Sec. 1. 22 MRSA §50 is enacted to read:

§50.__Authority to issue administrative subpoenas

The commissioner may issue subpoenas to compel the production of books or records or other data related to the matters in issue at any administrative hearing.__The commissioner may issue subpoenas to compel the attendance and testimony of any person located within the State if it is reasonably believed that that person may be able to provide information related to the matters in issue at any administrative hearing.__Witnesses subpoenaed by the commissioner must be allowed the same fees as are paid to witnesses in Superior Court.__These fees must be paid by the party requesting the issuance of the subpoena unless payment is otherwise provided for by rule.__If any person fails or refuses to obey such a subpoena, the commissioner may apply to any Justice of the Superior Court for an order compelling that person to comply with the subpoena.__The Superior Court may issue an order and may punish failure to obey the order as civil contempt.

SUMMARY

This bill gives the Commissioner of Health and Human Services the authority to issue subpoenas in connection with administrative hearings without having to obtain the approval of the Attorney General.