Bill > LD1497

This bill amends Maine's laws to establish the Primary Care Advisory Council and modify primary care reporting requirements. The Maine Quality Forum will now be required to submit an annual report beginning January 15, 2026, focusing on key measures of primary care in the state, such as primary care expenditures, service utilization, provider workforce capacity, access to care, and overall population health. The bill creates an 18-member Primary Care Advisory Council composed of primary care providers, stakeholder groups, state officials, and legislators, tasked with identifying actions to create a sustainable primary care system. The council will assess the status of primary care, identify gaps, and make policy recommendations to ensure adequate investment, provider distribution, timely access to services, and improved preventive care. Members will serve staggered 3-year terms, with the council required to meet at least four times annually and submit annual reports to state agencies and legislative committees. Both the reporting requirement and the advisory council are set to expire on January 15, 2031, providing a sunset provision for these new initiatives.

Health and Social Services

https://legislature.maine.gov/legis/bills/display_ps.asp?LD=1497&snum=132