Resolve, Directing the Department of Health and Human Services To Complete the Redesign of a Shared Living Program for Adults with Intellectual Disabilities
Maine Legislature, Session 125, LD 0376
Committee: Health and Human Services
Sponsors: STUCKEY, SANBORN

Legislative Document 
No. 376 
H.P. 302 
House of Representatives, February 8, 2011 
Resolve, Directing the Department of Health and Human Services 
To Complete the Redesign of a Shared Living Program for Adults 
with Intellectual Disabilities 
(EMERGENCY) 
Reference to the Committee on Health and Human Services suggested and ordered printed. 
HEATHER J.R. PRIEST 
Clerk 
Presented by Representative STUCKEY of Portland. 
Cosponsored by Representative: SANBORN of Gorham. 
Emergency preamble. Whereas, acts and resolves of the Legislature do not 
become effective until 90 days after adjournment unless enacted as emergencies; and 
Whereas, shared living and other home foster care services are appropriate and 
cost-effective options for many adults with cognitive and intellectual disabilities and 
autism; and 
Whereas, the Department of Health and Human Services began redesign efforts for 
a shared living and other home foster care services program July 1, 2010 and booked 
savings in this program; and 
Whereas, the initial redesign has occurred but necessary actions to clarify respective 
roles of administering agencies, host families and department employees have not; and 
Whereas, this failure to complete the redesign leaves administering agencies with 
significant legal and financial liabilities for which they no longer are compensated; and 
Whereas, residential supports for over 450 individuals with intellectual disabilities 
and autism are in jeopardy, as well as private respite and foster care services, if these 
issues are not addressed; 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.  Redesign.  Resolved:  That the Department of Health and Human 
Services shall complete the redesign of a shared living program for adults with 
intellectual disabilities no later than April 15, 2011.  The redesign must include a tiered 
reimbursement system for host home providers that reflects the level of support required 
by the individuals based upon an objective needs assessment process.  The redesign must 
thoroughly analyze the efficacy and appropriateness of host families becoming the 
providers of record under MaineCare regulations; and be it further 
Sec. 2.  Report.  Resolved:  That the Department of Health and Human Services 
shall provide progress reports to the Joint Standing Committee on Health and Human 
Services on at least a monthly basis until the redesign under section 1 is completed. 
Emergency clause.  In view of the emergency cited in the preamble, this 
legislation takes effect when approved. 
SUMMARY 
This resolve requires the Department of Health and Human Services to complete the 
redesign of shared living and other home foster care services for adults with cognitive and 
intellectual disabilities and autism by April 15, 2011.