Resolve, Directing the Department of Health and Human Services To Amend MaineCare Rules as They Pertain to the Delivery of Covered Services via Telecommunications Technology
Maine Legislature, Session 126, LD 1596
Committee Amendment CA_A_H723 (House)

COMMITTEE AMENDMENT "A" to H.P. 1167, L.D. 1596, "Resolve, Directing 
the Department of Health and Human Services To Amend MaineCare Rules as They 
Pertain to the Delivery of Covered Services via Telecommunications Technology" 
Amend the resolve by striking out everything after the title and before the summary 
and inserting the following: 
'Emergency preamble. Whereas, acts and resolves of the Legislature do not 
become effective until 90 days after adjournment unless enacted as emergencies; and 
Whereas, reviewing the availability of different methods of communication 
technology and implementing new rules on providing covered MaineCare services 
through telecommunication technology will contribute to improved health outcomes and 
more efficient MaineCare services; and 
Whereas, providing for this legislation to take effect upon approval will contribute 
to expanding access to, and lowering the costs of delivering, health care as soon as 
possible; 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. Working group. Resolved: That the Department of Health and Human 
Services, referred to in this resolve as "the department," shall convene a working group to 
review the MaineCare rules regarding the definition of "telehealth" and the technologies 
used for provider-patient interaction involving MaineCare patients. 
The Commissioner of Health and Human Services shall invite the participation of the 
following on the working group: 
1. A representative of the Home Care and Hospice Alliance of Maine; 
2. A representative of the Maine Hospital Association; 
COMMITTEE AMENDMENT 
COMMITTEE AMENDMENT "A" to H.P. 1167, L.D. 1596 
3. A representative of MaineHealth; 
4. An independent business owner of a health care telecommunication technology; 
5. 
A representative of the behavioral health telecommunication technology 
community; 
6. A representative of an organization that advocates for persons with developmental 
disabilities; 
7. 
Members of the department with expertise in MaineCare and professional 
certification; and 
8. Any other interested parties. 
The working group shall focus on telephonic and video communications and 
determine when communications that are not visual may be appropriate and sufficient; 
and be it further 
Sec. 2. Amend MaineCare rules. Resolved: That the department shall amend 
its rules no later than October 1, 2014 regarding telehealth after the review of existing 
rules pursuant to section 1. Rules adopted pursuant to this resolve are routine technical 
rules as defined in the Maine Revised Statutes, Title 5, chapter 375, subchapter 2-A.' 
SUMMARY 
This amendment replaces the resolve with a resolve directing the Department of 
Health and Human Services to convene a working group to review the MaineCare rules 
regarding the definition of "telehealth" and the technologies used for provider-patient 
interaction involving MaineCare patients. The working group is required to determine 
when communications that are not visual may be appropriate and sufficient. 
The 
Department of Health and Human Services is directed to amend its rules regarding 
telehealth based upon the review by the working group. 
H"LAL ;\01£ REt2LihLu 
(See attached) 
COMMITTEE AMENDMENT 
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Approved: 03/20/14 frac 
LD 1596 
LR 2342(02) 
Resolve, Directing the Department of Health and Human Services To Amend MaineCare Rules as 
They Pertain to the Delivery of Covered Services via Telecommunications Technology 
Fiscal Detail and Notes 
Fiscal Note for Bill as Amended by Committee Amendment 'A' L~ .. 1~3) 
Committee: Health and Human Services 
Fiscal Note Required: Yes 
Fiscal Note 
Minor cost increase - General Fund 
The additional costs to the Department of Health and Human Services are expected to be minor and can be absorbed 
utilizing existing budgeted resources. Any impact on MaineCare spending as a result of any changes made based on 
the recommendations of the working group cannot be detennined at this time. 
LR2342(02) - Fiscal Note - Page 1 of 1