130th MAINE LEGISLATURE
		LD 1386		LR 923(02)
	Resolve, To Improve Access to Bariatric Care
	Fiscal Note for Bill as Amended by Committee Amendment " "
	Committee: Health and Human Services
	Fiscal Note Required: Yes
Fiscal Note
Current biennium cost increase - General Fund Current biennium cost increase - Federal Expenditures Fund
Fiscal Detail and Notes
	This bill requires the Department of Health and Human Services to develop a plan to provide 4 new specialized bariatric care nursing facility beds a year for 4 years. By August 31, 2021 the department shall convene an informal workgroup to determine providers who are interested in developing bariatric care beds in their facilities. No later than December 31, 2021 the department shall amend rules with rate changes for the service. By March 30, 2022 the department shall issue a Request for Proposals (RFP) and finally, by June 30, 2022, the department shall award contracts based on the RFP's received. Prior to this process and rate development, which would take into account issues such as the individual's specific needs, the staffing required and specialized equipment needs, the department would not know which facilities will be available for the beds and what the final rates might be for the service. It is anticipated that this will create a significant fiscal impact. However, the amount of that impact cannot be determined at this time.