Sec. 3. Chairs. Resolved: That the first named Senate member is the Senate chair of the commission and the first named House of Representatives member is the House chair of the commission; and be it further

Sec. 4. 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 chairs of the commission shall call and convene the first meeting of the commission no later than 30 days after all members have been appointed; and be it further

Sec. 5. Duties. Resolved: That the commission shall study the health care workforce shortage in the State.

1. In conducting the study, the commission shall:

A. Study the current labor shortage of health professionals in the State;

B. Project future implications for the health care system of the State due to the labor shortage of health professionals in the State; and

C. Develop recommendations to address the labor shortage of health professionals in the State.

2. In examining these questions, the commission may:

A. Hold informational sessions for discussions with knowledgeable persons;

B. Conduct, summarize and analyze the results of a literature search;

C. Conduct, tabulate and analyze the results of a survey of the public or affected persons and groups;

D. Procure and analyze relevant data;

E. Conduct legal research and prepare opinions on legal questions within the scope of the study; and

F. Determine and summarize the legislative actions or governmental programs undertaken in other jurisdictions related to issues within the scope of the study; and be it further

Sec. 6. Staff assistance. Resolved: That the Department of Human Services shall provide necessary staffing services to the commission; and be it further

Sec. 7. Compensation. Resolved: That the members of the commission who are Legislators are entitled to the legislative per diem, as defined in the Maine Revised Statutes, Title 3, section 2, and reimbursement for necessary expenses incurred for their attendance at authorized meetings of the commission. Other members of the commission who are not otherwise compensated by their employers or other entities that they represent are entitled to receive reimbursement of necessary expenses incurred for their attendance at authorized meetings of the commission; and be it further

Sec. 8. Report. Resolved: That the commission shall submit its report, together with any necessary implementing legislation, to the joint standing committees of the Legislature having jurisdiction over health and human services, labor and education and cultural affairs matters no later than January 1, 2003. The joint standing committees of the Legislature have jurisdiction over health and human services, labor and education and cultural affairs matters may report out legislation pursuant to this Resolve to the First Regular Session of the 121st Legislature. If the commission requires a limited extension of time to conclude its work, it may apply to the Legislative Council, which may grant the extension; and be it further

Sec. 9. Budget. Resolved: That the chairs of the commission, with assistance from the commission staff, shall administer the commission's budget. Within 10 days after its first meeting, the commission shall present a work plan and proposed budget to the Legislative Council for approval. The commission may not incur expenses that would result in the commission exceeding its approved budget. Upon request from the commission, the Executive Director of the Legislative Council shall promptly provide the commission chairs and staff with a status report on the commission's budget, expenditures incurred and paid and available funds.

SUMMARY

This bill establishes the Commission to Study the Health Care Workforce Shortage to study the labor shortage of health

professionals in the State and to report, together with any necessary implementing legislation, to the joint standing committees of the Legislature having jurisdiction over health and human services, labor and education cultural affairs matters no later than January 1, 2003.