An Act To Provide Program Solvency, Clarity, Consistency and Flexibility in Routine Public Health Licensing Activities
Sec. 1. 22 MRSA §2175, as amended by PL 2013, c. 533, §§21 to 23, is repealed.
Sec. 2. 22 MRSA c. 562, headnote is amended to read:
CHAPTER 562
EATING ESTABLISHMENTS, LODGING PLACES, CAMPGROUNDS, RECREATIONAL OR SPORTING CAMPS, YOUTH CAMPS AND EATING ESTABLISHMENTS, PUBLIC POOLS AND PUBLIC SPAS
§ 2491. Definitions
As used in this chapter, unless the context otherwise indicates, the following words shall have the following meanings.
[PL 1975, c. 496, § 3 (NEW).]§ 2492. License required
Licenses issued must be displayed in a place readily visible to customers or other persons using a licensed establishment.
[PL 2017, c. 322, § 4 (AMD).]§ 2493. Applicant
Any person, corporation, firm or copartnership desiring a license shall submit satisfactory evidence of his, her or its ability to comply with the minimum standards of this chapter and all regulations adopted thereunder.
[PL 1975, c. 496, § 3 (NEW).][PL 1975, c. 496, § 3 (NEW).]§ 2494. Fees
Each application for, or for renewal of, a license to operate an eating establishment, lodging place, recreational camp, youth camp or campground within the meaning of this chapter must be accompanied by a fee, appropriate to the size of the establishment, place, camp or area of the licensee, determined by the department and not to exceed the fees listed below. All fees collected by the department must be deposited into a special revenue account established for this purpose. No such fee may be refunded. No license may be assignable or transferable. The fees may not exceed:
[PL 2017, c. 322, § 5 (AMD).]All such fees are for the license, one licensure inspection and one follow-up inspection. When additional inspections are required to determine an applicant's eligibility for licensure, the department is authorized through its rules to charge an additional fee not to exceed $100 to cover the costs of each additional inspection or visit. Failure to pay such charges within 30 days of the billing date constitutes grounds for revocation of the license, unless an extension for a period not to exceed 60 days is granted in writing by the commissioner.
[PL 2011, c. 375, § 1 (AMD).][PL 1975, c. 496, § 3 (NEW).][PL 1981, c. 703, §§A17,A18 (AMD).][PL 1983, c. 553, § 20 (AMD).][PL 1987, c. 838, § 1 (AMD).][PL 2003, c. 673, § X1 (AMD).][PL 2007, c. 539, Pt. F, § 1 (AMD).][PL 2009, c. 211, Pt. A, § 7 (AMD).][PL 2009, c. 589, § 2 (AMD).][PL 2011, c. 193, Pt. B, §§1, 2 (AMD).][PL 2011, c. 375, § 1 (AMD).][PL 2017, c. 322, § 5 (AMD).]§ 2495. Issuance of licenses
The department shall, within 30 days following receipt of application, issue an annual license to operate any eating establishment, lodging place, recreational camp, youth camp or campground that is found to comply with this chapter and the rules adopted by the department.
[PL 2017, c. 322, § 6 (AMD).]When any initial applicant is found, based upon an inspection by the department or by municipal inspection made according to section 2499, not in compliance with the requirements of this chapter or departmental regulations adopted and approved pursuant to section 2496 or 2499, subsection 1, the department may refuse issuance of the initial license, but shall issue a conditional license, except when conditions are found that present a serious danger to the health and safety of the public. A conditional license may not exceed 90 days. Failure by the conditional licensee to meet the conditions specified by the department permits the department to void the conditional license.
[PL 2003, c. 673, Pt. X, § 2 (AMD).]The conditional license shall be void when the department has delivered in hand or by certified mail a written notice to the conditional licensee or, if the licensee cannot be reached for service in hand or by certified mail, has left notice thereof at the facility.
[PL 1981, c. 203, § 1 (RPR).]The department may redistribute expiration dates for new and renewed licenses to provide for comparable distribution of licenses on a quarterly basis throughout the year and shall prorate the fees for licenses with a term less or more than one year. The prescribed fee shall accompany the application for a new license, or the renewal of a license.
[PL 1981, c. 203, § 1 (RPR).]Licenses shall be renewed upon application therefor and upon payment of the prescribed fee and subject to compliance with regulations of the department and with this chapter. The department shall provide licensees with notice of the need for renewal and necessary forms no less than 30 days prior to the expiration of the license.
[PL 1981, c. 203, § 1 (RPR).]The issuance of the license provided for in this chapter does not provide exemption from other state or local laws, ordinances or regulations, notwithstanding any other provision of law.
[PL 1981, c. 203, § 1 (RPR).]Licenses erroneously issued by the department are void and shall be returned to the department on demand in a notice delivered by hand or by certified mail to the licensee. For cause, the department may revoke or suspend any license pursuant to section 2500.
[PL 1981, c. 203, § 1 (RPR).][PL 1975, c. 496, § 3 (NEW).][PL 1977, c. 459 (AMD).][PL 1981, c. 203, § 1 (RPR).][PL 1983, c. 553, § 21 (AMD).][PL 2003, c. 673, § X2 (AMD).][PL 2009, c. 211, Pt. A, § 8 (AMD).][PL 2011, c. 193, Pt. B, § 3 (AMD).][PL 2017, c. 322, § 6 (AMD).]§ 2496. Rules and policies
§ 2497. Right of entry, inspection and determination of compliance
The department and any duly designated officer or employee of the department have the right, without an administrative inspection warrant, to enter upon and into the premises of any establishment licensed pursuant to this chapter at any reasonable time in order to determine the state of compliance with this chapter and any rules in force pursuant to this chapter. Such right of entry and inspection extends to any premises that the department has reason to believe is being operated or maintained without a license but no such entry and inspection of any premises may be made without the permission of the owner or person in charge unless a search warrant is obtained authorizing entry and inspection. The department and any duly designated officer or employee of the department do not have the right to enter, for inspection under this chapter, upon and into the premises of any establishment that is licensed under chapter 551, subchapter 1.
[PL 2011, c. 375, § 2 (AMD).]Determination of compliance with this chapter and any rules adopted pursuant to this chapter must be made at least once every 2 years by inspection or other method as determined by the department.
[PL 2011, c. 375, § 2 (AMD).][PL 1975, c. 496, § 3 (NEW).][PL 1979, c. 672, § A61 (AMD).][PL 1985, c. 771, § 5 (AMD).][PL 1987, c. 838, § 2 (AMD).][PL 1991, c. 528, § J4 (AMD).][PL 1991, c. 528, § RRR (AFF).][PL 1991, c. 591, § J4 (AMD).][PL 2011, c. 375, § 2 (AMD).]§ 2498. Fines and penalties
(1) May be referred to the Attorney General for appropriate enforcement action; and
(2) In addition to all fines and penalties imposed pursuant to this chapter, is liable for any interest, costs and fees incurred by the department, including attorney's fees.
§ 2499. Municipal inspections
Notwithstanding any other provisions of this chapter, in order to ensure statewide uniformity in health standards, health inspector certification and the maintenance of inspection report records, a municipality must have been delegated authority by the department to conduct inspections and demonstrated adherence to requirements under this section prior to performing any municipal inspections under such authority. Any municipal inspection of an establishment under this section conducted by a municipality that has not been delegated authority is void. The department may issue a license to an establishment as defined in section 2491 on the basis of an inspection performed by a health inspector who works for and is compensated by the municipality in which such an establishment is located, but only if the following conditions have been met.
[PL 2011, c. 589, § 1 (RPR).]§ 2500. Suspension or revocation; appeals
When the department believes a license should be suspended or revoked, it shall file a complaint with the District Court in conformity with the Maine Administrative Procedure Act. A person aggrieved by the refusal of the department to issue a license may request a hearing in conformity with the Maine Administrative Procedure Act.
[PL 1977, c. 694, § 352 (AMD).] [PL 1999, c. 547, Pt. B, § 78 (AMD).] [PL 1999, c. 547, Pt. B, § 80 (AFF).]Whenever, upon inspection, conditions are found which violate this chapter or regulations adopted thereunder, or which may endanger the life, health or safety of persons living in or attending any licensed establishment under this chapter, the department may request an emergency suspension of license of the District Court pursuant to Title 4, section 184, subsection 6, and the court may grant suspension subject to reinstatement following a hearing before the court if cause is not shown.
[PL 1999, c. 547, Pt. B, § 41 (AMD).] [PL 1999, c. 547, Pt. B, § 80 (AFF).][PL 1975, c. 496, § 3 (NEW).][PL 1977, c. 694, § 352 (AMD).][PL 1981, c. 203, § 2 (AMD).][PL 1999, c. 547, §§B41,78 (AMD).][PL 1999, c. 547, § B80 (AFF).]§ 2500-A. Menu labeling for chain restaurants
The provisions of this section apply to chain restaurants that are located in the State.
[PL 2009, c. 395, § 7 (NEW).] [PL 2009, c. 395, § 8 (AFF).]As the statement of calories pertains to beer, wine and spirits, the statement must also meet the requirements of subsection 6.
[PL 2011, c. 691, Pt. D, § 9 (AMD).]§ 2501. Exceptions
Private homes are not deemed or considered lodging places and subject to a license when not more than 5 rooms are let; such private homes must post in a visible location in each rented room a card with the following statement in text that is easily readable in no less than 18-point boldface type of uniform font "This lodging place is not regulated by the State of Maine Department of Health and Human Services, Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention." The homes must provide guests upon check-in with a notice containing the same information. A license is not required from vacation rentals, dormitories of charitable, educational or philanthropic institutions or fraternity and sorority houses affiliated with educational institutions, or private homes used in emergencies for the accommodation of persons attending conventions, fairs or similar public gatherings, nor from temporary eating establishments and temporary lodging places for the same, nor from railroad dining or buffet cars, nor from construction camps, nor from boarding houses and camps conducted in connection with wood cutting and logging operations, nor from any boarding care facilities or children's homes that are licensed under section 7801.
[PL 2015, c. 494, Pt. D, § 4 (AMD).]Rooms and cottages are not deemed or considered lodging places and subject to a license where not more than 3 rooms and cottages are let.
[PL 2011, c. 193, Pt. B, § 10 (AMD).]Stores or other establishments, where bottled soft drinks or ice cream is sold for consumption from the original containers only, and where no tables, chairs, glasses or other utensils are provided in connection with such sale, are not considered eating establishments. At such establishments, straws or spoons may be provided to aid in the consumption of such bottled soft drinks or ice cream, as long as they are supplied in original individual single service sterile packages.
[PL 2011, c. 193, Pt. B, § 10 (AMD).]Nonprofit organizations including, but not limited to, 4-H Clubs, scouts and agricultural societies are exempt from department rules and regulations relating to dispensing foods and nonalcoholic beverages at not more than 12 public events or meals within one calendar year.
[PL 2011, c. 193, Pt. B, § 10 (AMD).][PL 1975, c. 496, § 3 (NEW).][PL 1977, c. 78, § 148 (AMD).][PL 2007, c. 428, § 1 (AMD).][PL 2011, c. 193, Pt. B, § 10 (AMD).][PL 2013, c. 264, § 7 (AMD).][PL 2015, c. 494, Pt. D, § 4 (AMD).]§ 2502. Transaction fee for electronic renewal of license
The department may collect a transaction fee from a licensee who renews a license electronically under this chapter. The fee may not exceed the cost of providing the electronic license renewal service. The department may adopt rules necessary to implement this section. Rules adopted pursuant to this section are routine technical rules as defined in Title 5, chapter 375, subchapter 2-A.
[PL 2009, c. 589, § 3 (NEW).][PL 2009, c. 589, § 3 (NEW).]Sec. 3. 22 MRSA §2491, sub-§1, as amended by PL 2011, c. 193, Pt. A, §1, is further amended to read:
Sec. 4. 22 MRSA §2491, sub-§7-F, as amended by PL 2013, c. 264, §4, is further amended to read:
Sec. 5. 22 MRSA §2491, sub-§7-G is enacted to read:
Sec. 6. 22 MRSA §2491, sub-§10-C is enacted to read:
"Permanent residence" includes nursing homes as defined in section 1812-A, assisted living programs as defined in section 7852, subsection 4 and residential care facilities as defined in section 7852, subsection 14.
Sec. 7. 22 MRSA §2491, sub-§11, as repealed and replaced by PL 2011, c. 193, Pt. A, §9, is amended to read:
Sec. 8. 22 MRSA §2491, sub-§16, as amended by PL 2011, c. 193, Pt. A, §13, is further amended to read:
Sec. 9. 22 MRSA §2492, sub-§1, as amended by PL 2017, c. 322, §4, is further amended to read:
Licenses issued must be displayed in a place readily visible to customers or other persons using a licensed establishment.
Sec. 10. 22 MRSA §2492, sub-§3, as amended by PL 2011, c. 193, Pt. A, §15, is further amended to read:
Sec. 11. 22 MRSA §2494, sub-§2, as amended by PL 2011, c. 193, Pt. B, §2, is further amended to read:
Sec. 12. 22 MRSA §2495, as amended by PL 2017, c. 322, §6, is further amended to read:
§ 2495. Issuance of licenses
The department shall, within 30 days following receipt of a complete application, issue an annual license to operate any eating establishment, lodging place, recreational camp, youth camp , public pool, public spa or campground that is found to comply with this chapter and the rules adopted by the department.
When any initial an applicant is found, based upon an inspection by the department or by municipal inspection made according to section 2499, not in compliance with the requirements of this chapter or departmental regulations adopted and approved pursuant to section 2496 or 2499, subsection 1, the department may refuse issuance of the initial license , but and shall issue a conditional license, except when conditions are found that present a serious danger to the health and safety of the public. A conditional license may not exceed 90 days. The department may issue only one conditional license, which is valid for up to one year, per applicant. Failure by the conditional licensee to meet the conditions specified by the department permits the department to void the conditional license.
The conditional license shall be is void when the department has delivered in hand or by certified mail a written notice to the conditional licensee or, if the licensee cannot be reached for service in hand or by certified mail, has left notice thereof at the facility.
The conditional licensee may apply for an annual license if the conditional license is voided or expires. The conditional licensee must meet all conditions before applying for an annual license.
The department may redistribute expiration dates for new and renewed licenses to provide for comparable distribution of licenses on a quarterly basis throughout the year and shall prorate the fees for licenses with a term less or more than one year. The prescribed fee shall must accompany the application for a new license , or the renewal of a license.
Licenses shall must be renewed upon application therefor annually and upon payment of the prescribed fee , including late fees, additional inspection fees and fines if assessed, and subject to compliance with regulations of the department and with this chapter. The department shall provide licensees with notice of the need for renewal and necessary forms no less than 30 days prior to the expiration of the license.
The issuance of the license provided for in this chapter does not provide exemption from other state or local laws, ordinances or regulations, notwithstanding any other provision of law.
Licenses erroneously issued by the department are void and shall must be returned to the department on demand in a notice delivered by hand or by certified mail to the licensee. For cause, the department may revoke or suspend any license pursuant to section 2500.
Sec. 13. 22 MRSA §2496, sub-§3 is enacted to read:
Sec. 14. 22 MRSA §2498, sub-§1, ¶A, as amended by PL 2017, c. 322, §7, is further amended to read:
Sec. 15. 22 MRSA §2499, sub-§6, as amended by PL 2011, c. 193, Pt. A, §17, is further amended to read:
Sec. 16. 32 MRSA §1222, sub-§1, as amended by PL 2013, c. 264, §8, is further amended to read:
The department shall renew a license annually upon payment of the prescribed fee, including late fees, additional inspection fees and fines if assessed, and the licensee is subject to compliance with regulations of the department and this chapter. The department shall provide a licensee with notice of the need for renewal and necessary forms no later than 30 days prior to the expiration of the license.
Sec. 17. 32 MRSA §1222, sub-§1-A is enacted to read:
An applicant who is issued a conditional license may reapply for a license if the conditional license is voided or expires; however, the department may not issue another conditional license. In order for an applicant to be issued an annual license, all conditions specified by the department must be met.
Sec. 18. 32 MRSA §1233, as amended by PL 2013, c. 264, §§11 and 12, is repealed and the following enacted in its place:
§ 1233. Revocation; suspension; refusal to issue; probation
The department may revoke, suspend or refuse to issue a license or to renew a license or place a person on probation if:
Sec. 19. 32 MRSA §1243, as amended by PL 2009, c. 589, §10, is further amended to read:
§ 1243. Inspections ; right of entry and determination of compliance
Upon any person's request and payment of a fee not to exceed $150, the department shall inspect that person's training, place of practice and equipment for compliance with the rules adopted by the department under this chapter. All fees collected by the department must be deposited in a special revenue account dedicated to a health inspection program.
The department and any duly designated officer or employee of the department have the right, without an administrative inspection warrant, to enter upon and into the premises of any establishment licensed, or a place where a licensed electrologist practices, pursuant to this chapter at any reasonable time in order to determine the state of compliance with this chapter and any rules in force pursuant to this chapter. Such right of entry and inspection extends to any premises that the department has reason to believe is being operated or maintained without a license or a place where an electrologist practices without a license, but no such entry and inspection of any premises may be made without the permission of the owner or person in charge unless a search warrant is obtained authorizing entry and inspection. Determination of compliance with this chapter and any rules adopted pursuant to this chapter must be made at least once every 2 years by inspection or other method as determined by the department.
Sec. 20. 32 MRSA §4204, sub-§3 is enacted to read:
Sec. 21. 32 MRSA §4204, sub-§4 is enacted to read:
Sec. 22. 32 MRSA §4252, sub-§1 is enacted to read:
Sec. 23. 32 MRSA §4301, sub-§2 is enacted to read:
An applicant who is issued a conditional license may reapply for a license if the conditional license is voided or expires; however, the department may not issue another conditional license. In order for an applicant to be issued an annual license, all conditions specified by the department must be met.
Sec. 24. 32 MRSA §4312, sub-§2, as enacted by PL 1997, c. 383, §1, is amended to read:
Sec. 25. 32 MRSA §4312, sub-§4 is enacted to read:
An applicant who is issued a conditional license may reapply for a license if the conditional license is voided or expires; however, the department may not issue another conditional license. In order for an applicant to be issued a biennial license, all conditions specified by the department must be met.
Sec. 26. 32 MRSA §4318, sub-§3 is enacted to read:
Sec. 27. 32 MRSA §4325, sub-§1 is enacted to read:
Sec. 28. 32 MRSA §4325, sub-§2 is enacted to read:
An applicant who is issued a conditional license may reapply for a license if the conditional license is voided or expires; however, the department may not issue another conditional license. In order for an applicant to be issued an annual license, all conditions specified by the department must be met.
Sec. 29. 32 MRSA §4327, sub-§3 is enacted to read:
Sec. 30. 32 MRSA §4327, sub-§4 is enacted to read:
summary
This bill does the following.
1. It corrects a conflict regarding fees related to municipal inspections in the laws governing eating establishments, lodging places, campgrounds, recreational and sporting camps, youth camps, public pools and public spas and adds provisions regarding applications and conditional licensing. It adds a fine for 2nd and subsequent violations and a provision stating that information identifying a reference, complainant or reporter of a suspected licensing violation is confidential. The bill also adds clarifying definitions and changes the chapter headnote to better reflect the content of that chapter.
2. It repeals the laws governing the defunct Maine Wild Mushroom Harvesting Certification Program.
3. It amends the laws governing body artists, including electrologists, tattoo artists, micropigmentation practitioners and body piercers, to include late fees, inspection fees and fines in the payment of all license fees; to allow the issuance of conditional licenses; to add grounds for license refusal, suspension or revocation; and to add right of entry and inspection frequency language that is consistent with other professional licenses.