Vermont
In 2006 , Vermont required the commissioner of health to establish a comprehensive patient safety surveillance and improvement system for the purpose of improving patient safety, eliminating adverse events in Vermont hospitals, and supporting and facilitating quality improvement efforts by hospitals.
| Authorizing statutes or regulations | Vermont Statues, Title 18, Chapter 43A | |
| Authorizing statutes or regulations | Vermont Statues, Title 18, Chapter 3, Section 102 | |
| Authorizing statutes or regulations | Vermont Statues, Title 18, Chapter 43A, Section 1914 | |
| Authorizing statutes or regulations | Vermont Department of Health, Patient Safety Surveillance and Improvement System Rule | |
| Legislative reports | 2008 Report to the Legislature | |
| State website | Patient Safety Surveillance and Improvement System | |
| State website | Vermont Department of Health | |
| User’s guide for facilities | Patient Safety Electronic Reporting System |
For individuals living with complex, often chronic conditions, and their families, palliative care can provide relief from symptoms, improve satisfaction and outcomes, and help address critical mental and spiritual needs during difficult times. Now more than ever, there is growing recognition of the importance of palliative care services for individuals with serious illness, such as advance care planning, pain and symptom management, care coordination, and team-based, multi-disciplinary support. These services can help patients and families cope with the symptoms and stressors of disease, better anticipate and avoid crises, and reduce unnecessary and/or unwanted care. While this model is grounded in evidence that demonstrates improved quality of life, better outcomes, and reduced cost for patients, only a fraction of individuals who could benefit from palliative care receive it. 
