Hayden DuBois advocates for H 96 certificate of need reform in Vermont

In a recent Vermont government meeting, the discussion centered around the proposed H 96 legislation, which aims to reform the state's Certificate of Need (CON) laws. The meeting featured testimony from Hayden DuBois, a visiting fellow at FGA Action, who emphasized the need for these reforms to enhance healthcare access and affordability for Vermonters.

DuBois, a former state resident with a background in public policy, highlighted that Vermont's current CON laws are among the most restrictive in the nation. These laws require medical institutions to obtain permission before establishing or expanding services, which he argued unnecessarily raises healthcare costs and limits competition. He pointed out that many states have either eliminated CON laws or have significantly relaxed their requirements, leading to better healthcare outcomes.

Citing research from the Mercatus Center at George Mason University, DuBois noted that reforming Vermont's CON laws could potentially reduce healthcare expenditures by $228 per person. The study also indicated that such reforms could lead to an increase in healthcare facilities and improved health outcomes, particularly in critical areas like surgical recovery and mortality rates.

The committee members engaged with DuBois, seeking further information about the Mercatus report and discussing the implications of CON laws on healthcare facility closures. DuBois clarified that most contention surrounding CON laws typically revolves around the opening and expansion of facilities rather than their closure, suggesting that the process for closing services is less contentious.

As the meeting progressed, it became clear that the proposed H 96 legislation is seen as a significant step towards a more competitive and accessible healthcare system in Vermont. The committee's deliberations on this matter will likely shape the future landscape of healthcare in the state, with potential benefits for both providers and patients alike.