The Vermont Statutes Online
The Statutes below include the actions of the 2024 session of the General Assembly.
NOTE: The Vermont Statutes Online is an unofficial copy of the Vermont Statutes Annotated that is provided as a convenience.
Title 18: Health
Chapter 001: Department of Health; General Provisions
- Subchapter 001: GENERAL PROVISIONS
§ 1. General powers of Department of Health
In accordance with this title, the Department of Health shall have power to supervise and direct the execution of all laws relating to public health and substance abuse. (Amended 2005, No. 174 (Adj. Sess.), § 34a; 2007, No. 15, § 8; 2023, No. 6, § 88, eff. July 1, 2023.)
§ 2. Definitions
The following words and phrases, as used in this title, will have the following meanings unless the context otherwise requires:
(1) “Department” means the Department of Health.
(2) [Repealed.]
(3) “Commissioner” means the Commissioner of Health or the Commissioner’s designee.
(4) “Health officer” means the Commissioner of Health, the Commissioner’s designee, or a local or district health officer.
(5) “Local board of health” means the local health officer, with the selectboard of the town or city council of a city.
(6) “Palliative care” means interdisciplinary care given to improve the quality of life of patients and their families facing the problems associated with a serious medical condition. Palliative care through the continuum of illness involves addressing physical, cognitive, emotional, psychological, and spiritual needs and facilitating patient autonomy, access to information, and choice.
(7) “Permit” means any permit or license issued pursuant to this title.
(8) “Person” means any individual, company, corporation, association, partnership, the U.S. government or any department or agency thereof, and the State of Vermont or any department, agency, subdivision, or municipality thereof.
(9) “Public health hazard” means the potential harm to the public health by virtue of any condition or any biological, chemical, or physical agent. In determining whether a health hazard is public or private, the Commissioner shall consider at least the following factors:
(A) the number of persons at risk;
(B) the characteristics of the person or persons at risk;
(C) the characteristics of the condition or agent which is the source of potential harm;
(D) the availability of private remedies;
(E) the geographical area and characteristics thereof where the condition or agent which is the source of the potential harm or the receptors exist; and
(F) Department policy as established by rule or agency procedure.
(10) “Public health risk” means the probability of experiencing a public health hazard.
(11) “Selectboard,” in the context of this title, includes trustees of an incorporated village, or a city council when appropriate.
(12) “Significant public health risk” means a public health risk of such magnitude that the Commissioner or a local health officer has reason to believe that it must be mitigated. The magnitude of the risk is a factor of the characteristics of the public health hazard and the degree and the circumstances of exposure to such public health hazard. (Amended 1959, No. 329 (Adj. Sess.), § 27, eff. March 1, 1961; 1977, No. 147 (Adj. Sess.); 1985, No. 267 (Adj. Sess.), § 2; 2009, No. 25, § 2; 2023, No. 53, § 17, eff. June 8, 2023; 2023, No. 85 (Adj. Sess.), § 37, eff. July 1, 2024.)
§ 3. Repealed. 2007, No. 200 (Adj. Sess.), § 33(b).
§ 4. Agencies and employees
The Commissioner may set up such departmental agencies, to be known as divisions, as may be needed to effect the full purpose of the consolidation herein made, and to make the service rendered by the Department of the highest possible efficiency, and may employ such division directors, such institution superintendents and personnel, and such clerical assistants, not otherwise authorized by law, as may be needed to maintain proper operation of the several departments and functions herein consolidated, and may, subject to the approval of the Commissioner of Human Resources, fix the compensation and expense allowance of such employees. (Amended 1959, No. 329 (Adj. Sess.), § 27, eff. March 1, 1961; 2003, No. 156 (Adj. Sess.), § 15; 2023, No. 53, § 18, eff. June 8, 2023.)
§ 5. Duties of Department of Health
The Department of Health shall:
(1) Conduct studies, develop State plans, and administer programs and State plans for hospital survey and construction, hospital operation and maintenance, medical care, and treatment of substance abuse.
(2) Provide methods of administration and such other action as may be necessary to comply with the requirements of federal acts and regulations as relate to studies, development of plans and administration of programs in the fields of health, public health, health education, hospital construction and maintenance, and medical care.
(3) Appoint advisory councils, with the approval of the Governor.
(4) Cooperate with necessary federal agencies in securing federal funds that become available to the State for all prevention, public health, wellness, and medical programs.
(5) Seek accreditation through the Public Health Accreditation Board.
(6) Create a State Health Improvement Plan and facilitate local health improvement plans in order to encourage the design of healthy communities and to promote policy initiatives that contribute to community, school, and workplace wellness, which may include providing assistance to employers for wellness program grants, encouraging employers to promote employee engagement in healthy behaviors, and encouraging the appropriate use of the health care system.
(7) Serve as the leader on State rental housing health laws.
(8) Provide policy assistance and technical support to municipalities concerning the implementation and enforcement of State rental housing health and safety laws. (Amended 2011, No. 48, § 26, eff. May 26, 2011; amended 2019, No. 48, § 5.)
§ 6. Interfering with health officers; penalty
A person who in any way interferes with a local health officer; or the director, chemist, or inspectors of the State laboratory in the performance of their duties under this title shall be fined not more than $50.00 for the first offense and for each subsequent offense shall be fined $100.00. (Amended 1959, No. 329 (Adj. Sess.), § 27, eff. March 1, 1961; 2023, No. 53, § 19, eff. June 8, 2023.)
§ 7. General penalty
A person who violates a provision of this title for which no other penalty is provided shall be fined not more than $100.00 nor less than $50.00.
§ 8. Prosecutions; penalties
The State’s Attorney to whom the Commissioner of Health reports a violation of this title shall cause proceedings to be commenced and prosecution in the proper court without delay for the enforcement of penalties as in such case provided. (Amended 1959, No. 329 (Adj. Sess.), § 27, eff. March 1, 1961; 2023, No. 53, § 20, eff. June 8, 2023.)
§ 9. Blood donations
A person who is 16 years of age or over shall have legal capacity, without consent or authorization of the person’s parent or guardian, to donate blood and to consent to the withdrawal of blood from his or her body, in connection with any voluntary blood donation program under which no compensation is paid or received. (Added 1973, No. 166 (Adj. Sess.), eff. March 22, 1974; amended 1975, No. 136 (Adj. Sess.), § 1, eff. Feb. 17, 1976; 2011, No. 86 (Adj. Sess.), § 1, eff. April 24, 2012.)
§ 10. Redesignated. 2019, No. 155 (Adj. Sess.), § 7(a), eff. Nov. 1, 2020.
§ 10a. Redesignated. 2019, No. 155 (Adj. Sess.), § 7(b), eff. Nov. 1, 2020.
§ 11. Repealed. 2023, No. 53, § 6, eff. June 8, 2023
(Added 2001, No. 123 (Adj. Sess.), § 2, eff. June 5, 2002; amended 2007, No. 203 (Adj. Sess.), § 20, eff. June 20, 2008; repealed by 2023, No. 53, § 6, eff. June 8, 2023.)
§ 12. Provision of information regarding contraceptives
In order to prevent or reduce unintended pregnancies and sexually transmitted diseases, the Department of Health, in partnership with health care providers and health insurers, shall communicate to adolescents and other individuals of reproductive age information regarding contraceptive access and coverage. (Added 2019, No. 157 (Adj. Sess.), § 5, eff. Nov. 1, 2020.)
§ 13. Community Violence Prevention Program
(a)(1) There is established the Community Violence Prevention Program to be administered by the Department of Health in consultation and collaboration with the Chief Prevention Officer, the Department of Public Safety, the Director of Violence Prevention, the Executive Director of Racial Equity, and the Council for Equitable Youth Justice. The Program shall work with communities to implement innovative, evidence-based, and evidence-informed programs addressing causes of youth and community violence.
(2) Grants awarded pursuant to this section shall be at the discretion of the Commissioner of Health. Preference shall be given to communities where there has been an increase in violence associated with illegal drug sales and trafficking, gang activity, or human trafficking. Grants shall:
(A) build on and complement existing programs addressing the causes of youth and community violence; and
(B) be for the purpose of funding efforts that address violence and associated community harm using approaches that may include the following:
(i) best available research evidence;
(ii) experiential evidence;
(iii) contextual evidence;
(iv) lived experience of impacted communities;
(v) trauma-responsive programming; and
(vi) other qualitative or quantitative factors that may inform the decision making of the Commissioner.
(b)(1) A Vermont municipality or nonprofit organization may submit an application for a Community Violence Prevention Program grant to the Commissioner of Health. Grants awarded under this section shall be for the purpose of funding innovative, evidence-based, or evidence-informed approaches to reducing violence and associated community harm.
(2) The Commissioner of Health, in consultation with the Department of Public Safety and the Executive Director of Racial Equity, shall develop and publish guidelines for the award of Community Violence Prevention Program grants. The guidelines shall include a focus on increasing community capacity to implement approaches for human services, public health, and public safety collaboration to address root causes of community violence and substance use through data-driven projects.
(c) The Community Violence Prevention Program shall collect data to monitor youth and community violence and its related risk and protective factors and to evaluate the impact of prevention efforts and shall use the data to plan and implement programs. The Program shall use monitoring and evaluation data to track the impact of interventions.
(d)(1) The Commissioner of Health, in consultation and collaboration with the Chief Prevention Officer, the Department of Public Safety, the Director of Violence Prevention, the Executive Director of Racial Equity, and the Council for Equitable Youth Justice, shall report on the Community Violence Prevention Program:
(A) on or before September 1, 2023 and December 1, 2023 to the Joint Legislative Justice Oversight Committee; and
(B) on or before January 15, 2024, and annually on that date thereafter, to the Senate and House Committees on Judiciary, the Senate Committee on Health and Welfare, the House Committee on Human Services, and the House Committee on Health Care.
(2) The report required by this subsection shall include:
(A) a complete description of the Community Violence Prevention Program grant application and award process;
(B) guidelines for the award of grants developed under subdivision (b)(2) of this section;
(C) the number of applications submitted and grants awarded, and the amount of each grant awarded;
(D) detailed descriptions of the programs and purposes for which all grants were awarded;
(E) the impacts and outcomes of funded projects; and
(F) descriptions of any grants applied for or awarded. (Added 2023, No. 23, § 10, eff. May 30, 2023.)
- Subchapter 002: HEALTH CARE PROFESSIONS; EDUCATIONAL ASSISTANCE
§ 31. Repealed. 2021, No. 183 (Adj. Sess.), §24(b), eff. July 1, 2022.
(Added 2001, No. 63, Added 2001, No. 63, § 113a; amended 2001, No. 142 (Adj. Sess.), § 129, eff. June 21, 2002; 2005, No. 71, § 109; 2019, No. 155 (Adj. Sess.), § 7(a), eff. Nov. 1, 2020.)
§ 32. Educational loan repayment for health care professionals
(a) The Department of Health shall make funds available to the University of Vermont College of Medicine area health education centers (AHEC) program for loan repayment awards. The Commissioner may require certification of compliance with this section prior to the making of an award.
(b) AHEC shall administer awards in such a way as to comply with the requirements of Section 108(f) of the Internal Revenue Code.
(c) AHEC shall make loan repayment awards in exchange for service commitment by health care professionals and health care educators and shall define the service obligation in a contract with the health care professional or health care educator. Payment awards shall be made directly to the educational loan creditor or lender of the health care professional or health care educator.
(d) Loan repayment awards shall only be available for a health care professional or health care educator who:
(1) is a Vermont resident;
(2) serves Vermont;
(3) accepts patients with coverage under Medicaid, Medicare, or other State-funded health care benefit programs, if applicable; and
(4) has outstanding educational debt acquired in the pursuit of an undergraduate or graduate degree from an accredited college or university that exceeds the amount of the loan repayment award.
(e) Additional eligibility and selection criteria will be developed annually by the Commissioner in consultation with AHEC and may include local goals for improved service, community needs, or other awarding parameters.
(f) The Commissioner may adopt rules in order to implement the program established in this section.
(g) As used in this section:
(1) “Health care educator” shall mean an individual employed by or contracted by an accredited postsecondary institution in Vermont to teach in a health care profession educational program.
(2) “Health care professional” means an individual licensed, certified, or otherwise authorized by law to provide professional health care services in this State to an individual during that individual’s medical, mental health, or dental care; treatment or confinement; or in a public health role.
(h) Loan repayment shall be awarded on a rolling basis, provided funds are available, and any funds remaining at the end of a fiscal year shall carry forward and shall be available to the Department of Health and AHEC in the following fiscal year to award additional loan repayment as set forth in this section. (Added 2005, No. 215 (Adj. Sess.), § 331; amended 2019, No. 155 (Adj. Sess.), § 7(b), eff. Nov. 1, 2020; 2023, No. 6, § 89, eff. July 1, 2023; 2023, No. 85 (Adj. Sess.), § 38, eff. July 1, 2024; 2023, No. 113 (Adj. Sess.), § E.311, eff. July 1, 2024.)
§ 33. University of Vermont College of Medicine; Medical Student Incentive Scholarship [Repealed effective July 1, 2027]
(a) The Department of Health, in collaboration with the Office of Primary Care and Area Health Education Centers Program (AHEC) at the University of Vermont College of Medicine and the Vermont Student Assistance Corporation (VSAC), shall establish a Medical Student Incentive Scholarship Program at the University of Vermont College of Medicine. The purpose of the Program is to strengthen the primary care workforce pipeline and increase the number of new physicians practicing in Vermont to meet the health care needs of Vermonters, with a focus on rural areas and undersupplied medical specialties.
(b)(1) Scholarships shall be awarded to up to 10 students annually who commit to practicing in a medical specialty priority area, as set forth in subdivision (c)(2) of this section, in a region of Vermont other than Chittenden County, in a practice site that is not owned by an academic medical center and that accepts patients who are covered by Medicaid, Medicare, or other publicly funded health benefit programs.
(2) Students shall be eligible to participate in the Medical Student Incentive Scholarship Program in their third and fourth year of medical school. A student who receives an incentive scholarship for the third year of medical school shall be eligible to receive another incentive scholarship for the fourth year of medical school.
(3) Each incentive scholarship award shall be for an amount not less than the in-state tuition rate for the University of Vermont College of Medicine.
(c)(1) For each academic year of incentive scholarship received, the recipient shall incur a full-time service obligation of not less than one year in a medical specialty priority area and in a setting that meets the requirements of subdivision (b)(1) of this section.
(2) The medical specialty priority area shall be primary care; approved specialties include family medicine, internal medicine, adult primary care, pediatrics primary care, obstetrics-gynecology, and psychiatry.
(3) An incentive scholarship recipient who does not fulfill the service obligation commitment to practice in Vermont in accordance with the terms of the award shall be liable for repayment of the full amount of the scholarship, plus interest and penalty.
(d)(1) The Medical Student Incentive Scholarship Program shall be administered in compliance with federal financial aid regulations and the Internal Revenue Code.
(2) Payments shall be made directly to the recipient’s University of Vermont student financial services account.
(3) The full terms and conditions of the award shall be described in the award contract or promissory note and shall be binding once the contract or note is fully executed.
(4) AHEC and VSAC shall enter into a memorandum of understanding establishing their respective responsibilities for administering the Medical Student Incentive Scholarship Program. The memorandum of understanding shall be subject to the approval of the Department of Health.
(e)(1) The Commissioner of Health, in consultation with AHEC and VSAC, may establish additional recipient eligibility criteria, selection criteria, award terms and conditions, and evidence-based best practices to meet the purposes of the Medical Student Incentive Scholarship Program on an annual basis to best respond to Vermont’s needs for physician workforce and access to health care.
(2) The Commissioner of Health may adopt rules in accordance with 3 V.S.A. chapter 25 in order to plan, implement, maintain, and evaluate the Medical Student Incentive Scholarship Program established in this section.
(f) Forgivable loans shall be awarded on a rolling basis, provided funds are available, and any funds remaining at the end of a fiscal year shall carry forward and shall be available to the Department of Health and the Corporation in the following fiscal year to award additional forgivable loans as set forth in this section. (Added 2019, No. 155 (Adj. Sess.), § 3, eff. Nov. 1, 2020; amended 2021, No. 74, § E.311.1; repealed on July 1, 2027 by 2019, No. 155 (Adj. Sess.), § 7a, as amended by 2021, No. 74, § E.311.2; 2023, No. 113 (Adj. Sess.), § E.311, eff. July 1, 2024.)
§ 34. Vermont Nursing Forgivable Loan Incentive Program
(a) As used in this section:
(1) “Corporation” means the Vermont Student Assistance Corporation established in 16 V.S.A. § 2821.
(2) “Eligible individual” means an individual who satisfies the eligibility requirements under this section for a forgivable loan.
(3) “Eligible school” means an approved postsecondary education institution, as defined under 16 V.S.A. § 2822.
(4) “Forgivable loan” means a loan awarded under this section covering tuition, which may also cover room, board, and the cost of required books and supplies for up to full-time attendance at an eligible school.
(5) “Program” means the Vermont Nursing Forgivable Loan Incentive Program created under this section.
(b) The Vermont Nursing Forgivable Loan Incentive Program is created and shall be administered by the Department of Health in collaboration with the Corporation. The Program provides forgivable loans to students enrolled in an eligible school who commit to working as a nurse in this State and who meet the eligibility requirements in subsection (d) of this section.
(c) The Corporation shall disburse forgivable loan funds under the Program on behalf of eligible individuals, subject to the appropriation of funds by the General Assembly for this purpose.
(d) To be eligible for a forgivable loan under the Program, an individual, whether a resident or nonresident, shall satisfy all of the following requirements:
(1) be enrolled at a nursing program at an eligible school;
(2) maintain good standing at the eligible school at which the individual is enrolled;
(3) agree to work as a nurse in Vermont employed directly by a Vermont health care provider for a minimum of one year following licensure for each year of forgivable loan awarded;
(4) have executed a credit agreement or promissory note that will reduce the individual’s forgivable loan benefit, in whole or in part, pursuant to subsection (g) of this section, if the individual fails to complete the period of service required in this subsection;
(5) have completed the Program’s application form and such financial aid forms as the Corporation deems necessary, in accordance with a schedule determined by the Corporation; and
(6) have provided such other documentation as the Corporation may require.
(e)(1) First priority for forgivable loan funds shall be given to students pursuing a practical nursing certificate who will be eligible to sit for the NCLEX-PN examination upon completion of the certificate.
(2) Second priority for forgivable loan funds shall be given to students pursuing an associate’s degree in nursing who will be eligible to sit for the NCLEX-RN examination upon graduation.
(3) Third priority for forgivable loan funds shall be given to students pursuing a bachelor of science degree in nursing.
(4) Fourth priority shall be given to students pursuing graduate nursing education.
(f) In addition to the priorities established in subsection (e) of this section, students attending an eligible school in Vermont shall receive first priority for forgivable loans.
(g)(1) If an eligible individual fails to serve as a nurse in this State for a period that would entitle the individual to the full forgivable loan benefit received by the individual, other than for good cause as determined by the Corporation in consultation with the Vermont Department of Health, then the individual shall receive only partial loan forgiveness for a pro rata portion of the loan pursuant to the terms of the interest-free credit agreement or promissory note signed by the individual at the time of entering the Program.
(2) Employment as a traveling nurse shall not be construed to satisfy the service commitment required for a forgivable loan under this section.
(h) There shall be no deadline to apply for a forgivable loan under this section. Forgivable loans shall be awarded on a rolling basis as long as funds are available, and any funds remaining at the end of a fiscal year shall roll over and shall be available to the Department of Health and the Corporation in the following fiscal year to award additional forgivable loans as set forth in this section.
(i) The Corporation shall adopt policies, procedures, and guidelines necessary to implement the provisions of this section, including maximum forgivable loan amounts.
(j) Forgivable loans shall be awarded on a rolling basis, provided funds are available, and any funds remaining at the end of a fiscal year shall carry forward and shall be available to the Department of Health and the Corporation in the following fiscal year to award additional forgivable loans as set forth in this section. (Added 2021, No. 183 (Adj. Sess.), § 23, eff. July 1, 2022; amended 2023, No. 113 (Adj. Sess.), § E.311, eff. July 1, 2024.)
§ 35. Vermont Health Care Professional Loan Repayment Program
(a) As used in this section:
(1) “AHEC” means the Vermont Area Health Education Centers program.
(2) “Eligible individual” means an individual who satisfies the eligibility requirements for loan repayment under this section.
(3) “Eligible school” means an approved postsecondary education institution, as defined under 16 V.S.A. § 2822.
(4) “Loan repayment” means the repayment of loans under this section.
(5) “Loans” means education loans guaranteed, made, financed, serviced, or otherwise administered by an accredited educational lender for attendance at an eligible school.
(6) “Program” means the Vermont Health Care Professional Loan Repayment Program created under this section.
(b) The Vermont Health Care Professional Loan Repayment Program is created and shall be administered by the Department of Health in collaboration with AHEC. The Program provides loan repayment on behalf of individuals who live and work in this State as a nurse, physician assistant, medical lab technician, medical lab technologist, clinical laboratory scientist, child psychiatrist, or primary care provider and who meet the eligibility requirements in subsection (d) of this section.
(c) The loan repayment benefits provided under the Program shall be paid on behalf of the eligible individual by AHEC, subject to the appropriation of funds by the General Assembly for this purpose.
(d) To be eligible for loan repayment under the Program, an individual shall satisfy all of the following requirements:
(1) have graduated from an eligible school where the individual was awarded a degree in nursing, physician assistant studies, medicine, osteopathic medicine, or naturopathic medicine, or a two- or four-year degree that qualifies the individual to be a medical lab technician, medical lab technologist, or clinical laboratory scientist;
(2) work in this State as a nurse, physician assistant, medical lab technician, medical lab technologist, or clinical laboratory scientist, child psychiatrist, or primary care provider; and
(3) be a resident of Vermont.
(e)(1) An eligible individual shall be entitled to an amount of loan repayment under this section for a defined service obligation in Vermont of not less than one year. Employment as a traveling nurse shall not be construed to satisfy the service commitment required under this section.
(2) AHEC shall award loan repayments in amounts that are sufficient to attract high-quality candidates while also making a meaningful increase in Vermont’s health care professional workforce.
(f) Loan repayment shall be awarded on a rolling basis, provided funds are available, and any funds remaining at the end of a fiscal year shall carry forward and shall be available to the Department of Health and AHEC in the following fiscal year to award additional loan repayment as set forth in this section. (Added 2021, No. 183 (Adj. Sess.), § 26, eff. July 1, 2022; amended 2023, No. 113 (Adj. Sess.), § E.311, eff. July 1, 2024.)
§ 36. Nurse Faculty Forgivable Loan Incentive Program
(a) As used in this section:
(1) “Corporation” means the Vermont Student Assistance Corporation established in 16 V.S.A. § 2821.
(2) “Eligible individual” means an individual who satisfies the eligibility requirements under this section for a forgivable loan.
(3) “Eligible school” means an approved postsecondary education institution, as defined under 16 V.S.A. § 2822.
(4) “Forgivable loan” means a loan awarded under this section covering tuition, which may also cover room, board, and the cost of required books and supplies for up to full-time attendance at an eligible school.
(5) “Nurse faculty member” or “member of the nurse faculty” means an individual with a master’s or doctoral degree that qualifies the individual to teach at a nursing school in this State.
(6) “Program” means the Nurse Faculty Forgivable Loan Program created under this section.
(b) The Nurse Faculty Forgivable Loan Program is created and shall be administered by the Department of Health in collaboration with the Corporation. The Program provides forgivable loans to students enrolled in an eligible school who commit to working as a member of the nurse faculty at a nursing school in this State and who meet the eligibility requirements in subsection (d) of this section.
(c) The Corporation shall disburse forgivable loan funds under the Program on behalf of eligible individuals, subject to the appropriation of funds by the General Assembly for this purpose.
(d) To be eligible for a forgivable loan under the Program, an individual, whether a resident or nonresident, shall satisfy all of the following requirements:
(1) be enrolled at an eligible school in a program that leads to a graduate degree in nursing;
(2) maintain good standing at the eligible school at which the individual is enrolled;
(3) agree to work as a member of the nurse faculty at a nursing school in Vermont for a minimum of one year following licensure for each year of forgivable loan awarded;
(4) have executed a credit agreement or promissory note that will reduce the individual’s forgivable loan benefit, in whole or in part, pursuant to subsection (e) of this section if the individual fails to complete the period of service required in subdivision (3) of this subsection;
(5) have completed the Program’s application form and such financial aid forms as the Corporation deems necessary, in accordance with a schedule determined by the Corporation; and
(6) have provided such other documentation as the Corporation may require.
(e) If an eligible individual fails to serve as a nurse faculty member at a nursing school in this State for a period that would entitle the individual to the full forgivable loan benefit received by the individual, other than for good cause as determined by the Corporation in consultation with the Vermont Department of Health, then the individual shall receive only partial loan forgiveness for a pro rata portion of the loan pursuant to the terms of the interest-free reimbursement promissory note signed by the individual at the time of entering the Program.
(f) The Corporation shall adopt policies, procedures, and guidelines necessary to implement the provisions of this section, including maximum forgivable loan amounts.
(g) Forgivable loans shall be awarded on a rolling basis, provided funds are available, and any funds remaining at the end of a fiscal year shall carry forward and shall be available to the Department of Health and the Corporation in the following fiscal year to award additional forgivable loans as set forth in this section. (Added 2021, No. 183 (Adj. Sess.), § 28, eff. July 1, 2022; amended 2023, No. 113 (Adj. Sess.), § E.311, eff. July 1, 2024.)
§ 37. Nurse Faculty Loan Repayment Program
(a) As used in this section:
(1) “AHEC” means the Vermont Area Health Education Centers program.
(2) “Eligible individual” means an individual who satisfies the eligibility requirements under this section for loan repayment.
(3) “Eligible school” means an approved postsecondary education institution, as defined under 16 V.S.A. § 2822.
(4) “Loan repayment” means the repayment of loans under this section.
(5) “Loans” means education loans guaranteed, made, financed, serviced, or otherwise administered by an accredited educational lender for attendance at an eligible school.
(6) “Nurse faculty member” or “member of the nurse faculty” means a nurse with a master’s or doctoral degree that qualifies the individual to teach at a nursing school in this State.
(7) “Program” means the Nurse Faculty Loan Repayment Program created under this section.
(b) The Nurse Faculty Loan Repayment Program is created and shall be administered by the Department of Health in collaboration with AHEC. The Program provides loan repayment on behalf of individuals who work as nurse faculty members at a nursing school in this State and who meet the eligibility requirements in subsection (d) of this section.
(c) The loan repayment benefits provided under the Program shall be paid on behalf of the eligible individual by AHEC, subject to the appropriation of funds by the General Assembly for this purpose.
(d) To be eligible for loan repayment under the Program, an individual shall satisfy all of the following requirements:
(1) graduated from an eligible school where the individual was awarded a graduate degree in nursing;
(2) work as a member of the nurse faculty at a nursing school in this State; and
(3) be a resident of Vermont.
(e) An eligible individual shall be entitled to an amount of loan repayment under this section for a defined service obligation of not less than one year at a Vermont nursing school.
(f) Loan repayment shall be awarded on a rolling basis, provided funds are available, and any funds remaining at the end of a fiscal year shall carry forward and shall be available to the Department of Health and AHEC in the following fiscal year to award additional loan repayment as set forth in this section. (Added 2021, No. 183 (Adj. Sess.), § 29a, eff. July 1, 2022; amended 2023, No. 113 (Adj. Sess.), § E.311, eff. July 1, 2024.)
§ 38. Vermont Mental Health Professional Forgivable Loan Incentive Program
(a) As used in this section:
(1) “Corporation” means the Vermont Student Assistance Corporation established in 16 V.S.A. § 2821.
(2) “Eligible individual” means an individual who satisfies the eligibility requirements under this section for a forgivable loan.
(3) “Eligible school” means an approved postsecondary education institution, as defined under 16 V.S.A. § 2822.
(4) “Forgivable loan” means a loan awarded under this section covering tuition, which may also cover room, board, and the cost of required books and supplies for up to full-time attendance at an eligible school.
(5) “Program” means the Vermont Mental Health Professional Forgivable Loan Incentive Program created under this section.
(b) The Vermont Mental Health Professional Forgivable Loan Incentive Program is created and shall be administered by the Department of Health in collaboration with the Corporation. The Program provides forgivable loans to students enrolled in a master’s program at an eligible school who commit to working as a mental health professional in this State and who meet the eligibility requirements in subsection (d) of this section.
(c) The Corporation shall disburse forgivable loan funds under the Program on behalf of eligible individuals, subject to the appropriation of funds by the General Assembly for this purpose.
(d) To be eligible for a forgivable loan under the Program, an individual, whether a resident or nonresident, shall satisfy all of the following requirements:
(1) be enrolled at an eligible school in a program, whether through in- person or remote instruction, that leads to a master’s degree in a mental health field;
(2) maintain good standing at the eligible school at which the individual is enrolled;
(3) agree to work as a mental health professional in Vermont for a minimum of one year following licensure for each year of forgivable loan awarded;
(4) have executed a credit agreement or promissory note that will reduce the individual’s forgivable loan benefit, in whole or in part, pursuant to subsection (f) of this section, if the individual fails to complete the period of service required in subdivision (3) of this subsection;
(5) have completed the Program’s application form and such financial aid forms as the Corporation deems necessary, in accordance with a schedule determined by the Corporation; and
(6) have provided such other documentation as the Corporation may require.
(e)(1) First priority for forgivable loans shall be given to students attending an eligible school in the Vermont State Colleges System.
(2) Second priority for forgivable loans shall be given to students attending another eligible school in Vermont.
(f) If an eligible individual fails to serve as a mental health professional in this State in compliance with the Program for a period that would entitle the individual to the full forgivable loan benefit received by the individual, other than for good cause as determined by the Corporation in consultation with the Vermont Department of Health, then the individual shall receive only partial loan forgiveness for a pro rata portion of the loan pursuant to the terms of the interest-free reimbursement promissory note signed by the individual at the time of entering the Program.
(g) The Corporation shall adopt policies, procedures, and guidelines necessary to implement the provisions of this section, including maximum forgivable loan amounts.
(h) Forgivable loans shall be awarded on a rolling basis, provided funds are available, and any funds remaining at the end of a fiscal year shall carry forward and shall be available to the Department of Health and the Corporation in the following fiscal year to award additional forgivable loans as set forth in this section. (Added 2021, No. 183 (Adj. Sess.), § 29c, eff. July 1, 2022; amended 2023, No. 113 (Adj. Sess.), § E.311, eff. July 1, 2024.)
§ 39. Vermont Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Forgivable Loan Incentive Program
(a) As used in this section:
(1) “Corporation” means the Vermont Student Assistance Corporation established in 16 V.S.A. § 2821.
(2) “Eligible individual” means an individual who satisfies the eligibility requirements under this section for a forgivable loan.
(3) “Eligible school” means an approved postsecondary education institution, as defined under 16 V.S.A. § 2822.
(4) “Forgivable loan” means a loan awarded under this section covering tuition, which may also cover room, board, and the cost of required books and supplies for up to full-time attendance at an eligible school.
(5) “Program” means the Vermont Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Forgivable Loan Incentive Program created under this section.
(b) The Vermont Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Forgivable Loan Incentive Program is created and shall be administered by the Corporation in collaboration with the Department of Health. The Program provides forgivable loans to students enrolled in a master’s program at an eligible school who commit to working as a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner in this State and who meet the eligibility requirements in subsection (d) of this section.
(c) The Corporation shall disburse forgivable loan funds under the Program on behalf of eligible individuals, subject to the appropriation of funds by the General Assembly for this purpose.
(d) To be eligible for a forgivable loan under the Program, an individual, whether a resident or nonresident, shall satisfy all of the following requirements:
(1) be enrolled at an eligible school in a program, whether through in- person or remote instruction, that leads to a master’s degree or specialty in psychiatric mental health;
(2) maintain good standing at the eligible school at which the individual is enrolled;
(3) agree to work as a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner in Vermont for a minimum of one year following licensure for each year of forgivable loan awarded;
(4) have executed a credit agreement or promissory note that will reduce the individual’s forgivable loan benefit, in whole or in part, pursuant to subsection (e) of this section, if the individual fails to complete the period of service required in subdivision (3) of this subsection;
(5) have completed the Program’s application form and such financial aid forms as the Corporation deems necessary, in accordance with a schedule determined by the Corporation; and
(6) have provided such other documentation as the Corporation may require.
(e) If an eligible individual fails to serve as a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner in this State in compliance with the Program for a period that would entitle the individual to the full forgivable loan benefit received by the individual, other than for good cause as determined by the Corporation in consultation with the Vermont Department of Health, then the individual shall receive only partial loan forgiveness for a pro rata portion of the loan pursuant to the terms of the interest-free reimbursement promissory note signed by the individual at the time of entering the Program.
(f) The Corporation shall adopt policies, procedures, and guidelines necessary to implement the provisions of this section, including maximum forgivable loan amounts.
(g) Forgivable loans shall be awarded on a rolling basis, provided funds are available, and any funds remaining at the end of a fiscal year shall carry forward and shall be available to the Department of Health and the Corporation in the following fiscal year to award additional forgivable loans as set forth in this section. (Added 2023, No. 78, § F.3, eff. July 1, 2023; amended 2023, No. 113 (Adj. Sess.), § E.311, eff. July 1, 2024.)
§ 40. Vermont Dental Hygienist Forgivable Loan Incentive Program
(a) As used in this section:
(1) “Corporation” means the Vermont Student Assistance Corporation established in 16 V.S.A. § 2821.
(2) “Eligible individual” means an individual who satisfies the eligibility requirements under this section for a forgivable loan.
(3) “Eligible school” means an approved postsecondary education institution, as defined under 16 V.S.A. § 2822.
(4) “Forgivable loan” means a loan awarded under this section covering tuition, which may also include room, board, and the cost of required books and supplies for up to full-time attendance at an eligible school.
(5) “Program” means the Vermont Dental Hygienist Forgivable Loan Incentive Program created under this section.
(b) The Vermont Dental Hygienist Forgivable Loan Incentive Program is created and shall be administered by the Department of Health in collaboration with the Corporation. The Program provides forgivable loans to students enrolled in an eligible school who commit to working as a dental hygienist in this State and who meet the eligibility requirements in subsection (d) of this section.
(c) The Corporation shall disburse forgivable loan funds under the Program on behalf of eligible individuals, subject to the appropriation of funds by the General Assembly for this purpose.
(d) To be eligible for a forgivable loan under the Program, an individual, whether a resident or nonresident, shall satisfy all of the following requirements:
(1) be enrolled at a dental hygienist program at an eligible school;
(2) maintain good standing at the eligible school at which the individual is enrolled;
(3) agree to work as a dental hygienist in Vermont for a minimum of one year following licensure for each year of forgivable loan awarded;
(4) have executed a credit agreement or promissory note that will reduce the individual’s forgivable loan benefit, in whole or in part, pursuant to subsection (e) of this section, if the individual fails to complete the period of service required in this subsection;
(5) have completed the Program’s application form and such financial aid forms as the Corporation deems necessary, in accordance with a schedule determined by the Corporation; and
(6) have provided such other documentation as the Corporation may require.
(e) If an eligible individual fails to serve as a dental hygienist in this State for a period that would entitle the individual to the full forgivable loan benefit received by the individual, other than for good cause as determined by the Corporation in consultation with the Vermont Department of Health, then the individual shall receive only partial loan forgiveness for a pro rata portion of the loan pursuant to the terms of the interest-free credit agreement or promissory note signed by the individual at the time of entering the Program.
(f) There shall be no deadline to apply for a forgivable loan under this section. Forgivable loans shall be awarded on a rolling basis as long as funds are available, and any funds remaining at the end of a fiscal year shall roll over and shall be available to the Department of Health and the Corporation in the following fiscal year to award additional forgivable loans as set forth in this section.
(g) The Corporation shall adopt policies, procedures, and guidelines necessary to implement the provisions of this section, including maximum forgivable loan amounts.
(h) Forgivable loans shall be awarded on a rolling basis, provided funds are available, and any funds remaining at the end of a fiscal year shall carry forward and shall be available to the Department of Health and the Corporation in the following fiscal year to award additional forgivable loans as set forth in this section. (Added 2023, No. 78, § F.4, eff. July 1, 2023; amended 2023, No. 113 (Adj. Sess.), § E.311, eff. July 1, 2024.)
