Green Mountain Care Board's Public Engagement Plan put on hold as Administration's nixed the hiring of Communication staff

Yesterday,Green Mountain Care board member,Dr. Karen Hein, presented a draft proposal of a Public Engagement Plan that would meet the requirements of Act 48.
Act 48 states that "the healthcare system must be transparent in design, efficient in operation, and accountable to the people it serves. The state must ensure public participation in the design, implementation, evaluation and accountability mechanisms of the health care system."

The draft plan lays out goals and timelines and identifies many tasks. She made it clear that the board, with only 5 members, would need support in the implementation of the plan. The board issued an RFP for a communication expert who would help them complete and implement the plan.

Immediately,there was strong reaction by those opposed to the healthcare reform effort. They said that the Green Mountain Care Board just wanted a public relations person to be put "spin" their work to the public. The Governor reacted by announcing that the Green Mountain Care Board would not be hiring a communication expert.

The board, on the recommendation of their chair, Anya Radar Wallack, yesterday voted to withdraw their RFP.

However, they expressed strong concern as to how independent they are and will be as they move forward with their work. One member, Dr Ramsey voted not to withdraw the RFP. The board will must now work tocome up with a new plan that will satisfy the mandate of Act 48