Resolve, to Establish the Task Force to Study Barriers to Achieving Behavioral Health Integration and Parity
Maine Legislature, Session 131, LD 1304
Committee: Health and Human Services
Sponsors: PERRY, BAILEY, BRENNAN, DHALAC, MADIGAN

Legislative Document
No. 1304
H.P. 829
House of Representatives, March 23, 2023
Resolve, to Establish the Task Force to Study Barriers to Achieving 
Behavioral Health Integration and Parity
(EMERGENCY)
Reference to the Committee on Health and Human Services suggested and ordered printed.
ROBERT B. HUNT
Clerk
Presented by Representative PERRY of Calais.
Cosponsored by Senator BAILEY of York and
Representatives: BRENNAN of Portland, DHALAC of South Portland, MADIGAN of 
Waterville.
Emergency preamble.  Whereas, acts and resolves of the Legislature do not 
become effective until 90 days after adjournment unless enacted as emergencies; and
Whereas, this legislation establishes the Task Force to Study Barriers to Achieving 
Behavioral Health Integration and Parity to study barriers imposed by insurers and 
experienced by providers in attempting to deliver behavioral health services; and
Whereas, the study must be initiated before the 90-day period expires in order that 
the study 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.  Task force established.  Resolved:  That the Task Force to Study Barriers 
to Achieving Behavioral Health Integration and Parity, referred to in this resolve as "the 
task force," is established.
Sec. 2.  Task force membership. Resolved:  That, notwithstanding Joint Rule 
353, the task force consists of 13 members appointed as follows:
1.  Two members of the Senate appointed by the President of the Senate, including a 
member from each of the 2 parties holding the largest number of seats in the Legislature;
2.  Three members of the House of Representatives appointed by the Speaker of the 
House, including members from each of the 2 parties holding the largest number of seats 
in the Legislature;
3.  Two members representing entities knowledgeable about or involved in providing 
behavioral health services, appointed by the President of the Senate;
4.  Three members who are providers of behavioral health services and represent a 
small group practice, a federally qualified health center and a large group practice, 
appointed by the Speaker of the House; and
5.  Three members representing entities knowledgeable about or involved in insurance 
coverage for behavioral health treatment, including at least one member from the 
Department of Professional and Financial Regulation, Bureau of Insurance, appointed by 
the President of the Senate.
Sec. 3.  Chairs.  Resolved:  That the first-named Senate member is the Senate chair 
and the first-named House of Representatives member is the House chair of the task force.
Sec. 4.  Appointments; convening of task force.  Resolved:  That all 
appointments must be made no later than 30 days following the effective date of this 
resolve. The appointing authorities shall notify the Executive Director of the Legislative 
Council once all appointments have been completed. After appointment of all members, 
the chairs shall call and convene the first meeting of the task force. If 30 days or more after 
the effective date of this resolve a majority of but not all appointments have been made, the 
chairs may request authority and the Legislative Council may grant authority for the task 
force to meet and conduct its business.
Sec. 5.  Duties.  Resolved:  That the task force shall study barriers imposed by 
insurers and experienced by providers in attempting to deliver behavioral health services 
and develop a plan, including specific legislative recommendations, to address and remove 
those barriers, allowing for better integrated care and parity in behavioral health treatment. 
Sec. 6.  Staff assistance.  Resolved:  That the Legislative Council shall provide 
necessary staffing services to the task force, except that Legislative Council staff support 
is not authorized when the Legislature is in regular or special session.
Sec. 7.  Reports.  Resolved:  That, notwithstanding Joint Rule 353, no later than 
December 6, 2023, the task force shall submit a report that includes findings and 
recommendations, including suggested legislation, for presentation to the Joint Standing 
Committee on Health and Human Services and the Joint Standing Committee on Health 
Coverage, Insurance and Financial Services. The committees may report out legislation to 
the Second Regular Session of the 131st Legislature.
Emergency clause.  In view of the emergency cited in the preamble, this legislation 
takes effect when approved.
SUMMARY
This resolve establishes the Task Force to Study Barriers to Achieving Behavioral 
Health Integration and Parity. The task force is directed to submit a report and any 
suggested legislation for presentation to the Joint Standing Committee on Health and 
Human Services and the Joint Standing Committee on Health Coverage, Insurance and 
Financial Services by December 6, 2023. The committees are authorized to report out 
legislation to the Second Regular Session of the 131st Legislature.