Maine Revised Statutes

1. Rulemaking.  The department may adopt rules to carry out the purposes of this chapter. Rules adopted pursuant to this subsection are routine technical rules as defined in Title 5, chapter 375, subchapter 2-A.

2. Adding debilitating medical conditions.  The department in accordance with section 2422, subsection 2, paragraph D shall adopt rules regarding the consideration of petitions from the public to add medical conditions or treatments to the list of debilitating medical conditions set forth in section 2422, subsection 2. In considering those petitions, the department shall provide an opportunity for public hearing of, and an opportunity to comment on those petitions. After the hearing, the commissioner shall approve or deny a petition within 180 days of its submission. The approval or denial of such a petition constitutes final agency action, subject to judicial review. Jurisdiction and venue for judicial review are vested in the Superior Court.

3. Registry identification cards.  The department shall adopt rules governing the manner in which it considers applications for and renewals of registry identification cards for registered patients, registered caregivers, principal officers, board members and employees of dispensaries and staff of hospice providers and nursing facilities designated as primary caregivers. The department's rules must establish application and renewal fees that generate revenues sufficient to offset all expenses of implementing and administering this chapter. The department may establish a sliding scale of application and renewal fees based upon a registered patient's family income and status as a veteran of the Armed Forces of the United States. The department may accept donations from private sources in order to reduce the application and renewal fees.