2010 State Legislative Preview: VERMONT

VT LOOKS TO CONSOLIDATE PAST GAINS

2009 saw Vermont moving to implement comprehensive palliative care legislation, the nation’s strictest direct marketing rules to medical providers and the imposition of sole sourcing for its managed Medicaid program. As if this wasn’t enough, Vermont’s law prohibiting datamining is still making its way through the federal courts, as parties affected are challenging its constitutionality.

2010 figures to be a year of relative calm in the Green Mountains. Republican Governor Douglas has announced that he will not seek re-election. Several prominent state legislators have announced that they are going to pursue the open seat. It appears that ambition may trump governing in Montpelier, as parties loyal to each of the camps attempts to not give one another too much credit on political issues they might want to run on. Given recent political history, nothing moves folks in Vermont like healthcare. Expect lots of bluster, and not much else here.

HFA continues to profile each of the individual states and the current legislative environment looking ahead towards the 2010 legislative term. As always, community members are invited to comment, raise questions, address evolving themes. Your imput is always welcome.