Whereas, the continuation of needed private, nonmedical and board and care institutional services for at-risk populations is essential to the populations' quality of care; and

Whereas, the loss of continuation of these needed services will have an adverse effect on the quality of care; and

Whereas, legislative review of changes in the principle of reimbursement for these institutions is essential to ensure the continuation of services during the year 2001; 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 enacted by the People of the State of Maine as follows:

Sec. 1. 22 MRSA §3174-Z is enacted to read:

§3174-Z.__Private, nonmedical and board and care institutions

Rules concerning the principles for reimbursement for private, nonmedical and board and care institutions must be major substantive rules as defined in Title 5, chapter 375, subchapter II-A.

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

SUMMARY

This bill requires that rules concerning the principles for reimbursement for private, nonmedical and board and care institutions be major substantive rules.