Sec. 5. Meetings and hearings. Resolved: That the commission may hold as many meetings as necessary to achieve its mission. At least 4 of the meetings of the commission must be public hearings scheduled during nonbusiness hours and must be held in various areas of the State; and be it further

Sec. 6. Staff assistance. Resolved: That the commission shall provide its own staff; and be it further

Sec. 7. Funding. Resolved: That the commission may seek and accept outside funding to advance its work; and be it further

Sec. 8. Compensation. Resolved: That those members of the commission who are Legislators are not entitled to receive the legislative per diem as defined in the Maine Revised Statutes, Title 3, section 2 or reimbursement for travel and other necessary expenses related to their attendance at authorized meetings of the commission. They may receive like reimbursement from such nonstate funds as may be available to the commission. Other members of the commission who are not otherwise compensated by their employers or other entities that they represent are entitled to receive reimbursement of necessary expenses incurred for their attendance at authorized meetings from such nonstate funds as may be available to the commission; and be it further

Sec. 9. Report. Resolved: That the commission shall submit its report, together with any recommended implementing legislation, to the Second Regular Session of the 121st Legislature no later than November 6, 2003. The commission may also submit such interim reports as it determines necessary.

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

SUMMARY

This resolve establishes a commission to study providing consumers with information on the cost and quality of health care services in order to reduce the cost of health insurance by encouraging consumers to be better purchasers of health care services.