33 V.S.A. § 403: Financial institutions to furnish information

(a) As used in this section:

(1) “Bank” shall have the same meaning as in 8 V.S.A. § 11101.

(2) “Broker-dealer” shall have the same meaning as in 9 V.S.A. § 5102.

(3) “Credit union” shall have the same meaning as in 8 V.S.A. § 30101.

(4) “Financial institution” means any financial services provider, including a bank, credit union, broker-dealer, investment advisor, mutual fund, or investment company.

(5) “Investment advisor” shall have the same meaning as in 9 V.S.A. § 5102.

(6) “Mutual fund” shall have the same meaning as in 8 V.S.A. § 3461.

(b) A financial institution, when requested by the Commissioner of Vermont Health Access, shall furnish to the Commissioner or to an agent of the Department of Vermont Health Access information in the possession of the financial institution with reference to any person or his or her spouse who is applying for or is receiving assistance or benefits from the Department of Vermont Health Access. The Department of Vermont Health Access shall issue instructions to the financial institution detailing the nature of the request and the information necessary to satisfy the request.

(c) A financial institution shall not be subject to criminal or civil liability for actions taken in accordance with subsection (b) of this section.