§ 1823. Definitions

As used in this subchapter:

(1) "Agency" means the Agency of Human Services.

(2) "Board" means the Green Mountain Care Board established in 18 V.S.A. chapter 220.

(3) "CHIP funds" means federal funds available under Title XXI of the Social Security Act.

(4) "Chronic care" means health services provided by a health care professional for an established clinical condition that is expected to last a year or more and that requires ongoing clinical management attempting to restore the individual to highest function, minimize the negative effects of the condition, prevent complications related to chronic conditions, engage in advanced care planning, and promote appropriate access to palliative care. Examples of chronic conditions include diabetes, hypertension, cardiovascular disease, cancer, asthma, pulmonary disease, substance abuse, mental condition or psychiatric disability, spinal cord injury, and hyperlipidemia.

(5) "Chronic care management" means a system of coordinated health care interventions and communications for individuals with chronic conditions, including significant patient self-care efforts, systemic supports for licensed health care practitioners and their patients, and a plan of care emphasizing prevention of complications utilizing evidence-based practice guidelines, patient empowerment strategies, and evaluation of clinical, humanistic, and economic outcomes on an ongoing basis with the goal of improving overall health.

(6) "Health care professional" means an individual, partnership, corporation, facility, or institution licensed, certified, or otherwise authorized by Vermont law to provide professional health services.

(7) "Health service" means any treatment or procedure delivered by a health care professional to maintain an individual's physical or mental health or to diagnose or treat an individual's physical or mental condition, including services ordered by a health care professional, chronic care management, preventive care, wellness services, and medically necessary services to assist in activities of daily living.

(8) "Hospital" shall have the same meaning as in 18 V.S.A. § 1902 and may include hospitals located outside the State.

(9) "Preventive care" means health services provided by health care professionals to identify and treat asymptomatic individuals who have risk factors or preclinical disease, but in whom the disease is not clinically apparent, including immunizations and screening, counseling, treatment, and medication determined by scientific evidence to be effective in preventing or detecting a condition.

(10) "Primary care" means health services provided by health care professionals, including naturopathic physicians licensed pursuant to 26 V.S.A. chapter 81, who are specifically trained for and skilled in first-contact and continuing care for individuals with signs, symptoms, or health concerns, not limited by problem origin, organ system, or diagnosis, and shall include family planning, prenatal care, and mental health and substance abuse treatment.

(11) "Secretary" means the Secretary of Human Services.

(12) "Vermont resident" means an individual domiciled in Vermont as evidenced by an intent to maintain a principal dwelling place in Vermont indefinitely and to return to Vermont if temporarily absent, coupled with an act or acts consistent with that intent. An individual shall not be considered to be a Vermont resident if he or she is 18 years of age or older and is claimed as a dependent on the tax return of a resident of another State.

(13) "Wellness services" means health services, programs, or activities that focus on the promotion or maintenance of good health. (Added 2011, No. 48, § 4; amended 2011, No. 96 (Adj. Sess.), § 6, eff. May 2, 2012; 2013, No. 96 (Adj. Sess.), § 203.)