Resolve, To Review Statutes, Rules and Policies Regarding Mental Retardation, Pervasive Developmental Disorders and Other Cognitive and Developmental Disorders

Emergency preamble. Whereas,  acts and resolves of the Legislature do not become effective until 90 days after adjournment unless enacted as emergencies; and

Whereas,  the Legislature has determined that the Department of Health and Human Services needs to reevaluate the criteria for eligibility for services and levels of care of services and its statutory authority, rules and policies; 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. Review and report. Resolved: That the Department of Health and Human Services shall convene a working group of stakeholders and other interested parties to undertake a review of current statutes, rules and policies regarding services, definitions, limitations, eligibility and levels of care for adults with mental retardation, pervasive developmental disorders and other cognitive and developmental disorders. The purpose of the review is for the department to evaluate the need for changes in statute, rule or policy to ensure fairness and equity in the provision of services and to evaluate the need for additional resources to meet unidentified need. By January 1, 2008, the department shall report to the Joint Standing Committee on Health and Human Services on its progress in the review and any recommended changes in law. The Joint Standing Committee on Health and Human Services is authorized to submit legislation related to the recommendations of the working group to the Second Regular Session of the 123rd Legislature.

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