H.P. 1411 - L.D. 1975
Emergency preamble. Whereas, Acts and resolves of the Legislature do not become effective until 90 days after adjournment unless enacted as emergencies; and
Whereas, eating disorders affect a significant number of Maine citizens and their families, endangering the health and happiness of our citizens and their families; and
Whereas, it is in the interest of the State to begin a study commission on eating disorders in a timely manner so that the commission can address the issue thoroughly; and
Whereas, emergency legislation is needed to begin the eating disorders study promptly; and
Whereas, the study must be initiated before the 90-day period expires in order that the study may be completed and a report submitted in time for the next legislative session; and
Whereas, in the judgment of the Legislature, these facts create an emergency within the meaning of the Constitution of Maine and require the following legislation as immediately necessary for the preservation of the public peace, health and safety; now, therefore, be it
Sec. 1. Commission established. Resolved: That the Commission on Eating Disorders, referred to in this resolve as the "commission," is established to study and propose methods of providing education, prevention services and support to persons with eating disorders and their families; and be it further
Sec. 2. Membership. Resolved: That the commission consists of 19 members appointed as follows:
A. The Commissioner of Mental Health, Mental Retardation and Substance Abuse Services or the commissioner's designee, the Commissioner of Human Services or the commissioner's designee and the Commissioner of Education or the commissioner's designee; and
B. The following members appointed by the President of the Senate: one person who has the eating disorder anorexia, one family member of a person with an eating disorder, one person representing college student health interests, one member of the Joint Standing Committee on Health and Human Services and 4 persons who have experience caring for persons with eating disorders representing each of the following professions: clinical professional counselors, psychiatrists, social workers and family health care providers; and
C. The following members appointed by the Speaker of the House of Representatives: one person who has the eating disorder bulimia, one health educator or school nurse, one person representing public health policy issues, 2 members of the Joint Standing Committee on Health and Human Services, one from each major political party, and 3 persons who have experience caring for persons with eating disorders representing each of the following professions: psychiatric clinical nurse specialists, psychologists and dietitians; and be it further
Sec. 3. Appointments; meetings. Resolved: That all appointments must be made no later than 30 days following the effective date of this resolve. The Executive Director of the Legislative Council must be notified by all appointing authorities once the selections have been made. When the appointment of all members has been completed, the Chair of the Legislative Council shall call and convene the first meeting of the commission no later than May 30, 1998. The commission shall select a legislative member as chair; and be it further
Sec. 4. Duties. Resolved: That the commission shall study methods of providing education, prevention services and support to persons with eating disorders and their families. The commission shall gather information on the extent of eating disorders in the State and the community and statewide resources available to persons with disorders and their families. The commission shall gather information on eating disorders and shall study the need for education and information for the public, public officials and professionals working in health care. The commission shall study the need for a permanent advisory committee on eating disorders. The commission shall make a report in accordance with section 7; and be it further
Sec. 5. Staff assistance. Resolved: That the Department of Mental Health, Mental Retardation and Substance Abuse Services shall provide staffing and clerical assistance to the commission; and be it further
Sec. 6. Reimbursement. Resolved: That the commission members who are Legislators are entitled to receive the legislative per diem, as defined in the Maine Revised Statutes, Title 3, section 2, for each day's attendance at meetings of the commission and reimbursement for travel and other necessary expenses, upon application to the Legislative Council. The Executive Director of the Legislative Council shall administer the commission's budget. Nonlegislator members serve on a voluntary basis; and be it further
Sec. 7. Report. Resolved: That the commission shall submit its report with any recommendations and accompanying legislation to the joint standing committee of the Legislature having jurisdiction over health and human services matters and may submit legislation to the First Regular Session of the 119th Legislature by January 1, 1999. The commission may request an extension of the reporting date from the Legislative Council if it finds that it is unable to complete its work by January 1, 1999; and be it further
Sec. 8. Appropriation. Resolved: That the following funds are appropriated from the General Fund to carry out the purposes of this resolve.
1997-98 1998-99
LEGISLATURE
Commission on Eating Disorders
Personal Services $330 $1,155
All Other 300 1,550
Provides funds for the per diem and expenses of legislative members and miscellaneous costs, including printing, of the Commission on Eating Disorders.
LEGISLATURE ____________ ____________
TOTAL $630 $2,705
Emergency clause. In view of the emergency cited in the preamble, this resolve takes effect when approved.
Effective April 13, 1998.
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