Bill > LD1606

This bill requires the Maine Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) to develop and implement a lifespan waiver for home and community-based services for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, autism spectrum disorder, or related conditions. The bill mandates that all rulemaking for this waiver be considered "major substantive rules," which means the Legislature will have more direct involvement in the rule approval process. Additionally, the department must collect and report annual data on service provisions and unmet needs, including the number of individuals unable to access services outlined in their personal plans, individuals not receiving full service hours, individuals living with shared living providers, and the number of residential transitions between different care settings. The department is required to publish this data on its public website and submit a report to the legislative committee overseeing health and human services by February 28th each year. The bill is designed to ensure more comprehensive tracking and legislative oversight of services for individuals with developmental disabilities, with an emergency clause allowing immediate implementation upon approval.

Health and Social Services

https://legislature.maine.gov/legis/bills/display_ps.asp?LD=1606&snum=132