Sec. 1. 22 MRSA §3-E is enacted to read:

§3-E.__Advocate program for disabled persons

1.__Advocate program established.__There is established in the Bureau of Health an advocate program to provide assistance to disabled persons.

2.__Disabled person.__For purposes of this section, "disabled person" means a person who is a disabled individual as defined in Title XVI of the United States Social Security Act, Section 1614, as amended.

3.__Disabled person's right to advocacy services.__Each disabled person who is a resident of this State is entitled to advocacy services pursuant to subsection 5.

4.__Advocates.__The department shall hire advocates, subject to the Civil Service Law, who must be qualified by experience and training.

A.__The minimum qualifications for employment as an advocate must include the following:

(1)__A 6-year combination of appropriate experience, education and training in advocacy or dispute resolution;

(2)__Knowledge of administrative, adjudicatory or health care laws, rules and procedures;

(3)__Knowledge of legal documents, court procedures and rules of evidence; and

(4)__Knowledge of medical and legal terminology and practices with respect to health care.

B.__The department shall ensure that advocates receive appropriate and ongoing education and training.

5.__Duties of advocates.__An advocate has the following duties:

A.__Assisting a disabled person in matters regarding claims relating to health care including negotiations;

B.__Assisting and advocating on behalf of a disabled person in any mediation or hearing proceeding under the jurisdiction of the department; and

C.__Maintaining confidentiality of information and