Sec. 1. 34-B MRSA §5438 is enacted to read:

§5438.__Residential services

In providing residential services to a person with mental retardation, whether directly or by contractual or other agreement, the department shall give preference to residential services provided in private homes over residential services provided in privately operated or agency-operated residential care facilities.__The department shall undertake an initiative to provide information to the public regarding opportunities for providing residential services for persons with mental retardation, including training on mental retardation and the requirements for obtaining approval as a private home provider of residential services.

SUMMARY

This bill directs the Department of Health and Human Services to give preference to residential services provided in private homes over residential services provided in privately operated or agency-operated residential care facilities. It directs the department to undertake an initiative to provide information to the public regarding opportunities for providing residential services for persons with mental retardation, including training on mental retardation and the requirements for obtaining approval as a private home provider of residential services.