Sec. 12. 22 MRSA §7902-B is enacted to read:

§7902-B.__Approval of staffing

The department shall approve residential care facilities' requests for additional staffing in a manner consistent with the department's approval of such requests prior to June of 1998.

Sec. 13. Commission to Study Job Training and Career Advancement for Long-term Care Health Professionals and Personnel.

1. Commission established; purpose. The Commission to Study Job Training and Career Advancement for Long-term Care Health Professionals and Personnel, referred to in this section as the "commission," is established for the purpose of reviewing the training requirements, job responsibilities, overlap of job responsibilities, career advancement opportunities and pay scales among the various categories of health care workers, including, but not limited to:

A. Personal care attendants;

B. Certified nursing assistants;

C. Certified medication assistants;

D. Home health aides;

E. CNA medical technicians; and

F. Mental health assistants.

2. Membership of commission. The members of the commission are appointed as follows:

A. One person who serves as chair, appointed by the President of the Senate;

B. One member representing the Department of Human Services, Bureau of Elder and Adult Services, to be appointed by the President of the Senate;

C. One member representing the Department of Human Services, Bureau of Medical Services, to be appointed by the President of the Senate;