Bill > LD1055

This bill establishes comprehensive protections against discrimination for individuals with disabilities in accessing organ transplants and anatomical donations. The legislation defines key terms such as "anatomical gift" and "disability" and prohibits healthcare facilities and providers from denying medical services related to organ transplantation solely based on a person's disability. Specifically, healthcare providers cannot consider a disabled individual ineligible for transplants, refuse referrals, deny services, or place them lower on transplant waiting lists. The bill requires healthcare facilities to make reasonable modifications to their policies and procedures to accommodate individuals with disabilities, ensuring they have equal access to transplantation-related services. Healthcare providers must consider support systems and auxiliary aids when evaluating a patient's eligibility, and can only take a disability into account if it is medically significant after an individualized evaluation. The legislation also extends to health insurance carriers, preventing them from denying coverage for organ transplants based on disability. If a healthcare facility or provider violates these provisions, an affected individual may seek injunctive or equitable relief through a civil action in Superior Court. The bill aims to ensure that people with disabilities have fair and equal opportunities to receive life-saving organ transplants and related medical services.

Health and Social Services

https://legislature.maine.gov/legis/bills/display_ps.asp?LD=1055&snum=132