2.__Methodology.__The methodology utilized to determine the funding required to meet the client's needs must be developed by a task force composed of 6 individuals with significant knowledge regarding service options and costs.__Two members of the task force must be representatives of the department, appointed by the commissioner; 2 members must be providers of services, appointed by an association representing community service providers; and 2 members must represent consumers, one appointed by the Maine Developmental Disabilities Council and one appointed by a statewide self-advocacy program representing people with retardation and mental disabilities.

3.__Rules.__The rules established to carry out this pilot program must be designed to permit maximum self-determination for the client while ensuring that necessary services are provided.__ Rules adopted pursuant to this section are routine technical rules as defined in Title 5, chapter 375, subchapter II-A.

4.__Assessment tool.__The rules must include an assessment to evaluate the efficacy of expanding the pilot program on an ongoing basis.__The assessment must evaluate client satisfaction and the effectiveness of the pilot program.__A methodology must be established to measure the value of services received through the pilot program.__The assessment must be sent to the joint standing committee of the Legislature having jurisdiction over human services matters and the joint standing committee of the Legislature having jurisdiction over appropriations and financial affairs annually.

Sec. 2. 34-B MRSA §5481, sub-§2 is enacted to read:

2.__Rates; contracts.__Beginning July 1, 2001, all rates and contracts for fee-for-service or grant-in-aid programs paid by the department to private agencies providing services to persons with mental retardation must be adjusted annually by the amount necessary to cover projected increases in costs based on the United States Consumer Price Index established by the United States Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics.

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

SUMMARY

This bill requires the Department of Mental Health, Mental Retardation and Substance Abuse Services to annually adjust all rates and contracts for fee-for-service or grant-in-aid programs paid to private agencies providing services to persons with mental retardation. The bill also requires the Department of Mental Health, Mental Retardation and Substance Abuse Services to establish a pilot program to explore alternative methods of developing individual client service programs for persons with mental retardation.