Senate committee considers two-year pilot to expand community nurses for Vermont seniors

The Senate Health and Welfare Committee on Wednesday discussed S.33, a bill sponsored by Senator White to establish a two‑year pilot program intended to expand existing community nurse programs that provide home visits and other preventive services to aging Vermonters. Committee members heard bill language, asked for fiscal and coordination analysis, and did not take a vote; the measure was held in reserve for further consideration.

The bill, as explained by Katie McLennan of the Office of Legislative Council, would appropriate $450,000 to the Department of Disabilities, Aging, and Independent Living (DAIL) to establish a pilot that would enhance services provided by one or more existing community nurse programs serving older Vermonters in their region. McLennan said the bill requires selected programs to submit an application describing how they would expand nursing visits, add a community health worker position, fill coverage gaps, integrate administrative support and collect data on outcomes. She said participating programs would be required to submit a report to DAIL by Dec. 15, 2027, documenting the…