
604		-	5
605		-	6
606		-	7
607		-	8
608		-	9
609		-	10
610		-	11
611		-	12
612		-	13
613		-	14
614		-	15
615		-	16
616		-	17
617		-	18
618		-	19
619		-	20
620		-	21 BILLASINTRODUCEDANDPASSEDBYSENATE S.28
621		-	2025 Page16of34
622		-	***
623		-	(6)ProvidingExceptasotherwiseprovidedinsubsection(b)ofthis
624		-	section,providing,prescribing,dispensing,orfurnishingmedicalservicesor
625		-	prescriptionmedicationorprescription-onlydevicestoapersoninresponseto
626		-	anycommunicationtransmittedorreceivedbycomputerorotherelectronic
627		-	meanswhenthelicenseefailstotakethefollowingactionstoestablishand
628		-	maintainaproperprovider-patientrelationship:
629		-	(A)areasonableefforttoverifythatthepersonrequesting
630		-	medicationisinfactthepatientandisinfactwhothepersonclaimstobe;
631		-	(B)establishmentofdocumenteddiagnosisthroughtheuseof
632		-	acceptedmedicalpractices;and
633		-	(C)maintenanceofacurrentmedicalrecord.
634		-	***
635		-	(13)(A)Permittingone’snameorlicensetobeusedbyaperson,group,
636		-	orcorporationwhennotactuallyinchargeoforresponsibleforthetreatment
637		-	givenorotherhealthcareservicesprovided;
638		-	(B)failingtoprovideactiveoversightovertreatmentorotherhealth
639		-	careservicesthatareprovidedusingorrelyingupontheAPRN’snameor
640		-	license;
641		-	1
642		-	2
643		-	3
644		-	4
645		-	5
646		-	6
647		-	7
648		-	8
649		-	9
650		-	10
651		-	11
652		-	12
653		-	13
654		-	14
655		-	15
656		-	16
657		-	17
658		-	18
659		-	19 BILLASINTRODUCEDANDPASSEDBYSENATE S.28
660		-	2025 Page17of34
661		-	(C)failingtoactivelymonitortheeducation,training,andexperience
662		-	ofindividualsprovidingtreatmentorotherhealthcareservicesthatare
663		-	providedusingorrelyingupontheAPRN’snameorlicense;or
664		-	(D)failingtoreviewandapproveinformationabouttreatmentor
665		-	healthcareservicesthatareprovidedusingorrelyingupontheAPRN’sname
666		-	orlicensepriortocommunicationoftheinformationtousersorpotentialusers
667		-	ofthetreatmentorservices.
668		-	(b)(1)Forthepurposesofsubdivision(a)(6)ofthissection,anelectronic,
669		-	online,ortelephonicevaluationbyquestionnaireisinadequatefortheinitial
670		-	evaluationofthepatient,exceptasotherwiseprovidedinsubdivision(2)(D)of
671		-	thissubsection.
672		-	(2)Thefollowingwouldnotbeinviolationofsubdivision(a)(6)ofthis
673		-	section:
674		-	(A)initialadmissionordersfornewlyhospitalizedpatients;
675		-	(B)prescribingforapatientofanotherproviderforwhomthe
676		-	prescriberhastakencall;
677		-	(C)prescribingforapatientexaminedbyalicensedAPRN,
678		-	physicianassistant,orotherpractitionerauthorizedbylawandsupportedby
679		-	theAPRN;
680		-	(D)infurtheranceof18V.S.A.chapter223,prescribingmedication
681		-	foranindividualtoterminatetheindividual’spregnancybasedonanadaptive
682		-	1
683		-	2
684		-	3
685		-	4
686		-	5
687		-	6
688		-	7
689		-	8
690		-	9
691		-	10
692		-	11
693		-	12
694		-	13
695		-	14
696		-	15
697		-	16
698		-	17
699		-	18
700		-	19
701		-	20
702		-	21 BILLASINTRODUCEDANDPASSEDBYSENATE S.28
703		-	2025 Page18of34
704		-	questionnairethatallowsthelicenseetoobtainadditionalmedicalhistoryand
705		-	askfollow-upquestionsasneeded;
706		-	(E)continuingmedicationonashort-termbasisforanewpatient
707		-	priortothepatient’sfirstappointment;or
708		-	(E)(F)emergencysituationswherethelifeorhealthofthepatientis
709		-	inimminentdanger.
710		-	(c)Asusedinthissection,“healthservices”meansservicesforthe
711		-	diagnosis,prevention,treatment,cure,orreliefofaphysicalormentalhealth
712		-	condition,includingcounseling,procedures,products,devices,and
713		-	medications.
714		-	Sec.6.26V.S.A.§ 1736isamendedtoread:
715		-	§1736.UNPROFESSIONAL CONDUCT
716		-	(a)Thefollowingconductandtheconductdescribedinsection1354of
717		-	thistitlebyalicensedphysicianassistantshallconstituteunprofessional
718		-	conduct;whenthatconductisbyanapplicantorpersonwholaterbecomesan
719		-	applicant,itmayconstitutegroundsfordenialoflicensure:
720		-	***
721		-	(2)occupationaladvertisingoradvertisingabouthealthcareservices
722		-	thatisintendedorhasatendencytoconfuse,mislead,ordeceivethepublic;
723		-	(3)exercisingundueinfluenceonortakingimproperadvantageofa
724		-	personusingtheindividual’sservices,orpromotingthesaleofprofessional
725		-	1
726		-	2
727		-	3
728		-	4
729		-	5
730		-	6
731		-	7
732		-	8
733		-	9
734		-	10
735		-	11
736		-	12
737		-	13
738		-	14
739		-	15
740		-	16
741		-	17
742		-	18
743		-	19
744		-	20
745		-	21 BILLASINTRODUCEDANDPASSEDBYSENATE S.28
746		-	2025 Page19of34
747		-	goodsorservicesinamannerthatexploitsapersonforthefinancialgainof
748		-	thepractitionerorofathirdparty;
749		-	(4)failingtocomplywithprovisionsoffederalorstatestatutesorrules
750		-	governingtheprofession;
751		-	(5)convictionofacrimerelatedtotheprofession;and
752		-	(6)conductthatevidencesunfitnesstopracticeintheprofession.
753		-	***
754		-	(d)Asusedinthissection,“healthservices”meansservicesforthe
755		-	diagnosis,prevention,treatment,cure,orreliefofaphysicalormentalhealth
756		-	condition,includingcounseling,procedures,products,devices,and
757		-	medications.
758		-	Sec.7.26V.S.A.§ 1842isamendedtoread:
759		-	§1842.UNPROFESSIONAL CONDUCT
760		-	(a)Apersonlicensedasanosteopathicphysicianunderthischaptershall
761		-	notengageinunprofessionalconduct.Ifsuchconductiscommittedbyan
762		-	applicant,itshallbegroundsfordenialofalicense.
763		-	(b)Unprofessionalconductmeansthefollowingconductandconductset
764		-	forthin3V.S.A.§129a:
765		-	***
766		-	1
767		-	2
768		-	3
769		-	4
770		-	5
771		-	6
772		-	7
773		-	8
774		-	9
775		-	10
776		-	11
777		-	12
778		-	13
779		-	14
780		-	15
781		-	16
782		-	17
783		-	18
784		-	19 BILLASINTRODUCEDANDPASSEDBYSENATE S.28
785		-	2025 Page20of34
786		-	(9)Delegatingprofessionalresponsibilities,includingthedeliveryof
787		-	healthcareservices,toapersonwhowhomthelicenseeknowsorhasreason
788		-	toknowisnotqualifiedbytraining,experience,orlicensuretoperformthem.
789		-	***
790		-	(14)(A)Permittingone’snameorlicensetobeusedbyaperson,group,
791		-	orcorporationwhennotactuallyinchargeoforresponsibleforthetreatment
792		-	orotherhealthcareservicesprovided;
793		-	(B)failingtoprovideactiveoversightovertreatmentorotherhealth
794		-	careservicesthatareprovidedusingorrelyinguponthelicensee’snameor
795		-	license;
796		-	(C)failingtoactivelymonitortheeducation,training,andexperience
797		-	ofindividualsprovidingtreatmentorotherhealthcareservicesthatare
798		-	providedusingorrelyinguponthelicensee’snameorlicense;or
799		-	(D)failingtoreviewandapproveinformationabouttreatmentor
800		-	healthcareservicesthatareprovidedusingorrelyinguponthelicensee’s
801		-	nameorlicensepriortocommunicationoftheinformationtousersorpotential
802		-	usersofthetreatmentorservices.
803		-	(c)Asusedinthissection,“healthservices”meansservicesforthe
804		-	diagnosis,prevention,treatment,cure,orreliefofaphysicalormentalhealth
805		-	condition,includingcounseling,procedures,products,devices,and
806		-	medications.
807		-	1
808		-	2
809		-	3
810		-	4
811		-	5
812		-	6
813		-	7
814		-	8
815		-	9
816		-	10
817		-	11
818		-	12
819		-	13
820		-	14
821		-	15
822		-	16
823		-	17
824		-	18
825		-	19
826		-	20
827		-	21 BILLASINTRODUCEDANDPASSEDBYSENATE S.28
828		-	2025 Page21of34
829		-	Sec.8.26V.S.A.§ 2024isaddedtoread:
830		-	§ 2024.CONFIDENTIALITYOFPRESCRIBERINFORMATIONON
831		-	MEDICATIONSFORLEGALLYPROTECTEDHEALTHCARE
832		-	ACTIVITY
833		-	(a)Asusedinthissection,“gender-affirminghealthcareservices”and
834		-	“reproductivehealthcareservices”havethesamemeaningsasin1V.S.A.
835		-	§ 150.
836		-	(b)Upontherequestofaprescribingpractitionerandtotheextentnot
837		-	expresslyprohibitedunderfederallaw,apharmacistshallnotlistthe
838		-	practitioner’snameonafulfilledprescriptionformedicationforgender-
839		-	affirminghealthcareservicesorreproductivehealthcareservicesbutshall
840		-	insteadlistthenameofthefacilityatwhichthepractitionerisemployedorisa
841		-	contractemployee.
842		-	(c)Nothinginthischapterortherulesgoverningthepharmacyprofession
843		-	shallbeconstruedtorequireapharmacisttolisttheprescribingpractitioner’s
844		-	nameonafulfilledprescriptionformedicationforgender-affirminghealth
845		-	careservicesorreproductivehealthcareservices.
846		-	Sec.9.26V.S.A.§ 4132isamendedtoread:
847		-	§4132.UNPROFESSIONAL CONDUCT
848		-	1
849		-	2
850		-	3
851		-	4
852		-	5
853		-	6
854		-	7
855		-	8
856		-	9
857		-	10
858		-	11
859		-	12
860		-	13
861		-	14
862		-	15
863		-	16
864		-	17
865		-	18
866		-	19 BILLASINTRODUCEDANDPASSEDBYSENATE S.28
867		-	2025 Page22of34
868		-	(a)Thefollowingconductandconductsetforthin3V.S.A.§129abya
869		-	personlicensedasanaturopathicphysicianunderthischapteroranapplicant
870		-	forlicensureconstitutesunprofessionalconduct:
871		-	***
872		-	(12)Delegatingprofessionalresponsibilities,includingthedeliveryof
873		-	healthcareservices,toapersonwhomthelicenseeknowsorhasreasonto
874		-	knowisnotqualifiedbytraining,experience,orlicensuretoperformthem.
875		-	(13)(A)Permittingone’snameorlicensetobeusedbyaperson,group,
876		-	orcorporationwhennotactuallyinchargeoforresponsibleforthetreatment
877		-	orotherhealthcareservicesprovided;
878		-	(B)failingtoprovideactiveoversightovertreatmentorotherhealth
879		-	careservicesthatareprovidedusingorrelyinguponthelicensee’snameor
880		-	license;
881		-	(C)failingtoactivelymonitortheeducation,training,andexperience
882		-	ofindividualsprovidingtreatmentorotherhealthcareservicesthatare
883		-	providedusingorrelyinguponthelicensee’snameorlicense;or
884		-	(D)failingtoreviewandapproveinformationabouttreatmentor
885		-	healthcareservicesthatareprovidedusingorrelyinguponthelicensee’s
886		-	nameorlicensepriortocommunicationoftheinformationtousersorpotential
887		-	usersofthetreatmentorservices.
888		-	***
889		-	1
890		-	2
891		-	3
892		-	4
893		-	5
894		-	6
895		-	7
896		-	8
897		-	9
898		-	10
899		-	11
900		-	12
901		-	13
902		-	14
903		-	15
904		-	16
905		-	17
906		-	18
907		-	19
908		-	20
909		-	21 BILLASINTRODUCEDANDPASSEDBYSENATE S.28
910		-	2025 Page23of34
911		-	(e)Asusedinthissection,“healthservices”meansservicesforthe
912		-	diagnosis,prevention,treatment,cure,orreliefofaphysicalormentalhealth
913		-	condition,includingcounseling,procedures,products,devices,and
914		-	medications.
915		-	Sec.10.EFFECTIVEDATE
916		-	Thisactshalltakeeffectonpassage.
917		-	Sec.1.1V.S.A.§ 317(c)isamendedtoread:
918		-	(c)Thefollowingpublicrecordsareexemptfrompublicinspectionand
919		-	copying:
920		-	***
921		-	(44)RecordsheldbytheOfficeofProfessionalRegulation,Boardof
922		-	MedicalPractice,oranotherpublicagencythatissuesoneormorelicenses,
923		-	certificates,orregistrationstoengageinaState-regulatedprofessionor
924		-	occupationiftherecordscontainthetelephonenumber,emailaddress,
925		-	physicaladdress,ormailingaddress,oracombinationofthese,ofan
926		-	individualwhohasappliedfororhasbeengrantedalicense,certificate,or
927		-	registrationtopracticeaprofessionoroccupationinthisState,exceptthatthe
928		-	publicagencyshalldiscloseanyaddressthattheindividualhasdesignatedas
929		-	apublicaddressintherecord.
930		-	Sec.2.3V.S.A.§ 129aisamendedtoread:
931		-	§129a.UNPROFESSIONALCONDUCT
932		-	(a)Inadditiontoanyotherprovisionoflaw,thefollowingconductbya
933		-	licenseeconstitutesunprofessionalconduct.Whenthatconductisbyan
934		-	applicantorpersonwholaterbecomesanapplicant,itmayconstitutegrounds
935		-	fordenialofalicenseorotherdisciplinaryaction.Anyoneofthefollowing
936		-	itemsoranycombinationofitems,whethertheconductatissuewascommitted
937		-	withinoroutsidetheState,shallconstituteunprofessionalconduct:
938		-	(1)Fraudulentordeceptiveprocurementoruseofalicense.
939		-	(2)Advertising,includingadvertisingabouthealthcareservices,thatis
940		-	intendedorhasatendencytodeceiveormislead.
941		-	***
942		-	1
943		-	2
944		-	3
945		-	4
946		-	5
947		-	6 BILLASINTRODUCEDANDPASSEDBYSENATE S.28
948		-	2025 Page24of34
949		-	(6)Delegatingprofessionalresponsibilities,includingthedeliveryof
950		-	healthcareservices,toapersonwhomthelicensedprofessionalknows,orhas
951		-	reasontoknow,isnotqualifiedbyanycombinationoftraining,experience,
952		-	education,orlicensingcredentialstoperformthem,orknowinglyproviding
953		-	professionalsupervisionorservingasapreceptortoapersonwhohasnot
954		-	beenlicensedorregisteredasrequiredbythelawsofthatperson’sprofession.
955		-	***
956		-	(21)Permittingone’snameorlicensetobeusedbyaperson,group,or
957		-	corporationwhennotactuallyinchargeoforresponsiblefor,oractively
958		-	overseeingtheprofessionalservicesprovided.
959		-	***
960		-	(f)(1)Healthcareproviders.Notwithstandingsubsection(e)ofthissection
961		-	oranyotherlawtothecontrary,nohealthcareproviderwhoiscertified,
962		-	registered,orlicensedinVermontshallbesubjecttoprofessionaldisciplinary
963		-	actionbyaboardortheDirector,norshallaboardortheDirectortake
964		-	adverseactiononanapplicationforcertification,registration,orlicensureof
965		-	aqualifiedhealthcareprovider,basedsolelyon:
966		-	***
967		-	(2)Definitions.Asusedinthissubsection:
968		-	***
969		-	(B)“Healthcareservices”meansservicesforthediagnosis,
970		-	prevention,treatment,cure,orreliefofaphysicalormentalhealthcondition,
971		-	includingcounseling,procedures,products,devices,andmedications.
972		-	***
973		-	Sec.3.9V.S.A.chapter63,subchapter11isamendedtoread:
974		-	Subchapter11.PregnancyServicesCentersHealthCareServices
975		-	§2491.FINDINGS;LEGISLATIVEINTENT
976		-	(a)Findings.TheGeneralAssemblyfindsthat:
977		-	(1)Centersthatseektocounselclientsagainstabortion,oftenreferred
978		-	toascrisispregnancycentersorlimited-servicespregnancycenters,have
979		-	becomecommonacrossthecountry,includinginVermont.Accurate
980		-	informationabouttheservicesthatalimited-servicespregnancycenter
981		-	performs,inadditiontoforthrightacknowledgementofitslimitations,is
982		-	essentialtoenableindividualsinthisStatetomakeinformeddecisionsabout
983		-	theircare.Thisincludesindividualsbeinginformedofwhethertheyare
984		-	receivingservicesfromalicensedandqualifiedhealthcareproviderata BILLASINTRODUCEDANDPASSEDBYSENATE S.28
985		-	2025 Page25of34
986		-	limited-servicespregnancycenter,asthisallowsindividualstodetermineif
987		-	theyneedtoseekmedicalcareelsewhereinordertocontinueorterminatea
988		-	pregnancy.
989		-	(2)Althoughsomelimited-servicespregnancycentersopenly
990		-	acknowledgeintheiradvertising,ontheirwebsites,andattheirfacilitiesthat
991		-	theyneitherprovideabortionsnorreferclientstootherprovidersofabortion
992		-	services,othersprovideconfusingandmisleadinginformationtopregnant
993		-	individualscontemplatingabortionbyleadingthoseindividualstobelievethat
994		-	theirfacilitiesofferabortionservicesandunbiasedcounseling.Somelimited-
995		-	servicespregnancycentershavepromotedpatentlyfalseorbiasedmedical
996		-	claimsaboutabortion,pregnancy,contraception,andreproductivehealthcare
997		-	providers.
998		-	(3)Falseandmisleadingadvertisingbycentersthatdonotofferor
999		-	referclientsforabortionisofspecialconcerntotheStatebecauseofthetime-
1000		-	sensitiveandconstitutionallyprotectednatureofthedecisiontocontinueor
1001		-	terminateapregnancy.Whenapregnantindividualismisledintobelieving
1002		-	thatacenteroffersservicesthatitdoesnotinfactofferorreceivesfalseor
1003		-	misleadinginformationregardinghealthcareoptions,theindividuallosestime
1004		-	crucialtothedecisionwhethertoterminateapregnancyandmaylosethe
1005		-	optiontochooseaparticularmethodortoterminateapregnancyatall.
1006		-	(4)Tellingthetruthishowtrainedhealthcareprovidersdemonstrate
1007		-	respectforpatients,fostertrust,promoteself-determination,andcultivatean
1008		-	environmentwherebestpracticesinshareddecision-makingcanflourish.
1009		-	Withoutveracityininformationandcommunication,itisdifficultfor
1010		-	individualstomakeinformed,voluntarychoicesthatareessentialtoone’s
1011		-	senseofpersonalagencyandautonomy.
1012		-	(5)(2)Advertisingstrategiesandeducationalinformationabouthealth
1013		-	careoptionsthatlacktransparency,usemisleadingorambiguousterminology,
1014		-	misrepresentorobfuscateservicesprovided,orprovidefactuallyinaccurate
1015		-	informationareaformofmanipulationthatdisrespectsindividuals,
1016		-	underminestrust,broadenshealthdisparity,andcanresultinpatientharm.
1017		-	(b)Intent.
1018		-	(1)ItistheintentoftheGeneralAssemblytoensurethatthepublicis
1019		-	providedwithaccurate,factualinformationaboutthetypesofhealthcare
1020		-	servicesthatareavailabletopregnantindividualsinthisState.TheGeneral
1021		-	Assemblyrespectstheconstitutionallyprotectedrightofeachindividualto
1022		-	personalreproductiveautonomy,whichincludestherighttoreceiveclear,
1023		-	honest,andnonmisleadinginformationabouttheindividual’soptionsandto
1024		-	makeinformed,voluntarychoicesafterconsideringallrelevantinformation. BILLASINTRODUCEDANDPASSEDBYSENATE S.28
1025		-	2025 Page26of34
1026		-	(2)TheGeneralAssemblyrespectstherightoflimited-services
1027		-	pregnancycenterstocounselindividualsagainstabortion,andnothinginthis
1028		-	subchaptershouldbeconstruedtoregulate,limit,orcurtailsuchadvocacy.
1029		-	§2492.DEFINITIONSDEFINITION
1030		-	Asusedinthissubchapter:,
1031		-	(1)“Abortion”meansanymedicaltreatmentintendedtoinducethe
1032		-	terminationof,ortoterminate,aclinicallydiagnosablepregnancyexceptfor
1033		-	thepurposeofproducingalivebirth.
1034		-	(2)“Client”meansanindividualwhoisinquiringaboutorseeking
1035		-	servicesatapregnancyservicescenter.
1036		-	(3)“Emergencycontraception”meansanydrugapprovedbytheU.S.
1037		-	FoodandDrugAdministrationasacontraceptivemethodforuseaftersexual
1038		-	intercourse,whetherprovidedoverthecounterorbyprescription.
1039		-	(4)“Healthinformation”meansanyoralorwritteninformationinany
1040		-	formormediumthatrelatestohealthinsuranceorthepast,present,orfuture
1041		-	physicalormentalhealthorconditionofaclient.
1042		-	(5)“Limited-servicespregnancycenter”meansapregnancyservices
1043		-	centerthatdoesnotdirectlyprovide,orprovidereferralstoclientsfor,
1044		-	abortionsoremergencycontraception.
1045		-	(6)“Pregnancyservicescenter”meansafacility,includingamobile
1046		-	facility,wheretheprimarypurposeistoprovideservicestoindividualswho
1047		-	areormaybepregnantandthateitheroffersobstetricultrasounds,obstetric
1048		-	sonograms,orprenatalcaretopregnantindividualsorhastheappearanceof
1049		-	amedicalfacility.Apregnancyservicescenterhastheappearanceofa
1050		-	medicalfacilityiftwoormoreofthefollowingfactorsarepresent:
1051		-	(A)Thecenterofferspregnancytestingorpregnancydiagnosis,or
1052		-	both.
1053		-	(B)Thecenterhasstafforvolunteerswhowearmedicalattireor
1054		-	uniforms.
1055		-	(C)Thecentercontainsoneormoreexaminationtables.
1056		-	(D)Thecentercontainsaprivateorsemiprivateroomorarea
1057		-	containingmedicalsuppliesormedicalinstruments.
1058		-	(E)Thecenterhasstafforvolunteerswhocollecthealthinformation
1059		-	fromclients. BILLASINTRODUCEDANDPASSEDBYSENATE S.28
1060		-	2025 Page27of34
1061		-	(F)ThecenterislocatedonthesamepremisesasaState-licensed
1062		-	medicalfacilityorproviderorsharesfacilityspacewithaState-licensed
1063		-	medicalprovider.
1064		-	(7)“Premises”meanslandandimprovementsorappurtenancesorany
1065		-	partthereof“healthcareservices”meansservicesforthediagnosis,
1066		-	prevention,treatment,cure,orreliefofaphysical,dental,behavioral,or
1067		-	mentalhealthconditionorsubstanceusedisorder,includingcounseling,
1068		-	procedures,products,devices,andmedications.
1069		-	§2493.UNFAIRANDDECEPTIVEACT
1070		-	(a)Itisanunfairanddeceptiveactandpracticeincommerceanda
1071		-	violationofsection2453ofthistitleforanylimited-servicespregnancycenter
1072		-	persontodisseminateorcausetobedisseminatedtothepublicanyadvertising
1073		-	aboutthehealthcareservicesorproposedservicesperformedatthatcenterin
1074		-	thisStatethatisuntrueorclearlydesignedtomisleadthepublicaboutthe
1075		-	natureoftheservicesprovided.Advertisingincludesrepresentationsmade
1076		-	directlytoconsumers;marketingpractices;communicationinanyprint
1077		-	medium,suchasnewspapers,magazines,mailers,orhandouts;andany
1078		-	broadcastmedium,suchastelevisionorradio,telephonemarketing,or
1079		-	advertisingovertheInternetinternetsuchasthroughwebsitesand,webads
1080		-	advertisements,andsocialmedia.Forpurposesofthischapter,advertisingor
1081		-	theprovisionofservicesbyalimited-servicespregnancycenterabouthealth
1082		-	careservicesisanactincommerce.
1083		-	(b)Healthcareproviderscertified,registered,orlicensedunderTitle26of
1084		-	theVermontStatutesAnnotatedwhoareemployedby,contractedtoprovide
1085		-	servicesfororonbehalfof,orvolunteertoprovideservicesatalimited-
1086		-	servicespregnancycentershallberesponsibleforconductingandproviding
1087		-	healthcareservices,information,andcounselingatthecenter.Thefailureof
1088		-	ahealthcareprofessionalcertified,registered,orlicensedunderTitle26ofthe
1089		-	VermontStatutesAnnotatedtoconductortoensurethathealthcareservices,
1090		-	information,andcounselingatthelimited-servicespregnancyservicescenter
1091		-	areconductedinaccordancewithStatelawandprofessionalstandardsof
1092		-	practicemayconstituteunprofessionalconductunder3V.S.A.§129aand26
1093		-	V.S.A.§1354.[Repealed.]
1094		-	(c)TheAttorneyGeneralhasthesameauthoritytomakerules,conduct
1095		-	civilinvestigations,andbringcivilactionswithrespecttoviolationsof
1096		-	subsection(a)ofthissectionasprovidedundersubchapter1ofthischapter.
1097		-	Sec.4.18V.S.A.§ 4999isamendedtoread:
1098		-	§4999.DEFINITIONS
1099		-	Asusedinthispart: BILLASINTRODUCEDANDPASSEDBYSENATE S.28
1100		-	2025 Page28of34
1101		-	***
1102		-	(2)“Licensedhealthcareprofessional,”asusedin18V.S.A.chapter
1103		-	107,meansaphysician,aphysicianassistant,anaturopathicphysician,oran
1104		-	advancedpracticeregisterednurse.Asusedinchapter107ofthispartonly,
1105		-	thetermalsoincludesanaturopathicphysician.
1106		-	***
1107		-	Sec.5.18V.S.A.§ 5200isamendedtoread:
1108		-	§5200.DEFINITIONS
1109		-	Asusedinthischapter:
1110		-	***
1111		-	(4)“Licensedhealthcareprofessional”meansaphysician,aphysician
1112		-	assistant,anaturopathicphysician,oranadvancedpracticeregisterednurse.
1113		-	(5)“Naturalorganicreduction”hasthesamemeaningasinsection
1114		-	5302ofthistitle.
1115		-	Sec.6.18V.S.A.§ 5222isamendedtoread:
1116		-	§5222.REPORTS
1117		-	(a)(1)Thefollowingfetaldeathsshallbereportedbythehospital,
1118		-	physicianlicensedhealthcareprofessional,orfuneraldirectordirectlytothe
1119		-	Commissionerwithinsevendaysafterdeliveryonformsprescribedbythe
1120		-	Department:
1121		-	(1)(A)Allfetaldeathsof20ormoreweeksofgestationor,ifgestational
1122		-	ageisunknown,of400ormoregrams,15ormoreounces,fetalweightshall
1123		-	bereported.
1124		-	(2)(B)Alltherapeuticorinducedabortions,aslegallyauthorizedtobe
1125		-	performed,ofanylengthgestationorweightshallbereported.
1126		-	(3)(2)Spontaneousabortionsandectopicpregnanciesoflessthan20
1127		-	weeksgestationarenotrequiredtobereported.
1128		-	(b)Thephysicianlicensedhealthcareprofessionalwhotreatsawomanas
1129		-	aresultofamiscarriageorabortionshallreportthefetaldeathifitisnot
1130		-	knowntobepreviouslyreportedundersubsection(a)ofthissection.Ifthereis
1131		-	evidenceofviolenceorotherunusualorsuspiciouscircumstances,themedical
1132		-	examinershallbeimmediatelynotified,andheorshethemedicalexaminer
1133		-	shallcompleteatleastthemedicalitemsonthereport.Ifafuneraldirectoris
1134		-	tobeinvolved,thephysicianlicensedhealthcareprofessionalmaydelegateto
1135		-	thefuneraldirectortheresponsibilityforcompletingitemsotherthanthoseof
1136		-	amedicalnature.Similarly,thephysicianlicensedhealthcareprofessional BILLASINTRODUCEDANDPASSEDBYSENATE S.28
1137		-	2025 Page29of34
1138		-	maydelegatetheresponsibilityforcompletionofnonmedicalitemsto
1139		-	appropriatepersonnelhavingaccesstorecordscontainingtheinformation.
1140		-	(c)Ifafetaldeathoccursonamovingconveyance,theplaceofoccurrence
1141		-	shallbegivenasthetownorcitywhereremovalfromthevehicletookplace.
1142		-	(d)FetaldeathreportsReportsmadepursuanttothissectionarefor
1143		-	statisticalpurposesonlyandarenotpublicrecords.Theyshallbekept
1144		-	confidential;shallnotbedisclosedordiscoverableinanycivil,criminal,
1145		-	administrative,orotherproceeding;andshallbedestroyedafterfivetwo
1146		-	years.
1147		-	Sec.7.26V.S.A.§ 1354isamendedtoread:
1148		-	§1354.UNPROFESSIONALCONDUCT
1149		-	(a)Prohibitedconduct.TheBoardshallfindthatanyoneofthefollowing,
1150		-	oranycombinationofthefollowing,whethertheconductatissuewas
1151		-	committedwithinoroutsidetheState,constitutesunprofessionalconduct:
1152		-	***
1153		-	(2)alladvertisingofabouthealthcareservicesoramedicalbusiness
1154		-	thatisintendedorhasatendencytomisleadordeceivethepublicorimpose
1155		-	uponcredulousorignorantpersonsandsobeharmfulorinjurioustopublic
1156		-	moralsorsafety;
1157		-	***
1158		-	(21)permittingone’snameorlicensetobeusedbyaperson,group,or
1159		-	corporationwhennotactuallyinchargeof,orresponsiblefor,oractively
1160		-	overseeingthetreatmentgivenorotherhealthcareservicesprovided;
1161		-	***
1162		-	(29)delegationofprofessionalresponsibilities,includingdeliveryofany
1163		-	healthcareservices,toapersonwhomthelicensedprofessionalknows,orhas
1164		-	reasontoknow,isnotqualifiedbyanycombinationoftraining,experience,
1165		-	education,orlicensingcredentialstoperformthem;
1166		-	***
1167		-	(33)(A)providing,prescribing,dispensing,orfurnishingmedical
1168		-	servicesorprescriptionmedicationorprescription-onlydevicestoapersonin
1169		-	responsetoanycommunicationtransmittedorreceivedbycomputerorother
1170		-	electronicmeans,whenthelicenseefailstotakethefollowingactionsto
1171		-	establishandmaintainaproperphysician-patientrelationship:
1172		-	(i)areasonableefforttoverifythatthepersonrequesting
1173		-	medicationisinfactthepatient,andisinfactwhothepersonclaimstobe; BILLASINTRODUCEDANDPASSEDBYSENATE S.28
1174		-	2025 Page30of34
1175		-	(ii)establishmentofdocumenteddiagnosisthroughtheuseof
1176		-	acceptedmedicalpractices;and
1177		-	(iii)maintenanceofacurrentmedicalrecord;
1178		-	(B)forthepurposesofthissubdivision(33),anelectronic,on-line
1179		-	online,ortelephonicevaluationbyquestionnaireisinadequatefortheinitial
1180		-	evaluationofthepatient,exceptasotherwiseprovidedinsubdivision(C)(iv)of
1181		-	thissubdivision(33);
1182		-	(C)thefollowingwouldnotbeinviolationofthissubdivision(33)if
1183		-	transmittedorreceivedbycomputerorotherelectronicmeans:
1184		-	(i)initialadmissionordersfornewlyhospitalizedpatients;
1185		-	(ii)prescribingforapatientofanotherphysicianforwhomthe
1186		-	prescriberhastakenthecall;
1187		-	(iii)prescribingforapatientexaminedbyalicensedadvanced
1188		-	practiceregisterednurse,physicianassistant,orotheradvancedpractitioner
1189		-	authorizedbylawandsupportedbythephysician;
1190		-	(iv)infurtheranceof18V.S.A.chapter223,prescribing
1191		-	medicationforanindividualtoterminatetheindividual’spregnancybasedon
1192		-	anadaptivequestionnairethatallowsthelicenseetoobtainadditionalmedical
1193		-	historyandaskfollow-upquestionsasneeded;
1194		-	(v)continuingmedicationonashort-termbasisforanewpatient,
1195		-	priortothepatient’sfirstappointment;or
1196		-	(v)(vi)emergencysituationswherelifeorhealthofthepatientis
1197		-	inimminentdanger;
1198		-	***
1199		-	(b)Failuretopracticecompetently.TheBoardmayalsofindthatfailure
1200		-	topracticecompetentlybyreasonofanycauseonasingleoccasionoron
1201		-	multipleoccasionsconstitutesunprofessionalconduct.Failuretopractice
1202		-	competentlyincludes,asdeterminedbytheBoard:
1203		-	(1)performanceofunsafeorunacceptablepatientcare;or
1204		-	(2)failuretoconformtotheessentialstandardsofacceptableand
1205		-	prevailingpractice.
1206		-	(c)Burdenofproof.Theburdenofproofinadisciplinaryactionshallbe
1207		-	ontheStatetoshowbyapreponderanceoftheevidencethatthepersonhas
1208		-	engagedinunprofessionalconduct.
1209		-	(d)(1)Healthcareproviders.Notwithstandinganyotherlawtothe
1210		-	contrary,nohealthcareproviderwhoiscertified,registered,orlicensedin BILLASINTRODUCEDANDPASSEDBYSENATE S.28
1211		-	2025 Page31of34
1212		-	VermontshallbesubjecttoprofessionaldisciplinaryactionbytheBoard,nor
1213		-	shalltheBoardtakeadverseactiononanapplicationforcertification,
1214		-	registration,orlicensureofaqualifiedhealthcareprovider,basedsolelyon:
1215		-	(A)(1)thehealthcareproviderprovidingorassistingintheprovisionof
1216		-	legallyprotectedhealthcareactivity;or
1217		-	(B)(2)acriminal,civil,ordisciplinaryactioninanotherstateagainst
1218		-	thehealthcareproviderthatisbasedsolelyontheproviderprovidingor
1219		-	assistingintheprovisionoflegallyprotectedhealthcareactivity.
1220		-	(2)(e)Definitions.Asusedinthissubsectionsection:
1221		-	(A)(1)“Healthcareprovider”meansapersonwhoprovides
1222		-	professionalhealthcareservicestoanindividualduringthatindividual’s
1223		-	medicalcare,treatment,orconfinement.
1224		-	(B)(2)“Healthcareservices”meansservicesforthediagnosis,
1225		-	prevention,treatment,cure,orreliefofaphysicalormentalhealthcondition,
1226		-	includingcounseling,procedures,products,devices,andmedications.
1227		-	(C)(3)“Legallyprotectedhealthcareactivity”hasthesamemeaningas
1228		-	in1V.S.A.§150.
1229		-	Sec.8.26V.S.A.§ 1615isamendedtoread:
1230		-	§1615.ADVANCEDPRACTICEREGISTEREDNURSES;
1231		-	REGULATORYAUTHORITY;UNPROFESSIONALCONDUCT
1232		-	(a)Inadditiontotheprovisionsof3V.S.A.§129aandsection1582ofthis
1233		-	chapter,theBoardmaydenyanapplicationforlicensure,renewal,or
1234		-	reinstatementormayrevoke,suspend,orotherwisedisciplineanadvanced
1235		-	practiceregisterednurseuponduenoticeandopportunityforhearingifthe
1236		-	personengagesinthefollowingconduct:
1237		-	***
1238		-	(6)ProvidingExceptasotherwiseprovidedinsubsection(b)ofthis
1239		-	section,providing,prescribing,dispensing,orfurnishingmedicalservicesor
1240		-	prescriptionmedicationorprescription-onlydevicestoapersoninresponseto
1241		-	anycommunicationtransmittedorreceivedbycomputerorotherelectronic
1242		-	meanswhenthelicenseefailstotakethefollowingactionstoestablishand
1243		-	maintainaproperprovider-patientrelationship:
1244		-	(A)areasonableefforttoverifythatthepersonrequesting
1245		-	medicationisinfactthepatientandisinfactwhothepersonclaimstobe;
1246		-	(B)establishmentofdocumenteddiagnosisthroughtheuseof
1247		-	acceptedmedicalpractices;and BILLASINTRODUCEDANDPASSEDBYSENATE S.28
1248		-	2025 Page32of34
1249		-	(C)maintenanceofacurrentmedicalrecord.
1250		-	***
1251		-	(b)(1)Forthepurposesofsubdivision(a)(6)ofthissection,anelectronic,
1252		-	online,ortelephonicevaluationbyquestionnaireisinadequatefortheinitial
1253		-	evaluationofthepatient,exceptasotherwiseprovidedinsubdivision(2)(D)of
1254		-	thissubsection.
1255		-	(2)Thefollowingwouldnotbeinviolationofsubdivision(a)(6)ofthis
1256		-	section:
1257		-	(A)initialadmissionordersfornewlyhospitalizedpatients;
1258		-	(B)prescribingforapatientofanotherproviderforwhomthe
1259		-	prescriberhastakencall;
1260		-	(C)prescribingforapatientexaminedbyalicensedAPRN,
1261		-	physicianassistant,orotherpractitionerauthorizedbylawandsupportedby
1262		-	theAPRN;
1263		-	(D)infurtheranceof18V.S.A.chapter223,prescribingmedication
1264		-	foranindividualtoterminatetheindividual’spregnancybasedonanadaptive
1265		-	questionnairethatallowsthelicenseetoobtainadditionalmedicalhistoryand
1266		-	askfollow-upquestionsasneeded;
1267		-	(E)continuingmedicationonashort-termbasisforanewpatient
1268		-	priortothepatient’sfirstappointment;or
1269		-	(E)(F)emergencysituationswherethelifeorhealthofthepatientis
1270		-	inimminentdanger.
1271		-	Sec.9.26V.S.A.§ 1658isamendedtoread:
1272		-	§1658.UNPROFESSIONALCONDUCT
1273		-	(a)Thefollowingconductandtheconductdescribedinsection1354ofthis
1274		-	titlebyacertifiedanesthesiologistassistantconstitutesunprofessional
1275		-	conduct.Whenthatconductisbyanapplicantorpersonwholaterbecomes
1276		-	anapplicant,itmayconstitutegroundsfordenialofcertification:
1277		-	***
1278		-	(17)delegatingprofessionalresponsibilitiestoapersonwhomthe
1279		-	certifiedprofessionalknows,orhasreasontoknow,isnotqualifiedbyany
1280		-	combinationoftraining,experience,education,orlicensingcredentialsto
1281		-	perform; BILLASINTRODUCEDANDPASSEDBYSENATE S.28
1282		-	2025 Page33of34
1283		-	***
1284		-	Sec.10.26V.S.A.§ 1736isamendedtoread:
1285		-	§1736.UNPROFESSIONALCONDUCT
1286		-	(a)Thefollowingconductandtheconductdescribedinsection1354ofthis
1287		-	titlebyalicensedphysicianassistantshallconstituteunprofessionalconduct;
1288		-	whenthatconductisbyanapplicantorpersonwholaterbecomesan
1289		-	applicant,itmayconstitutegroundsfordenialoflicensure:
1290		-	***
1291		-	(2)occupationaladvertisingoradvertisingabouthealthcareservices
1292		-	thatisintendedorhasatendencytomisleadordeceivethepublic;
1293		-	(3)exercisingundueinfluenceonortakingimproperadvantageofa
1294		-	personusingtheindividual’sservices,orpromotingthesaleofprofessional
1295		-	goodsorservicesinamannerthatexploitsapersonforthefinancialgainof
1296		-	thepractitionerorofathirdparty;
1297		-	(4)failingtocomplywithprovisionsoffederalorstatestatutesorrules
1298		-	governingtheprofession;
1299		-	(5)convictionofacrimerelatedtotheprofession;and
1300		-	(6)conductthatevidencesunfitnesstopracticeintheprofession.
1301		-	***
1302		-	(d)Asusedinthissection,“healthcareservices”meansservicesforthe
1303		-	diagnosis,prevention,treatment,cure,orreliefofaphysicalormentalhealth
1304		-	condition,includingcounseling,procedures,products,devices,and
1305		-	medications.
1306		-	Sec.11.26V.S.A.§ 2024isaddedtoread:
1307		-	§ 2024.CONFIDENTIALITYOFPRESCRIBERINFORMATIONON
1308		-	MEDICATIONSFORLEGALLYPROTECTEDHEALTHCARE
1309		-	ACTIVITY
1310		-	(a)Asusedinthissection,“gender-affirminghealthcareservices”and
1311		-	“reproductivehealthcareservices”havethesamemeaningsasin1V.S.A.
1312		-	§ 150.
1313		-	(b)Upontherequestofaprescribingpractitionerandtotheextentnot
1314		-	expresslyprohibitedunderfederallaw,apharmacistshallnotlistthe
1315		-	practitioner’snameonafulfilledprescriptionformedicationforgender-
1316		-	affirminghealthcareservicesorreproductivehealthcareservicesbutshall
1317		-	insteadlistthenameofthefacilityatwhichthepractitionerisemployedoris
1318		-	acontractemployee. BILLASINTRODUCEDANDPASSEDBYSENATE S.28
1319		-	2025 Page34of34
1320		-	(c)Nothinginthischapterortherulesgoverningthepharmacyprofession
1321		-	shallbeconstruedtorequireapharmacisttolisttheprescribingpractitioner’s
1322		-	nameonafulfilledprescriptionformedicationforgender-affirminghealth
1323		-	careservicesorreproductivehealthcareservices.
1324		-	Sec.12.26V.S.A.§ 2858isamendedtoread:
1325		-	§2858.UNPROFESSIONALCONDUCT
1326		-	(a)Thefollowingconductandtheconductdescribedinsection1354ofthis
1327		-	titlebyacertifiedradiologistassistantconstitutesunprofessionalconduct.
1328		-	Whenthatconductisbyanapplicantorpersonwholaterbecomesan
1329		-	applicant,itmayconstitutegroundsfordenialofcertification:
1330		-	***
1331		-	(17)delegatingprofessionalresponsibilitiestoapersonwhomthe
1332		-	certifiedprofessionalknowsorhasreasontoknowisnotqualifiedbyany
1333		-	combinationoftraining,experience,education,orlicensingcredentialsto
1334		-	perform;
1335		-	***
1336		-	Sec.13.EFFECTIVEDATE
1337		-	Thisactshalltakeeffectonpassage.
	1	+	BILL AS INTRODUCED S.28
	2	+	2025 Page 1 of 22
	3	+
	4	+
	5	+	VT LEG #379226 v.1
	6	+	S.28 1
	7	+	Introduced by Senators Hardy, Lyons, Clarkson, Gulick, Vyhovsky and White 2
	8	+	Referred to Committee on 3
	9	+	Date: 4
	10	+	Subject: Health; health care professionals; legally protected health care; 5
	11	+	limited-services pregnancy centers; Consumer Protection Act; 6
	12	+	unprofessional conduct; medication abortions; fetal death reports 7
	13	+	Statement of purpose of bill as introduced: This bill proposes to expand the 8
	14	+	prohibition on untrue or misleading advertising by a limited-services 9
	15	+	pregnancy center under the Consumer Protection Act to apply to any untrue or 10
	16	+	misleading advertising about health care services. It would eliminate specific 11
	17	+	responsibility for licensed health care providers who provide services at a 12
	18	+	limited-services pregnancy center for the services provided at the center and 13
	19	+	would remove language indicating that failure to ensure those services are 14
	20	+	conducted in accordance with the law could constitute unprofessional conduct. 15
	21	+	The bill would also clarify and expand the types of actions that could be 16
	22	+	considered unprofessional conduct for physicians, physician assistants, 17
	23	+	advanced practice registered nurses, and naturopathic physicians under their 18
	24	+	licensure statutes. The bill would eliminate restrictions on a physician, 19
	25	+	physician assistant, or advanced practice registered nurse prescribing 20
	26	+	medication to terminate an individual’s pregnancy based on asynchronous 21 BILL AS INTRODUCED S.28
	27	+	2025 Page 2 of 22
	28	+
	29	+
	30	+	VT LEG #379226 v.1
	31	+	electronic or other online communication with the individual. It would also 1
	32	+	specify that fetal death reports required by law must be kept confidential. 2
	33	+	An act relating to access to certain legally protected health care services 3
	34	+	It is hereby enacted by the General Assembly of the State of Vermont: 4
	35	+	Sec. 1. 9 V.S.A. chapter 63, subchapter 11 is amended to read: 5
	36	+	Subchapter 11. Pregnancy Services Centers Health Care Services 6
	37	+	§ 2491. FINDINGS; LEGISLATIVE INTENT 7
	38	+	(a) Findings. The General Assembly finds that: 8
	39	+	(1) Centers that seek to counsel clients against abortion, often referred to 9
	40	+	as crisis pregnancy centers or limited-services pregnancy centers, have become 10
	41	+	common across the country, including in Vermont. Accurate information 11
	42	+	about the services that a limited-services pregnancy center performs, in 12
	43	+	addition to forthright acknowledgement of its limitations, is essential to enable 13
	44	+	individuals in this State to make informed decisions about their care. This 14
	45	+	includes individuals being informed of whether they are receiving services 15
	46	+	from a licensed and qualified health care provider at a limited-services 16
	47	+	pregnancy center, as this allows individuals to determine if they need to seek 17
	48	+	medical care elsewhere in order to continue or terminate a pregnancy. 18
	49	+	(2) Although some limited-services pregnancy centers openly 19
	50	+	acknowledge in their advertising, on their websites, and at their facilities that 20 BILL AS INTRODUCED S.28
	51	+	2025 Page 3 of 22
	52	+
	53	+
	54	+	VT LEG #379226 v.1
	55	+	they neither provide abortions nor refer clients to other providers of abortion 1
	56	+	services, others provide confusing and misleading information to pregnant 2
	57	+	individuals contemplating abortion by leading those individuals to believe that 3
	58	+	their facilities offer abortion services and unbiased counseling. Some limited-4
	59	+	services pregnancy centers have promoted patently false or biased medical 5
	60	+	claims about abortion, pregnancy, contraception, and reproductive health care 6
	61	+	providers. 7
	62	+	(3) False and misleading advertising by centers that do not offer or refer 8
	63	+	clients for abortion is of special concern to the State because of the time-9
	64	+	sensitive and constitutionally protected nature of the decision to continue or 10
	65	+	terminate a pregnancy. When a pregnant individual is misled into believing 11
	66	+	that a center offers services that it does not in fact offer or receives false or 12
	67	+	misleading information regarding health care options, the individual loses time 13
	68	+	crucial to the decision whether to terminate a pregnancy and may lose the 14
	69	+	option to choose a particular method or to terminate a pregnancy at all. 15
	70	+	(4) Telling the truth is how trained health care providers demonstrate 16
	71	+	respect for patients, foster trust, promote self-determination, and cultivate an 17
	72	+	environment where best practices in shared decision-making can flourish. 18
	73	+	Without veracity in information and communication, it is difficult for 19
	74	+	individuals to make informed, voluntary choices that are essential to one’s 20
	75	+	sense of personal agency and autonomy. 21 BILL AS INTRODUCED S.28
	76	+	2025 Page 4 of 22
	77	+
	78	+
	79	+	VT LEG #379226 v.1
	80	+	(5)(2) Advertising strategies and educational information about health 1
	81	+	care options that lack transparency, use misleading or ambiguous terminology, 2
	82	+	misrepresent or obfuscate services provided, or provide factually inaccurate 3
	83	+	information are a form of manipulation that disrespects individuals, 4
	84	+	undermines trust, broadens health disparity, and can result in patient harm. 5
	85	+	(b) Intent. 6
	86	+	(1) It is the intent of the General Assembly to ensure that the public is 7
	87	+	provided with accurate, factual information about the types of health care 8
	88	+	services that are available to pregnant individuals in this State. The General 9
	89	+	Assembly respects the constitutionally protected right of each individual to 10
	90	+	personal reproductive autonomy, which includes the right to receive clear, 11
	91	+	honest, and nonmisleading information about the individual’s options and to 12
	92	+	make informed, voluntary choices after considering all relevant information. 13
	93	+	(2) The General Assembly respects the right of limited-services 14
	94	+	pregnancy centers to counsel individuals against abortion, and nothing in this 15
	95	+	subchapter should be construed to regulate, limit, or curtail such advocacy. 16
	96	+	§ 2492. DEFINITIONS DEFINITION 17
	97	+	As used in this subchapter:, 18
	98	+	(1) “Abortion” means any medical treatment intended to induce the 19
	99	+	termination of, or to terminate, a clinically diagnosable pregnancy except for 20
	100	+	the purpose of producing a live birth. 21 BILL AS INTRODUCED S.28
	101	+	2025 Page 5 of 22
	102	+
	103	+
	104	+	VT LEG #379226 v.1
	105	+	(2) “Client” means an individual who is inquiring about or seeking 1
	106	+	services at a pregnancy services center. 2
	107	+	(3) “Emergency contraception” means any drug approved by the U.S. 3
	108	+	Food and Drug Administration as a contraceptive method for use after sexual 4
	109	+	intercourse, whether provided over the counter or by prescription. 5
	110	+	(4) “Health information” means any oral or written information in any 6
	111	+	form or medium that relates to health insurance or the past, present, or future 7
	112	+	physical or mental health or condition of a client. 8
	113	+	(5) “Limited-services pregnancy center” means a pregnancy services 9
	114	+	center that does not directly provide, or provide referrals to clients for, 10
	115	+	abortions or emergency contraception. 11
	116	+	(6) “Pregnancy services center” means a facility, including a mobile 12
	117	+	facility, where the primary purpose is to provide services to individuals who 13
	118	+	are or may be pregnant and that either offers obstetric ultrasounds, obstetric 14
	119	+	sonograms, or prenatal care to pregnant individuals or has the appearance of a 15
	120	+	medical facility. A pregnancy services center has the appearance of a medical 16
	121	+	facility if two or more of the following factors are present: 17
	122	+	(A) The center offers pregnancy testing or pregnancy diagnosis, or 18
	123	+	both. 19
	124	+	(B) The center has staff or volunteers who wear medical attire or 20
	125	+	uniforms. 21 BILL AS INTRODUCED S.28
	126	+	2025 Page 6 of 22
	127	+
	128	+
	129	+	VT LEG #379226 v.1
	130	+	(C) The center contains one or more examination tables. 1
	131	+	(D) The center contains a private or semiprivate room or area 2
	132	+	containing medical supplies or medical instruments. 3
	133	+	(E) The center has staff or volunteers who collect health information 4
	134	+	from clients. 5
	135	+	(F) The center is located on the same premises as a State-licensed 6
	136	+	medical facility or provider or shares facility space with a State-licensed 7
	137	+	medical provider. 8
	138	+	(7) “Premises” means land and improvements or appurtenances or any 9
	139	+	part thereof. 10
	140	+	“health care services” means services for the diagnosis, prevention, treatment, 11
	141	+	cure, or relief of a physical, dental, behavioral, or mental health condition or 12
	142	+	substance use disorder, including counseling, procedures, products, devices, 13
	143	+	and medications. 14
	144	+	§ 2493. UNFAIR AND DECEPTIVE ACT 15
	145	+	(a) It is an unfair and deceptive act and practice in commerce and a 16
	146	+	violation of section 2453 of this title for any limited-services pregnancy center 17
	147	+	person to disseminate or cause to be disseminated to the public any advertising 18
	148	+	about the health care services or proposed services performed at that center in 19
	149	+	this State that is untrue or clearly designed to mislead the public about the 20
	150	+	nature of the services provided. Advertising includes representations made 21 BILL AS INTRODUCED S.28
	151	+	2025 Page 7 of 22
	152	+
	153	+
	154	+	VT LEG #379226 v.1
	155	+	directly to consumers; marketing practices; communication in any print 1
	156	+	medium, such as newspapers, magazines, mailers, or handouts; and any 2
	157	+	broadcast medium, such as television or radio, telephone marketing, or 3
	158	+	advertising over the Internet internet such as through websites and, web ads 4
	159	+	advertisements, and social media. For purposes of this chapter, advertising or 5
	160	+	the provision of services by a limited-services pregnancy center about health 6
	161	+	care services is an act in commerce. 7
	162	+	(b) Health care providers certified, registered, or licensed under Title 26 of 8
	163	+	the Vermont Statutes Annotated who are employed by, contracted to provide 9
	164	+	services for or on behalf of, or volunteer to provide services at a limited-10
	165	+	services pregnancy center shall be responsible for conducting and providing 11
	166	+	health care services, information, and counseling at the center. The failure of a 12
	167	+	health care professional certified, registered, or licensed under Title 26 of the 13
	168	+	Vermont Statutes Annotated to conduct or to ensure that health care services, 14
	169	+	information, and counseling at the limited-services pregnancy services center 15
	170	+	are conducted in accordance with State law and professional standards of 16
	171	+	practice may constitute unprofessional conduct under 3 V.S.A. § 129a and 26 17
	172	+	V.S.A. § 1354. [Repealed.] 18
	173	+	(c) The Attorney General has the same authority to make rules, conduct 19
	174	+	civil investigations, and bring civil actions with respect to violations of 20 BILL AS INTRODUCED S.28
	175	+	2025 Page 8 of 22
	176	+
	177	+
	178	+	VT LEG #379226 v.1
	179	+	subsection (a) of this section as provided under subchapter 1 of this chapter. 1
	180	+	Sec. 2. 18 V.S.A. § 5222 is amended to read: 2
	181	+	§ 5222. REPORTS 3
	182	+	(a)(1) The following fetal deaths shall be reported by the hospital, 4
	183	+	physician, or funeral director directly to the Commissioner within seven days 5
	184	+	after delivery on forms prescribed by the Department: 6
	185	+	(1)(A) All fetal deaths of 20 or more weeks of gestation or, if gestational 7
	186	+	age is unknown, of 400 or more grams, 15 or more ounces, fetal weight shall 8
	187	+	be reported. 9
	188	+	(2)(B) All therapeutic or induced abortions, as legally authorized to be 10
	189	+	performed, of any length gestation or weight shall be reported. 11
	190	+	(3)(2) Spontaneous abortions and ectopic pregnancies of less than 20 12
	191	+	weeks gestation are not required to be reported. 13
	192	+	(b) The physician who treats a woman as a result of a miscarriage or 14
	193	+	abortion shall report the fetal death if it is not known to be previously reported 15
	194	+	under subsection (a) of this section. If there is evidence of violence or other 16
	195	+	unusual or suspicious circumstances, the medical examiner shall be 17
	196	+	immediately notified, and he or she the medical examiner shall complete at 18
	197	+	least the medical items on the report. If a funeral director is to be involved, the 19
	198	+	physician may delegate to the funeral director the responsibility for completing 20
	199	+	items other than those of a medical nature. Similarly, the physician may 21 BILL AS INTRODUCED S.28
	200	+	2025 Page 9 of 22
	201	+
	202	+
	203	+	VT LEG #379226 v.1
	204	+	delegate the responsibility for completion of nonmedical items to appropriate 1
	205	+	personnel having access to records containing the information. 2
	206	+	(c) If a fetal death occurs on a moving conveyance, the place of occurrence 3
	207	+	shall be given as the town or city where removal from the vehicle took place. 4
	208	+	(d) Fetal death reports made pursuant to subsection (a) of this section are 5
	209	+	for statistical purposes only and are not public records. They shall be kept 6
	210	+	confidential and shall be destroyed after five years. 7
	211	+	Sec. 3. 26 V.S.A. § 1354 is amended to read: 8
	212	+	§ 1354. UNPROFESSIONAL CONDUCT 9
	213	+	(a) Prohibited conduct. The Board shall find that any one of the following, 10
	214	+	or any combination of the following, whether the conduct at issue was 11
	215	+	committed within or outside the State, constitutes unprofessional conduct: 12
	216	+	* * * 13
	217	+	(2) all advertising of health care services or a medical business that is 14
	218	+	intended or has a tendency to confuse, mislead, or deceive the public or impose 15
	219	+	upon credulous or ignorant persons and so be harmful or injurious to public 16
	220	+	morals or safety; 17
	221	+	* * * 18
	222	+	(21)(A) permitting one’s name or license to be used by a person, group, 19
	223	+	or corporation when not actually in charge of or responsible for the treatment 20
	224	+	given or other health care services provided; 21 BILL AS INTRODUCED S.28
	225	+	2025 Page 10 of 22
	226	+
	227	+
	228	+	VT LEG #379226 v.1
	229	+	(B) failing to provide active oversight over treatment or other health 1
	230	+	care services that are provided using or relying upon the licensee’s name or 2
	231	+	license; 3
	232	+	(C) failing to actively monitor the education, training, and experience of 4
	233	+	individuals providing treatment or other health care services that are provided 5
	234	+	using or relying upon the licensee’s name or license; or 6
	235	+	(D) failing to review and approve information about treatment or health 7
	236	+	care services that are provided using or relying upon the licensee’s name or 8
	237	+	license prior to communication of the information to users or potential users of 9
	238	+	the treatment or services; 10
	239	+	* * * 11
	240	+	(29) delegation of professional responsibilities, including delivery of 12
	241	+	any health care services, to a person whom the licensed professional knows, or 13
	242	+	has reason to know, is not qualified by training, experience, education, or 14
	243	+	licensing credentials to perform them; 15
	244	+	* * * 16
	245	+	(33)(A) providing, prescribing, dispensing, or furnishing medical 17
	246	+	services or prescription medication or prescription-only devices to a person in 18
	247	+	response to any communication transmitted or received by computer or other 19
	248	+	electronic means, when the licensee fails to take the following actions to 20
	249	+	establish and maintain a proper physician-patient relationship: 21 BILL AS INTRODUCED S.28
	250	+	2025 Page 11 of 22
	251	+
	252	+
	253	+	VT LEG #379226 v.1
	254	+	(i) a reasonable effort to verify that the person requesting 1
	255	+	medication is in fact the patient, and is in fact who the person claims to be; 2
	256	+	(ii) establishment of documented diagnosis through the use of 3
	257	+	accepted medical practices; and 4
	258	+	(iii) maintenance of a current medical record; 5
	259	+	(B) for the purposes of this subdivision (33), an electronic, on-line 6
	260	+	online, or telephonic evaluation by questionnaire is inadequate for the initial 7
	261	+	evaluation of the patient, except as otherwise provided in subdivision (C)(iv) 8
	262	+	of this subdivision (33); 9
	263	+	(C) the following would not be in violation of this subdivision (33) if 10
	264	+	transmitted or received by computer or other electronic means: 11
	265	+	(i) initial admission orders for newly hospitalized patients; 12
	266	+	(ii) prescribing for a patient of another physician for whom the 13
	267	+	prescriber has taken the call; 14
	268	+	(iii) prescribing for a patient examined by a licensed advanced 15
	269	+	practice registered nurse, physician assistant, or other advanced practitioner 16
	270	+	authorized by law and supported by the physician; 17
	271	+	(iv) in furtherance of 18 V.S.A. chapter 223, prescribing 18
	272	+	medication for an individual to terminate the individual’s pregnancy based on 19
	273	+	an adaptive questionnaire that allows the licensee to obtain additional medical 20
	274	+	history and ask follow-up questions as needed; 21 BILL AS INTRODUCED S.28
	275	+	2025 Page 12 of 22
	276	+
	277	+
	278	+	VT LEG #379226 v.1
	279	+	(v) continuing medication on a short-term basis for a new patient, 1
	280	+	prior to the patient’s first appointment; or 2
	281	+	(v)(vi) emergency situations where life or health of the patient is 3
	282	+	in imminent danger; 4
	283	+	* * * 5
	284	+	(b) Failure to practice competently. The Board may also find that failure to 6
	285	+	practice competently by reason of any cause on a single occasion or on 7
	286	+	multiple occasions constitutes unprofessional conduct. Failure to practice 8
	287	+	competently includes, as determined by the Board: 9
	288	+	(1) performance of unsafe or unacceptable patient care; or 10
	289	+	(2) failure to conform to the essential standards of acceptable and 11
	290	+	prevailing practice. 12
	291	+	(c) Burden of proof. The burden of proof in a disciplinary action shall be 13
	292	+	on the State to show by a preponderance of the evidence that the person has 14
	293	+	engaged in unprofessional conduct. 15
	294	+	(d)(1) Health care providers. Notwithstanding any other law to the 16
	295	+	contrary, no health care provider who is certified, registered, or licensed in 17
	296	+	Vermont shall be subject to professional disciplinary action by the Board, nor 18
	297	+	shall the Board take adverse action on an application for certification, 19
	298	+	registration, or licensure of a qualified health care provider, based solely on: 20 BILL AS INTRODUCED S.28
	299	+	2025 Page 13 of 22
	300	+
	301	+
	302	+	VT LEG #379226 v.1
	303	+	(A)(1) the health care provider providing or assisting in the provision of 1
	304	+	legally protected health care activity; or 2
	305	+	(B)(2) a criminal, civil, or disciplinary action in another state against the 3
	306	+	health care provider that is based solely on the provider providing or assisting 4
	307	+	in the provision of legally protected health care activity. 5
	308	+	(2)(e) Definitions. As used in this subsection section: 6
	309	+	(A)(1) “Health care provider” means a person who provides professional 7
	310	+	health care services to an individual during that individual’s medical care, 8
	311	+	treatment, or confinement. 9
	312	+	(B)(2) “Health care services” means services for the diagnosis, 10
	313	+	prevention, treatment, cure, or relief of a physical or mental health condition, 11
	314	+	including counseling, procedures, products, devices, and medications. 12
	315	+	(C)(3) “Legally protected health care activity” has the same meaning as 13
	316	+	in 1 V.S.A. § 150. 14
	317	+	Sec. 4. 26 V.S.A. § 1582 is amended to read: 15
	318	+	§ 1582. REGULATORY AUTHORITY; UNPROFESSIONAL CONDUCT 16
	319	+	(a) The Board may deny an application for licensure, renewal, or 17
	320	+	reinstatement; revoke or suspend any license to practice issued by it; or 18
	321	+	discipline or in other ways condition the practice of an applicant or licensee 19
	322	+	upon due notice and opportunity for hearing if the person engages in the 20
	323	+	following conduct or the conduct set forth in 3 V.S.A. § 129a: 21 BILL AS INTRODUCED S.28
	324	+	2025 Page 14 of 22
	325	+
	326	+
	327	+	VT LEG #379226 v.1
	328	+	* * * 1
	329	+	(3) engaging in conduct of a character likely to confuse, mislead, 2
	330	+	deceive, defraud, or harm the public; 3
	331	+	* * * 4
	332	+	(9)(A) permitting one’s name or license to be used by a person, group, 5
	333	+	or corporation when not actually in charge of or responsible for the treatment 6
	334	+	given or other health care services provided; 7
	335	+	(B) failing to provide active oversight over treatment or other health 8
	336	+	care services that are provided using or relying upon the licensee’s name or 9
	337	+	license; 10
	338	+	(C) failing to actively monitor the education, training, and experience of 11
	339	+	individuals providing treatment or other health care services that are provided 12
	340	+	using or relying upon the licensee’s name or license; or 13
	341	+	(D) failing to review and approve information about treatment or health 14
	342	+	care services that are provided using or relying upon the licensee’s name or 15
	343	+	license prior to communication of the information to users or potential users of 16
	344	+	the treatment or services; 17
	345	+	* * * 18
	346	+	(c) As used in this section, “health services” means services for the 19
	347	+	diagnosis, prevention, treatment, cure, or relief of a physical or mental health 20 BILL AS INTRODUCED S.28
	348	+	2025 Page 15 of 22
	349	+
	350	+
	351	+	VT LEG #379226 v.1
	352	+	condition, including counseling, procedures, products, devices, and 1
	353	+	medications. 2
	354	+	* * * 3
	355	+	Sec. 5. 26 V.S.A. § 1615 is amended to read: 4
	356	+	§ 1615. ADVANCED PRACTICE REGISTERED NURSES; 5
	357	+	REGULATORY AUTHORITY; UNPROFESSIONAL CONDUCT 6
	358	+	(a) In addition to the provisions of 3 V.S.A. § 129a and section 1582 of this 7
	359	+	chapter, the Board may deny an application for licensure, renewal, or 8
	360	+	reinstatement or may revoke, suspend, or otherwise discipline an advanced 9
	361	+	practice registered nurse upon due notice and opportunity for hearing if the 10
	362	+	person engages in the following conduct: 11
	363	+	* * * 12
	364	+	(6) Providing Except as otherwise provided in subsection (b) of this 13
	365	+	section, providing, prescribing, dispensing, or furnishing medical services or 14
	366	+	prescription medication or prescription-only devices to a person in response to 15
	367	+	any communication transmitted or received by computer or other electronic 16
	368	+	means when the licensee fails to take the following actions to establish and 17
	369	+	maintain a proper provider-patient relationship: 18
	370	+	(A) a reasonable effort to verify that the person requesting 19
	371	+	medication is in fact the patient and is in fact who the person claims to be; 20 BILL AS INTRODUCED S.28
	372	+	2025 Page 16 of 22
	373	+
	374	+
	375	+	VT LEG #379226 v.1
	376	+	(B) establishment of documented diagnosis through the use of 1
	377	+	accepted medical practices; and 2
	378	+	(C) maintenance of a current medical record. 3
	379	+	* * * 4
	380	+	(13)(A) Permitting one’s name or license to be used by a person, group, 5
	381	+	or corporation when not actually in charge of or responsible for the treatment 6
	382	+	given or other health care services provided; 7
	383	+	(B) failing to provide active oversight over treatment or other health 8
	384	+	care services that are provided using or relying upon the APRN’s name or 9
	385	+	license; 10
	386	+	(C) failing to actively monitor the education, training, and experience 11
	387	+	of individuals providing treatment or other health care services that are 12
	388	+	provided using or relying upon the APRN’s name or license; or 13
	389	+	(D) failing to review and approve information about treatment or 14
	390	+	health care services that are provided using or relying upon the APRN’s name 15
	391	+	or license prior to communication of the information to users or potential users 16
	392	+	of the treatment or services. 17
	393	+	(b)(1) For the purposes of subdivision (a)(6) of this section, an electronic, 18
	394	+	online, or telephonic evaluation by questionnaire is inadequate for the initial 19
	395	+	evaluation of the patient, except as otherwise provided in subdivision (2)(D) of 20
	396	+	this subsection. 21 BILL AS INTRODUCED S.28
	397	+	2025 Page 17 of 22
	398	+
	399	+
	400	+	VT LEG #379226 v.1
	401	+	(2) The following would not be in violation of subdivision (a)(6) of this 1
	402	+	section: 2
	403	+	(A) initial admission orders for newly hospitalized patients; 3
	404	+	(B) prescribing for a patient of another provider for whom the 4
	405	+	prescriber has taken call; 5
	406	+	(C) prescribing for a patient examined by a licensed APRN, 6
	407	+	physician assistant, or other practitioner authorized by law and supported by 7
	408	+	the APRN; 8
	409	+	(D) in furtherance of 18 V.S.A. chapter 223, prescribing medication 9
	410	+	for an individual to terminate the individual’s pregnancy based on an adaptive 10
	411	+	questionnaire that allows the licensee to obtain additional medical history and 11
	412	+	ask follow-up questions as needed; 12
	413	+	(E) continuing medication on a short-term basis for a new patient 13
	414	+	prior to the patient’s first appointment; or 14
	415	+	(E)(F) emergency situations where the life or health of the patient is 15
	416	+	in imminent danger. 16
	417	+	(c) As used in this section, “health services” means services for the 17
	418	+	diagnosis, prevention, treatment, cure, or relief of a physical or mental health 18
	419	+	condition, including counseling, procedures, products, devices, and 19
	420	+	medications. 20 BILL AS INTRODUCED S.28
	421	+	2025 Page 18 of 22
	422	+
	423	+
	424	+	VT LEG #379226 v.1
	425	+	Sec. 6. 26 V.S.A. § 1736 is amended to read: 1
	426	+	§ 1736. UNPROFESSIONAL CONDUCT 2
	427	+	(a) The following conduct and the conduct described in section 1354 of this 3
	428	+	title by a licensed physician assistant shall constitute unprofessional conduct; 4
	429	+	when that conduct is by an applicant or person who later becomes an applicant, 5
	430	+	it may constitute grounds for denial of licensure: 6
	431	+	* * * 7
	432	+	(2) occupational advertising or advertising about health care services 8
	433	+	that is intended or has a tendency to confuse, mislead, or deceive the public; 9
	434	+	(3) exercising undue influence on or taking improper advantage of a 10
	435	+	person using the individual’s services, or promoting the sale of professional 11
	436	+	goods or services in a manner that exploits a person for the financial gain of 12
	437	+	the practitioner or of a third party; 13
	438	+	(4) failing to comply with provisions of federal or state statutes or rules 14
	439	+	governing the profession; 15
	440	+	(5) conviction of a crime related to the profession; and 16
	441	+	(6) conduct that evidences unfitness to practice in the profession. 17
	442	+	* * * 18
	443	+	(d) As used in this section, “health services” means services for the 19
	444	+	diagnosis, prevention, treatment, cure, or relief of a physical or mental health 20 BILL AS INTRODUCED S.28
	445	+	2025 Page 19 of 22
	446	+
	447	+
	448	+	VT LEG #379226 v.1
	449	+	condition, including counseling, procedures, products, devices, and 1
	450	+	medications. 2
	451	+	Sec. 7. 26 V.S.A. § 1842 is amended to read: 3
	452	+	§ 1842. UNPROFESSIONAL CONDUCT 4
	453	+	(a) A person licensed as an osteopathic physician under this chapter shall 5
	454	+	not engage in unprofessional conduct. If such conduct is committed by an 6
	455	+	applicant, it shall be grounds for denial of a license. 7
	456	+	(b) Unprofessional conduct means the following conduct and conduct set 8
	457	+	forth in 3 V.S.A. § 129a: 9
	458	+	* * * 10
	459	+	(9) Delegating professional responsibilities, including the delivery of 11
	460	+	health care services, to a person who whom the licensee knows or has reason to 12
	461	+	know is not qualified by training, experience, or licensure to perform them. 13
	462	+	* * * 14
	463	+	(14)(A) Permitting one’s name or license to be used by a person, group, 15
	464	+	or corporation when not actually in charge of or responsible for the treatment 16
	465	+	or other health care services provided; 17
	466	+	(B) failing to provide active oversight over treatment or other health 18
	467	+	care services that are provided using or relying upon the licensee’s name or 19
	468	+	license; 20 BILL AS INTRODUCED S.28
	469	+	2025 Page 20 of 22
	470	+
	471	+
	472	+	VT LEG #379226 v.1
	473	+	(C) failing to actively monitor the education, training, and experience 1
	474	+	of individuals providing treatment or other health care services that are 2
	475	+	provided using or relying upon the licensee’s name or license; or 3
	476	+	(D) failing to review and approve information about treatment or 4
	477	+	health care services that are provided using or relying upon the licensee’s name 5
	478	+	or license prior to communication of the information to users or potential users 6
	479	+	of the treatment or services. 7
	480	+	(c) As used in this section, “health services” means services for the 8
	481	+	diagnosis, prevention, treatment, cure, or relief of a physical or mental health 9
	482	+	condition, including counseling, procedures, products, devices, and 10
	483	+	medications. 11
	484	+	Sec. 8. 26 V.S.A. § 2024 is added to read: 12
	485	+	§ 2024. CONFIDENTIALITY OF PRESCRIBER INFORMATI ON ON 13
	486	+	MEDICATIONS FOR LEGALLY PROTECTED HEALTH CARE 14
	487	+	ACTIVITY 15
	488	+	(a) As used in this section, “gender-affirming health care services” and 16
	489	+	“reproductive health care services” have the same meanings as in 1 V.S.A. 17
	490	+	§ 150. 18
	491	+	(b) Upon the request of a prescribing practitioner and to the extent not 19
	492	+	expressly prohibited under federal law, a pharmacist shall not list the 20
	493	+	practitioner’s name on a fulfilled prescription for medication for gender-21 BILL AS INTRODUCED S.28
	494	+	2025 Page 21 of 22
	495	+
	496	+
	497	+	VT LEG #379226 v.1
	498	+	affirming health care services or reproductive health care services but shall 1
	499	+	instead list the name of the facility at which the practitioner is employed or is a 2
	500	+	contract employee. 3
	501	+	(c) Nothing in this chapter or the rules governing the pharmacy profession 4
	502	+	shall be construed to require a pharmacist to list the prescribing practitioner’s 5
	503	+	name on a fulfilled prescription for medication for gender-affirming health 6
	504	+	care services or reproductive health care services. 7
	505	+	Sec. 9. 26 V.S.A. § 4132 is amended to read: 8
	506	+	§ 4132. UNPROFESSIONAL CONDUCT 9
	507	+	(a) The following conduct and conduct set forth in 3 V.S.A. § 129a by a 10
	508	+	person licensed as a naturopathic physician under this chapter or an applicant 11
	509	+	for licensure constitutes unprofessional conduct: 12
	510	+	* * * 13
	511	+	(12) Delegating professional responsibilities, including the delivery of 14
	512	+	health care services, to a person whom the licensee knows or has reason to 15
	513	+	know is not qualified by training, experience, or licensure to perform them. 16
	514	+	(13)(A) Permitting one’s name or license to be used by a person, group, 17
	515	+	or corporation when not actually in charge of or responsible for the treatment 18
	516	+	or other health care services provided; 19 BILL AS INTRODUCED S.28
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	518	+
	519	+
	520	+	VT LEG #379226 v.1
	521	+	(B) failing to provide active oversight over treatment or other health 1
	522	+	care services that are provided using or relying upon the licensee’s name or 2
	523	+	license; 3
	524	+	(C) failing to actively monitor the education, training, and experience 4
	525	+	of individuals providing treatment or other health care services that are 5
	526	+	provided using or relying upon the licensee’s name or license; or 6
	527	+	(D) failing to review and approve information about treatment or 7
	528	+	health care services that are provided using or relying upon the licensee’s name 8
	529	+	or license prior to communication of the information to users or potential users 9
	530	+	of the treatment or services. 10
	531	+	* * * 11
	532	+	(e) As used in this section, “health services” means services for the 12
	533	+	diagnosis, prevention, treatment, cure, or relief of a physical or mental health 13
	534	+	condition, including counseling, procedures, products, devices, and 14
	535	+	medications. 15
	536	+	Sec. 10. EFFECTIVE DATE 16
	537	+	This act shall take effect on passage. 17