2005 Vermont Code - § 9405a. — Community needs assessment and strategic planning

§ 9405a. Community needs assessment and strategic planning

On or before January 1, 2005, each hospital shall conduct a four-year community needs assessment. The assessment shall identify and prioritize the health care needs of the service area or patient population for which a hospital provides services, and engage the public in the hospital's strategic planning process. It shall be accomplished in collaboration with community members, including other health care professionals in the community, local government officials, community organizations, and local businesses. The process for assessing the community's health care needs shall include at least one public meeting held solely for soliciting public comment, notice for which shall be provided pursuant to section 174 of Title 1. The needs assessment shall be prepared in a uniform format approved by the commissioner and shall be summarized in the hospital's community report. In addition, each hospital shall develop a mechanism for receiving ongoing public comment, including an annual public meeting, regarding the community needs assessment and for revising it biannually so that the assessment will continue to project a four-year vision. Subsequent community needs assessments shall be conducted every four years thereafter, beginning March 1, 2009. (Added 2003, No. 53, § 4; amended 2005, No. 71, § 77a.)