Date posted:
Attachment(s):
Notice of Agency Rulemaking Proposal
AGENCY: Department of Health and Human Services, MaineCare Services
CHAPTER NUMBER AND RULE TITLE: 10-144 C.M.R. Chapter 101, MaineCare Benefits Manual (“MBM”), Chapter I, Section 7, Children’s Behavioral Health Services Global Rule
TYPE OF RULE: Routine Technical
PROPOSAL FILING NUMBER:
BRIEF SUMMARY: The Department of Health and Human Services (Department) proposes to establish this rule to implement several requirements in accordance with the settlement agreement between the United States of America and the State of Maine (U.S. District Court, District of Maine, Case 1:24-cv-00315-SDN), effective December 20, 2024 (the “Agreement”), which is intended to prevent children with behavioral health disabilities from entering or remaining in an out-of-home placement. The proposed provider requirements include, but are not limited to, offering to and referring members under age 21 to a Single Assessment, delivering timely services, adopting contingency staffing plans, and having appropriate training in evidence-based models. This rule also includes an overview of the Single Assessment which the Department will use to determine the clinically appropriate level of care for members under age 21 and to determine eligibility for medium and high intensity behavioral health services for children.
PUBLIC HEARING: The Department will hold a combined in-person and remote (via Zoom) public hearing.
Date and time: Monday, December 15th, 2025, at 2:00 p.m.
Location: 109 Capitol Street, Augusta, ME 04330; Conference Rooms A and B
Zoom Meeting link: https://mainestate.zoom.us/j/87073071585
Meeting ID: 870 7307 1585
Some devices may require downloading a free app from Zoom prior to joining the public hearing event. The Department requests that any individual requiring special arrangements to attend the hearing in person contact the agency person listed below 5 days in advance of the hearing.
In addition to the public hearing, individuals may submit written comments to DHHS by the date listed in this notice.
COMMENT DEADLINE: Comments must be received by 11:59 PM on December 25th, 2025
CONTACT PERSON FOR THIS FILING:
Henry Eckerson, Children’s and Behavioral Health Policy Manager
MaineCare Services
109 Capitol Street,11 State House Station
Augusta, Maine 04333-0011
(207) 624-4045 FAX: (207) 287-1864
TTY users call Maine relay 711
CONTACT PERSON FOR SMALL BUSINESS IMPACT STATEMENT:
FINANCIAL IMPACT ON MUNICIPALITIES OR COUNTIES: The Department anticipates that this rulemaking will not have any impact on municipalities or counties.
STATUTORY AUTHORITY FOR THIS RULE: 22 M.R.S. §§ 42, 3173
SUBSTANTIVE STATE OR FEDERAL LAW BEING IMPLEMENTED: The settlement agreement between the United States of America and the State of Maine (U.S. District Court, District of Maine, Case 1:24-cv-00315-SDN), effective December 20, 2024.
AGENCY WEBSITE: https://www.maine.gov/dhhs/oms
Proposed
Office: MaineCare Services
Routine technical
Email: henry.eckerson@maine.gov
Comment deadline:
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