Whereas, the Department of Human Services has proposed changes in the reimbursement rates for foster care to take effect April 1, 2003 and July 1, 2003; and

Whereas, the proposed new rates will cause disruption in the delivery of foster care services; and

Whereas, in the judgment of the Legislature, these facts create an emergency within the meaning of the Constitution of Maine and require the following legislation as immediately necessary for the preservation of the public peace, health and safety; now, therefore, be it

Sec. 1. Rulemaking. Resolved: That the Department of Human Services shall retain in effect the reimbursement rates for therapeutic foster care that were in effect on January 1, 2003 until the rates proposed for adoption for April 1, 2003 and July 1, 2003 have been reviewed by a subcommittee of the Joint Standing Committee on Health and Human Services and a set of reimbursement rates for therapeutic foster care has been approved by a majority of the membership of the committee. In reviewing the proposed rates pursuant to this section, the subcommittee shall evaluate the short-term and long-term impact of the proposed rates and the effect of the proposed rates on the availability of appropriate foster home placements for children in need of foster care.

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

SUMMARY

This resolve directs the directs the Department of Human Services to retain in effect the reimbursement rates for therapeutic foster care that were in effect on January 1, 2003 until the rates proposed for adoption have been reviewed by a subcommittee of the Joint Standing Committee on Health and Human Services and a set of reimbursement rates has been approved by a majority of the committee. The subcommittee is directed to evaluate the impact of the proposed rates and the effect on the availability of foster home placements.