VAHHS Update
Newsmaker Interview: UVM Health Network CEO works to close $75M budget gap
The UVM Health Network suffers from a sustainability problem, according to its CEO, Sunny Eappen.
Implementation of Vt. nursing licensure compact proves costly
Is a program designed to alleviate Vermont’s nursing shortage taking a toll on regulators’ budget? Vermont’s interstate nursing licensure compact allows nurses and LPNs to practice across state lines, with the aim of bolstering the workforce.
Health Watch: Program expands health worker training on ultrasound
Ultrasounds can be an important tool to address a variety of patients’ needs. But not all hospital employees are trained to use them. Now, officials at Northeastern Vermont Regional Hospital in St. Johnsbury are working to address that gap in care.
Could new incentives help boost Vermont’s nursing workforce?
We’re learning more about the state’s efforts to attract more health care workers to fill a staffing shortage at local hospitals and health centers.
EMS personnel plead with Vermont lawmakers to address system in 'crisis'
Emergency medical service providers across Vermont are pleading with lawmakers to rescue a system they say is “in crisis.”
CMS finalizes prior authorization rule expected to save $15B
CMS has finalized a rule to streamline the prior authorization process and improve the electronic exchange of health information that it estimates will save $15 billion over 10 years.
Vermont doctors, patients seek living kidney donors
Dozens of Vermonters wait years for kidneys, a process that’s only gotten lengthier. According to the University of Vermont Medical Center, patients on average wait at least two to three years to get a kidney transplant, and in some instances, up to seven years.
Red Cross declares an emergency blood shortage, as number of donors hits 20-year low
The American Red Cross announced that it is experiencing the lowest number of people giving blood in the last 20 years, in what the organization says is an emergency shortage.
Legislative Update
Although it was only the third week of the session, last week was a whirlwind. Let’s jump right in!
Will this be the year Vermont bans flavored tabacco sales?
Since 2020, Vermont lawmakers have been trying to ban the sale of flavored tobacco.
St. Johnsbury hospital seeing surge in respiratory illness
Vermont health officials say they are seeing an uptick in respiratory illnesses including COVID.
Message from the CEO
As you'll note from our legislative report, the 2024 session is already in full swing. As is traditional, the governor kicked it off with his State of the State address, which he delivered to a joint session of the Senate and House.
Gov. Scott, legislators present reforms to jumpstart housing development
Gov. Phil Scott introduced a major housing initiative Wednesday in conjunction with a tri-partisan group of legislators.
St. Johnsbury Select Board Grants $100K To NVRH For Housing
On Monday, the St. Johnsbury Select Board gave Northeastern Vermont Regional Hospital (NVRH) a $100,000 grant for housing. The housing plan would be for hospital employees and anyone else in the community.
Legislative Update
After making a big deal about S.151 being THE health care reform bill last week, S.211 and S.183 came out with major changes to government structures around health care. Such is the session—turns on a dime and keeps you on your toes.
Vt. lawmakers seek to expand Medicaid access
A proposal to expand publicly-funded health care coverage is building steam at the Statehouse. Democrats are pitching a plan to extend Medicaid to thousands of low-income Vermonters.
Brattleboro Memorial Hospital patient allegedly threatened nurse, caused disturbance
A man was arrested after police say he caused a disturbance at the Brattleboro Memorial Hospital and threatened a nurse.
Hospitals seeing increased COVID, respiratory illnesses
Vermont health officials say they are seeing an uptick in respiratory illnesses including COVID.
Reaction to Scott's State of the State Address
“The Vermont Association of Hospitals and Health Systems represents all of Vermont non-profit hospitals, which are working tirelessly to serve their communities in these difficult times. Vermonters are struggling with big issues like economic turmoil, substance misuse, mental health challenges, lack of access to community-based services including transportation, long-term care and more.
Maintaining Vermont’s pandemic stockpile remains a balancing act
After the scramble for ventilators, hand sanitizer, and personal protective equipment following the start of the outbreak of COVID in 2020, Vermont health officials say they have learned some lessons, and the state is now better prepared for pandemics of the future.