Sec. 3. PL 2001, c. 439, Pt. ZZZ, §1, sub-§§8 and 9 are amended to read:

8. Compensation. Those members of the board who are Legislators or were Legislators at the time of their appointment are entitled to receive the legislative per diem as defined in the Maine Revised Statutes, Title 3, section 2 and reimbursement for travel and other necessary expenses related to their attendance at meetings of the board. If funds are available, public members of the board who are not otherwise compensated by their employers or other entities whom they represent may apply for reimbursement of travel and other necessary expenses related to their attendance at meetings of the board held after January 15, 2003.

9. Report. Based on its review, the board shall develop recommendations regarding the implementation of a single-payor plan to provide health care coverage to all citizens of this State and shall submit its final report, together with any necessary implementing legislation, to the Second Regular Session of the 120th 121st Legislature by March 1, 2002 January 1, 2004. If the board requires an extension of time to make its report, it may apply to the Legislative Council, which may grant the extension. The board shall submit an interim report, together with any necessary implementing legislation, to the First Regular Session of the 121st Legislature by January 15, 2003. Upon submission of the final report, the board may not take further action unless further action is authorized by law.

Sec. 4. Retroactivity. This Act is retroactive to September 21, 2001.

Emergency clause. In view of the emergency cited in the preamble, this Act takes effect when approved.

SUMMARY

This bill extends the authority of the Health Care System and Health Security Board to continue its work and submit a final report by January 1, 2004. The bill requires that the board submit an interim report by January 15, 2003. The bill also allows members appointed when they were Legislators to continue to serve until successors are appointed.