Conference committee narrows Health Care Delivery Advisory Committee membership, bars member pay

A conference committee on H.126 on the proposed statewide health care delivery strategic plan agreed to add a Health Care Delivery Advisory Committee and to specify who will sit on it, and the committee language says members "shall not receive per diem compensation or reimbursement of expenses."

The committee's ranking staff member, Jen Kirby of the council office, told members, "we are up to section 9, which is adding the health care delivery advisory committee," and summarized changes from the Senate and House versions, including new named categories of members and the explicit prohibition on pay.

Why it matters: the advisory committee will advise the Agency of Human Services (AHS) as the state develops and implements a strategic plan for health care delivery. Membership and compensation rules shape which interests are represented and how actively volunteers can participate.

Under the draft language discussed, the House expanded the panel beyond the Senate's 14 members to add: one member of the Health Equity Advisory Commission (selected by that commission's chair); a representative of physicians selected by the Vermont Medical Society; a representative of independent physician practices selected by Health First; one advanced practice registered nurse selected by the Vermont Nurse Practitioners Association; one representative of small businesses selected by the Vermont Chamber of Commerce; and the executive director of VPQHC or a designee. The bill text also makes minor cleanup changes reflecting that AHS will lead development of the statewide strategic plan.

A committee member asked whether the Blueprint for Health would be represented on the advisory panel, noting overlap with existing groups. The member asked, "was there any thought about adding a blueprint?" Committee discussion noted the membership choices were intended to ensure an independent representative of physicians and a distinct representative of independent practices rather than a single seat chosen jointly by insurers or other entities.

Supporters of adding a small-business representative argued the voice of employers who purchase coverage for employees needed representation. One committee member said a small-business owner on the committee had experience with affordability challenges and access issues.

The committee left the section in place for now and signaled further review as it continues conference negotiations on H.126. The bill text as discussed specifies membership categories and the compensation prohibition; it does not create an allowance for per diem or expense reimbursement.