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NEED TO KNOW
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Vermont Legislature Adjourns and the 2026 Election Season Begins
Last Friday night, the gavel fell on the 2026 legislative session, and the two-year biennium, marked by turnover, friction, and a challenging State budget, ended. Lawmakers and the Governor came to an agreement over three significant bills: the education bill, the yield (property tax) bill, and the FY27 Budget, so the Legislature is not moving forward with a scheduled veto session at the end of June. We are happy to report that the FY27 Budget includes the restoration of funding for the AHEC primary care loan repayment program and physician placement services, as well as a one-time boost of $3.7 million to primary care rates.
With over 1,200 bills filed in this biennium, the VMS policy team will continue to review the impact of the session, and we await action from the Governor on bills that passed the Legislature last week. After bills are sent to his desk, he has five days (excepting Sundays) to sign a bill into law, veto a bill, or let it go into law without his signature. Here are some priority bills that haven't yet been sent to the Governor:
- S. 64, the bill to allow optometrists to perform certain laser and surgical procedures, passed the full House last week after a long floor debate in which many lawmakers decried the lack of evidence for this scope of practice change. The Senate concurred with the House changes, and the bill now heads to the Governor. Please email the Governor and urge him to VETO this bill. See the full action alert below.
- S. 71, a comprehensive consumer data privacy bill, passed the House with VMS-priority exemptions for HIPAA-covered entities and business associates, as well as health care facilities that comply with HIPAA but may not be HIPAA-covered entities because they do not engage in electronic transactions, such as free clinics. The Senate concurred with the House version with reservations, as the bill could potentially negatively impact Vermont businesses and non-profits. It is unclear whether the Governor will sign this bill into law.
- S. 197, the primary care payment reform bill that takes some significant steps forward to improve access to primary care and relieve administrative burden, was approved by the full Legislature last week. The bill includes VMS-supported measures that will require all payers to contribute equally to the Blueprint Patient Centered Medical Home payments. It also requires the Agency of Human Services to set a primary care investment target. Please email the Governor and urge him to SIGN this bill.
We will be preparing a comprehensive summary of this session's wins and losses over the next few weeks. It’s not too early to request a legislative update for your practice or medical staff – contact jbarnard@vtmd.org to request a presentation. |
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Contact the Governor to Veto S.64
This bill will expand the scope of practice for optometrists, allowing them to perform certain eye surgeries without supervision after only eight hours of training under supervised practice.
Of the 25 U.S. optometry schools, only three — in Kentucky, Indiana, and Oklahoma — can train students on all surgeries designated in S.64 using live patients. Most optometry schools provide no hands-on surgical training.
Ophthalmologists in Kentucky and Oklahoma have reported numerous negative outcomes after similar bills passed in their states, including surgical complications, misdiagnoses, inappropriate surgeries, and permanent harm to patients. And while proponents of the bill claim it expands patient access, similar legislation in other states has not reduced travel time for patients, according to a 2023 JAMA Ophthalmology study.
We urge you to contact Governor Phil Scott and ask him to veto the bill. You can reach his office by phone at 802-828-3333 or leave a comment online. |
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WCAX: UVM Offers Student Loan Forgiveness to Keep Primary
Care Doctors in Vermont WCAX highlights the stories of several medical students who are recipients of the AHEC Scholars Medical Student Incentive Scholarship/Loan Forgiveness Program, which forgives a year of in-state tuition for each year graduates serve as primary care physicians in Vermont. VMS advocated for the establishment of the program, funded by state dollars. Read the WCAX story here. |
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Vermont Dept. of Health Clinical Guidance for Patients Exposed to PFAS in Drinking Water
Today, the Vermont Department of Health released updated clinical guidance for patients exposed to PFAS. Recently, Vermont’s regulatory level for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in drinking water was lowered, and there are additional public water systems and private wells that now exceed the new standard. Because drinking water is a primary source of PFAS exposure, drinking water exposure should be documented in a patient’s medical record and used to inform their ongoing care. The Vermont Department of Health recommends that anyone who has PFAS detected in their drinking water discuss their health history and concerns with their health care provider. See the full health update here. |
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Vermont Medicaid (DVHA) Releases Screening Tool for Work Requirements that Begin Next Year
As a reminder, some adults aged 19-64 who receive Vermont Medicaid will begin to have “community engagement” or work requirements as of January 1, 2027. This summer, Vermont Medicaid will begin sending information about these changes to Medicaid members who will be impacted. Vermont Medicaid has released a screening tool for individuals to learn if they might need to complete work requirements to receive or keep coverage. Find more information about the changes coming to Vermont Medicaid due to the One Big Beautiful Bill Act here.
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EVENTS
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Founding Martyr: the Life & Death of Dr. Joseph Warren, the American Revolution's Lost Hero with Christian DiSpigna June 16th, 7pm via Zoom Hear the author of the definitive biography on the only physician killed at the battle of Bunker Hill.
Little has been known of one of the most important figures in early American history, Dr. Joseph Warren, an architect of the colonial rebellion, and a man who might have led the country had he not died at Bunker Hill in 1775. Warren was involved in almost every major insurrectionary act in the Boston area for a decade, from the Stamp Act protests to the Boston Massacre to the Boston Tea Party. Learn more and register here.
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AMA Independent Practice Accelerator
Workshop
Sep. 11–12 | Chicago, IL
Thinking about starting or growing an independent practice? Get
the essential knowledge, practical skills and confidence you need to
launch a new practice or strengthen the one you already have! The AMA
Independent Practice Accelerator Workshop is a two-day, in-person event
designed exclusively for physicians. Register today to get on the fast track
to independent practice success.
International Conference on Physician
Health™ (ICPH) 2026
Sponsored by the American Medical Association, British Medical
Association, and Canadian Medical Association, ICPH 2026 offers
meaningful conversations, practical takeaways, and connections that last well
beyond the event. Both virtual and in-person attendance
options available! Register today. |
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AlpTerra Wilderness Medicine Course
October 1–5, October 8–12, 2026
Franconia, New Hampshire
Join Alpterra for an immersive, hands-on wilderness medicine course designed to prepare you for real-life scenarios in the outdoors. Treat mock injuries, problem-solve in the elements, and walk away with practical skills that stick.
- Max 4:1 participant-to-instructor ratio for highly personalized, discussion-driven learning.
- Accredited for up to 16 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™ — an excellent use of your CME allowance.
- Stay on-site in a luxury home-style setting. Enjoy local, family-style meals tailored to dietary needs.
- Add-on trips let you ski, climb, or explore the White Mountains with expert guides before or after your course.
Learn more about the agenda and registration here. |
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Save the Date: Vermont ACP Annual Scientific Meeting
October 9th at Trapp Family Lodge, Stowe, VT
The Vermont ACP Chapter's Annual Scientific Meeting will occur on Friday, October 9, 2026. This will be an in-person meeting with no virtual option. We will again host a poster competition for resident and student members.
Meeting details and agenda forthcoming. |
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2026 Collaborative Meeting November 13 - 14, 2026 Stowe, VT
The 2026 Collaborative Meeting is taking place November 13th and 14th at Topnotch Resort in Stowe, Vermont. Please save the date and join us this fall! Stay up to date on additional details by visiting here. |
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For more information about offerings from UVM
Continuing Medical and Interprofessional Education, visit here. |
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Vermont Medical Society PO Box 153 Williamstown, VT 05679 -- Unsubscribe -- |
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