123rd MAINE LEGISLATURE
		LD 2253		LR 3554(01)
	An Act To License Certified Professional Midwives
	Fiscal Note for Original Bill
	Sponsor: Rep. Smith of Monmouth
	Committee: Business, Research and Economic Development
	Fiscal Note Required: Yes
Fiscal Note
Potential current biennium cost increase - General Fund Minor revenue increase - General Fund
Correctional and Judicial Impact Statements
	Establishes new civil violations and Class E crimes.  Increases the number of civil suits.  The collection of additional filing fees and fines may also increase General Fund revenue by minor amounts.
Fiscal Detail and Notes
	The Office of Licensing and Registration within the Department of Professional and Financial Regulation has indicated that it will require an Other Special Revenue Funds allocation of $159,198 in fiscal year 2008-09 for 1 Field Investigator position, 1 Office Specialist I position, per diem and related all other costs associated with establishing the Board of Licensed Midwives, assuming an effective date of August 1, 2008.  Information provided by the Office of Licensing and Registration indicates that preparation for the January 1, 2009 licensing of an estimated 22 applicants will require the printing of applications, customizing of the licensing system to accommodate licensing requirements, additional rulemaking, printing, photocopying, and postage.  However, it is unclear what the ongoing workload associated with the operation of the board will be and whether that workload will require the resources of a full-time administrative position.
	This legislation authorizes the Office of Licensing and Registration to establish fees.  However, the fees are capped at a one-time $200 application fee and no more than $675 annually for initial and renewal licensure.  Based on these amounts and the estimated number of applicants, it does not appear that sufficient revenue will be generated to support the anticipated costs of the board, as presented by the Office of Licensing and Registration, without ongoing support from the General Fund of between $150,000 to $200,000 per year.