Last week in Montpelier, the Valentine Phantom left a trail of love and hearts, even reaching the State House. Despite the festive spirit, the Vermont Association of Hospitals & Health Systems (VAHHS) was busy at the legislature. Here’s a recap of the key discussions:
– Hospital Audits: Dr. Nancy Kane and the State Auditor advocated for better financial literacy to understand hospital financial metrics and audits under the Green Mountain Care Board.
– Certificate of Need (CON): The Health Care Advocate proposed multiple tracks for the CON process to streamline projects and reduce delays.
– Freestanding Birth Centers: VAHHS supported licensure but raised concerns about sustainability and access to birthing services.
– Protected Health Services: VAHHS supported expanding consumer protections but sought refinement in the definition of unprofessional conduct.
– Workplace Violence Prevention: Nurse associations proposed measures for hospitals to address workplace violence, which VAHHS supported.
– DVHA Budget: The Department of Vermont Health Access outlined a budget increase for Medicaid, funding for psychiatric facilities, and support for medical education and healthcare initiatives.
– VITL: The Vermont Information Technology Leaders highlighted their role in ensuring efficient data exchange between healthcare providers.
These discussions at the legislature reflect ongoing efforts to improve healthcare services and protections in Vermont. As VAHHS continues to advocate for its members, the focus remains on providing quality care and addressing the evolving needs of the community.
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