Sec. 5. Duties. Resolved: That the commission shall study Maine's workers' compensation fee schedule and compare it to:

1. The federal workers' compensation fee schedule;

2. Other states' workers' compensation fee schedules; and

3. Other fee schedules such as those of the MaineCare program.

The commission shall develop and propose a workers' compensation medical fee schedule for all health care services, including pharmaceutical expenses. The medical fee schedule should not compromise the quality of or access to health care for injured workers. The schedule should establish a maximum fee for the services that equals the average amount a health care provider or entity charges Anthem, Dirigo Health, Cigna and Aetna for the same services; and be it further

Sec. 6. Staff assistance. Resolved: That, upon approval of the Legislative Council, the Office of Policy and Legal Analysis shall provide necessary staffing services to the commission; and be it further

Sec. 7. Compensation. Resolved: That the legislative members of the commission 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 authorized meetings of the commission. Public members not otherwise compensated by their employers or other entities that they represent are entitled to receive reimbursement of necessary expenses and, upon a demonstration of financial hardship, a per diem equal to the legislative per diem for their attendance at authorized meetings of the commission; and be it further

Sec. 8. Report. Resolved: That, no later than November 2, 2005, the commission shall submit a report that includes its findings and recommendations, including suggested legislation, for presentation to the Second Regular Session of the 122nd Legislature. The commission is authorized to introduce