Whereas, questions have arisen as to the ability of the Maine Health and Higher Educational Facilities Authority to finance the acquisition of air ambulances as an eligible entity or facility; and

Whereas, it is vitally necessary to the health, safety and welfare of the citizens of Maine that the State enjoy a coordinated air ambulance system; 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 enacted by the People of the State of Maine as follows:

Sec. 1. 22 MRSA §2053, sub-§3-A, as amended by PL 2001, c. 596, Pt. B, §7 and affected by §25, is further amended to read:

3-A. Health care facility. "Health care facility" means a nursing home that is, or will be upon completion, licensed under chapter 405; a residential care facility that is, or will be upon completion, licensed under chapter 1663; a continuing care retirement community that is, or will be upon completion, licensed under Title 24-A, chapter 73; an assisted living facility that is, or will be upon completion, licensed under chapter 1664; a hospital; a community mental health facility; a scene response air ambulance licensed under Title 32, chapter 2-B and the rules adopted thereunder; or a community health center.

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

SUMMARY

This bill expands the list of entities and facilities that qualify for financing by the Maine Health and Higher Educational Facilities Authority to include certain licensed air ambulances.