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PUC flags broad language, practical hurdles in bill to expand medical protections from utility disconnection
Summary
PUC staff told the committee H.753’s proposal to let non‑physician licensed providers sign medical certificates and to extend certificate duration is well‑intentioned but uses broad language. PUC asked for clearer definitions and cautioned about rulemaking timelines and jurisdiction over small water systems.
On Feb. 13 the Health, Energy and Digital Infrastructure Committee heard from the Vermont Public Utility Commission on H.753, which would revise disconnection protections and PUC rule 3.3.
Greg Taylor of the PUC said a major change in the bill would allow "other licensed health care providers" — for example, nurse practitioners or physician assistants, as sponsors intended — to provide medical certificates that prevent utility disconnection. Taylor warned the phrase is broad and unspecified: it "could include a lot of folks" and the PUC recommended clearer statutory language or limits so staff and utilities know which licenses qualify.
The…
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