Sec. C-4. Rules review. The State Board of Nursing and the nursing association representing nurses in the field of developmental disabilities shall review the rules for residential options for persons with developmental disabilities, mental retardation and other medical issues to determine whether Maine law and rules could be changed to increase flexibility in residential options. By January 1, 2006, the State Board of Nursing and the participating nursing association shall report to the Joint Standing Committee on Health and Human Services regarding recommendations and any proposed changes to rules or laws.

Sec. C-5. Advocacy. The Department of Health and Human Services shall actively advocate for and shall work to support federal legislation on improved wages and benefits for direct support professionals working in the fields of developmental disabilities and mental retardation. The department shall report to the Joint Standing Committee on Health and Human Services by January 1, 2006 and every 6 months thereafter on the status of federal legislation on direct support professionals.

Sec. C-6. Cost-of-living adjustment. The Department of Health and Human Services shall amend the rules of reimbursement for developmental disabilities and mental retardation services agencies to provide for rate increases as a result of cost-of-living increases. The rules must provide that if the department determines to adopt a rate increase of less than the amount of the cost of living increase, the department must issue a statement acknowledging the budget imbalance that will be created for the agencies and must provide guidance to the providers of services about cost savings that could be achieved to counterbalance the budget imbalance. Rules adopted pursuant to this section are routine technical rules as defined in Title 5, chapter 375, subchapter 2-A.

Sec. C-7. Dirigo Health coverage. By January 1, 2006, the Board of Directors of Dirigo Health shall report to the Joint Standing Committee on Health and Human Services on the feasibility of extending Dirigo Health insurance under the Maine Revised Statutes, Title 24-A, chapter 87 to all nonprofit organizations by amending the definition of "eligible business" under Title 24- A, section 6903, subsection 5.

SUMMARY

This bill addresses the following issues in the field of community-based services for persons with developmental