Health Care Services

V.S.A. tit. 9, ch. 63, subch. 11

in effect

9 V.S.A. § 2491 Findings

2491. Findings The General Assembly finds that: (1) Telling the truth is how trained health care providers demonstrate respect for patients, foster trust, promote self-determination, and cultivate an environment where best practices in shared decision-making can flourish. Without veracity in information and communication, it is difficult for individuals to make informed, voluntary choices that are essential to one’s sense of personal agency and autonomy. (2) Advertising strategies and educational information about health care options that lack transparency, use misleading or ambiguous terminology, misrepresent or obfuscate services provided, or provide factually inaccurate information are a form of manipulation that disrespects individuals, undermines trust, broadens health disparity, and can result in patient harm. Added 2023, No. 15, § 8, eff. May 10, 2023; amended 2025, No. 20, § 4, eff. May 13, 2025; 2025, No. 91 (Adj. Sess.), § 36, eff. April 30, 2026.

9 V.S.A. § 2492 Definition

2492. Definition As used in this subchapter, “health care services” means all supplies, care, and services of a medical, dental, behavioral health, mental health, substance use disorder treatment, surgical, psychiatric, therapeutic, diagnostic, preventative, rehabilitative, or supportive nature, including medication. Added 2023, No. 15, § 8, eff. May 10, 2023; amended 2025, No. 20, § 4, eff. May 13, 2025.

9 V.S.A. § 2493 Unfair and deceptive act

2493. Unfair and deceptive act (a) It is an unfair and deceptive act and practice in commerce and a violation of section 2453 of this title for any person to disseminate or cause to be disseminated to the public any advertising about health care services or proposed services performed in this State that is untrue or clearly designed to mislead the public about the nature of the services provided. Advertising includes representations made directly to consumers; marketing practices; communication in any print medium, such as newspapers, magazines, mailers, or handouts; and any broadcast medium, such as television or radio, telephone marketing, or advertising over the internet such as through websites, web advertisements, and social media. For purposes of this chapter, advertising about health care services is an act in commerce. (b) [Repealed.] (c) The Attorney General has the same authority to make rules, conduct civil investigations, and bring civil actions with respect to violations of this section as provided under subchapter 1 of this chapter. Added 2023, No. 15, § 8, eff. May 10, 2023; amended 2025, No. 20, § 4, eff. May 13, 2025.

Source: Vermont General Assembly (legislature.vermont.gov)URL: https://legislature.vermont.gov/statutes/chapter/09/063Fetched: 10/21/2026