Resolve, To Create a Stakeholder Group To Identify the Needs of Long-term Care Family Caregivers
Maine Legislature, Session 130, LD 1624
Committee: Health and Human Services
Sponsors: CRAVEN, BROOKS, CLOUTIER, MADIGAN, PERRY, LIBBY

Legislative Document
No. 1624
H.P. 1208
House of Representatives, April 27, 2021
Resolve, To Create a Stakeholder Group To Identify the Needs of 
Long-term Care Family Caregivers
(EMERGENCY)
Reference to the Committee on Health and Human Services suggested and ordered printed.
ROBERT B. HUNT
Clerk
Presented by Representative CRAVEN of Lewiston.
Cosponsored by Representatives: BROOKS of Lewiston, CLOUTIER of Lewiston, 
MADIGAN of Waterville, PERRY of Calais, Senator: LIBBY of Androscoggin.
Emergency preamble.  Whereas, acts and resolves of the Legislature do not 
become effective until 90 days after adjournment unless enacted as emergencies; and
Whereas, family caregivers are critical to the health of individuals receiving long-
term care assistance; and
Whereas, this resolve requires the long-term care ombudsman program within the 
Department of Health and Human Services to convene a stakeholder group to consider and 
make recommendations for the implementation of an assessment measure for the needs of 
family caregivers in the State; and
Whereas, this assessment must be initiated before the 90-day period expires in order 
that the work may be completed and a report submitted in time for submission to the next 
legislative session; 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.  Long-term care ombudsman program to establish stakeholder 
group.  Resolved:  That the long-term care ombudsman program, established pursuant 
to the Maine Revised Statutes, Title 22, section 5106, subsection 11-C and referred to in 
this resolve as "the long-term care ombudsman," shall establish a stakeholder group to 
consider and make recommendations for the implementation of an assessment measure for 
the needs of family caregivers.
Sec. 2.  Stakeholder group membership.  Resolved:  That the long-term care 
ombudsman shall invite the participation of representatives of the Department of Health 
and Human Services, the area agencies on aging, service coordination agencies for 
recipients of home care services, Legal Services for the Elderly, Disability Rights Maine 
and the agency designated by the State to provide statewide assessments as required by the 
federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, as well as family caregivers and any 
other interested parties, in the stakeholder group established in section 1.
Sec. 3.  Duties.  Resolved:  That the stakeholder group established in section 1 shall 
consider and make recommendations for the implementation of an assessment measure of 
the needs of family caregivers.  The stakeholder group shall consider all relevant data 
including data currently collected by the Department of Health and Human Services or 
stakeholders relating to the needs of family caregivers and family members of individuals 
receiving long-term care services at home for referrals for support services and resources, 
apparent gaps in resources and information regarding family caregiver assessment services 
and resources provided in other states.  The stakeholder group shall also develop a plan to 
implement improved referrals to services for family caregivers.
Sec. 4.  Report.  Resolved:  That the long-term care ombudsman shall submit a 
report with its findings and recommendations pursuant to section 3, along with any 
recommended legislation, to the Joint Standing Committee on Health and Human Services 
no later than January 2, 2022.  The committee is authorized to submit legislation to the 
Emergency clause.  In view of the emergency cited in the preamble, this legislation 
takes effect when approved.
SUMMARY
This resolve requires the long-term care ombudsman program to establish a stakeholder 
group to consider and make recommendations for the implementation of an assessment 
measure for the needs of family caregivers providing long-term care services to family 
members, to establish a plan to improve referrals to services and to submit a report to the 
Joint Standing Committee on Health and Human Services no later than January 2, 2022.