2011 Vermont Code
Title 18 Health
Chapter 221 HEALTH CARE ADMINISTRATION
§ 9411 Other powers and duties

§ 9411. Other powers and duties

In addition to any other power or duty authorized by law, the commissioner may:

(1) In conjunction with the department of health and other entities, provide assistance to local communities, institutions and provider groups in the development of organized primary health care systems throughout the state.

(2) Develop processes or organizations to encourage regional and local decision-making about health care delivery, financing and provider supply.

(3) Establish advisory groups as necessary to assist the commissioner in carrying out the commissioner's duties.

(4) Provide technical assistance or make grants to individuals and public and nonprofit private entities, consistent with state and federal law, for the development of projects and programs which the commissioner determines are necessary to achieve the commissioner's objectives.

(5) Apply for waivers authorized by federal law or regulations as necessary to accomplish the purposes of this chapter.

(6) Designate one or more organizations to assist the commissioner in analyzing health care utilization in Vermont and in developing uniform utilization review procedures, to carry out specific studies concerning the use of health care services, and to make recommendations for the development of standards of care and practice guidelines. Any uniform utilization review procedures shall be adopted by the commissioner by rule prior to implementation and enforcement.

(7) Investigate the possibility of establishing a program for reducing the cost of prescription drugs in this state, for distribution by pharmacists in the state.

(8) Advise the secretary of human services concerning the planning, funding and delivery of health services. (Added 1991, No. 160 (Adj. Sess.), { 1, eff. May 11, 1992; amended 1995, No. 180 (Adj. Sess.), §§ 17, 38(a).)