§ 7112 - Confidential information - Vermont Statutes

§ 7112. Confidential information

(a) Information received by the licensing agency through filed reports, inspection, or as otherwise authorized under this chapter, except information that pertains to unsubstantiated complaints or the identity of residents and complainants, shall be made available to the public.

(b) Prior to release of information the commissioner shall consult with representatives from the nursing home industry and the office of state long-term care ombudsman to develop:

(1) Guidelines for the release of information to the public that ensure the confidentiality and privacy of complainants and individuals who are receiving or have received care or services in nursing facilities in conformance with state and federal requirements.

(2) Indicators, derived from information databases maintained by the licensing agency and the division of rate setting, that shall be disseminated to consumers in a readily understandable format designed to facilitate consumers' ability to compare the quality of care provided by nursing facilities. The commissioner shall continually update quality indicators and refine and improve the information disseminated to consumers. (Amended 1985, No. 151 (Adj. Sess.), § 10; 1995, No. 138 (Adj. Sess.), § 15, eff. May 1, 1996; No. 171 (Adj. Sess.), § 11, eff. May 15, 1996; 1997, No. 131 (Adj. Sess.), § 1; 147 (Adj. Sess.), § 268.)