Resolve, Directing the Department of Health and Human Services To Amend MaineCare Rules as They Pertain to the Delivery of Covered Services via Telecommunications Technology

Emergency preamble. Whereas,  acts and resolves of the Legislature do not become effective until 90 days after adjournment unless enacted as emergencies; and

Whereas,  registered nurses and behavioral health specialists provide covered services via telecommunications technology to patients who are covered by MaineCare; and

Whereas,  registered nurses and behavioral health specialists are not reimbursed by MaineCare for any covered services provided via telecommunications technology; and

Whereas,  medical doctors, physician assistants and family nurse practitioners are reimbursed by MaineCare for covered services provided via telecommunications technology; and

Whereas,  requiring MaineCare reimbursement for covered services provided via telecommunications technology by registered nurses and behavioral health specialists will increase access to health care services for patients and lower the costs of delivering health care; and

Whereas,  providing for this legislation to take effect upon approval will contribute to expanding access to, and lowering the costs of delivering, health care as soon as possible; and

Whereas,  in the judgment of the Legislature, these facts create an emergency within the meaning of the Constitution of Maine and require the following legislation as immediately necessary for the preservation of the public peace, health and safety; now, therefore, be it

Sec. 1. Reimbursement. Resolved: That the Department of Health and Human Services shall amend MaineCare rules to include registered nurses and behavioral health specialists as providers that may be reimbursed for providing covered services via telecommunications technology to MaineCare patients. Rules adopted pursuant to this resolve are routine technical rules as defined in the Maine Revised Statutes, Title 5, chapter 375, subchapter 2-A.

Emergency clause. In view of the emergency cited in the preamble, this legislation takes effect when approved.

summary

This resolve directs the Department of Health and Human Services to amend MaineCare rules to allow registered nurses and behavioral health specialists to be reimbursed for providing covered services via telecommunications technology as are medical doctors, physician assistants and family nurse practitioners.