An Act To Ensure Access to Opiate Addiction Treatment in Maine

Sec. 1. 32 MRSA §2212  is enacted to read:

§ 2212.  Dispensing opioid medication to patients in opioid treatment programs

A registered professional nurse and a certified nurse practitioner may dispense opioid medication for substance abuse treatment purposes to patients within an opioid treatment program under the direction of the medical director of the opioid treatment program.

Sec. 2. 32 MRSA §2258-B  is enacted to read:

§ 2258-B.  Dispensing opioid medication to patients in opioid treatment programs

A licensed practical nurse may dispense opioid medication for substance abuse treatment purposes to patients within an opioid treatment program under the direction of the medical director of the opioid treatment program.

Sec. 3. MaineCare reimbursement rates for outpatient opioid treatment. The Department of Health and Human Services may amend its rule Chapter 101: MaineCare Benefits Manual, Chapter III, Section 65, Behavioral Health Services regarding the reimbursement rate paid to outpatient opioid treatment providers to increase the rate from $60 if the department determines that an increase is justified.

Sec. 4. Outpatient opioid treatment providers opening days. The office of substance abuse and mental health services, division of licensing and regulatory services within the Department of Health and Human Services shall amend its rule Chapter 5: Regulations for Licensing and Certifying of Substance Abuse Treatment Programs to permit outpatient opioid treatment providers to remain open 6 days per week rather than 7 days per week.

Sec. 5. Authority to report out legislation. The Joint Standing Committee on Health and Human Services may report out a bill to the Second Regular Session of the 128th Legislature directing the Department of Health and Human Services to amend its rule Chapter 101: MaineCare Benefits Manual, Chapter III, Section 65, Behavioral Health Services regarding the reimbursement rate paid to outpatient opioid treatment providers in order to increase that rate.