An act relating to hospital collaboration and state action immunity

This bill allows Vermont hospitals and health systems to collaborate on specific health policy goals - such as reducing costs, improving care access, preserving rural hospitals, or advancing the state’s health strategic plan - while qualifying for legal protection from antitrust lawsuits. To qualify, collaborations must be approved by the Secretary of Human Services, who must confirm they align with state health goals and approve each initiative before implementation. The bill also permits participating hospitals to share cost, quality, and workforce data without violating antitrust laws. The Agency of Human Services will actively supervise these collaborations to ensure compliance with state policy.