Whereas, the study must be initiated before the 90-day period expires in order that the study may be completed and a report submitted in time for submission to the Legislature by December 15, 2003; and

Whereas, health care costs, and consequently hospital costs, are continuing to rise at an alarming rate; 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. Department of Human Services to study critical access. Resolved: That the Department of Human Services shall administer a study commission, referred to in this resolve as "the commission," in consultation with the advisory committee established in this resolve, to study the impact of "critical access facility" designation of Maine hospitals to determine the impact on hospital charges; to assess what impact, if any, the designations have on cost-shifting to other payers; and to make recommendations regarding further "critical access facility" designation for additional Maine hospitals; and be it further

Sec. 2. Authority to contract. Resolved: That the Department of Human Services shall administer the commission and may enter into contracts with consultants for the performance of the study pursuant to subsection 1. After consultation with the advisory committee established in this resolve, the commission shall determine the nature and extent of the contractual services necessary for the completion of the study in accordance with this resolve and shall prepare and administer all contracts pursuant to those determinations in accordance with the Maine Revised Statutes, Title 5, chapter 155; and be it further

Sec. 3. Advisory committee established. Resolved: That the commission must be administered in consultation with an advisory committee, referred to in this resolve as "the committee," that consists of 9 members appointed as follows:

1. The Superintendent of Insurance or the superintendent's designee;

2. Two members of the Senate, to be appointed by the President of the Senate;