WeVote
Log In

Bill

Bill

LD 1961

An Act To Clarify The Laws Relating To The Licensure Of Certain Facilities By The Department Of Health And Human Services

132nd Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Henry Ingwersen

Clarifies which facilities DHHS must license and how licensure applies, reducing ambiguity for regulators and operators; minor fiscal impact.

Signed by Governor
#healthandhumanservicesdept #healthcareservices #licensing
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · LD 1961

Summary — LD 1961

Title: An Act To Clarify The Laws Relating To The Licensure Of Certain Facilities by the Department of Health and Human Services
Sponsor: Sen. Ingwersen (York)
Status: Enacted — Signed by Governor (June 12, 2025)
Committee: Health and Human Services

Purpose and intent

LD 1961 clarifies statutory provisions governing the licensure of certain facilities by the Maine Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS). The bill’s stated intent is to remove ambiguity in existing licensure law so that DHHS, regulated facilities, and the public have a clearer understanding of licensing requirements, responsibilities, and the scope of DHHS authority.

Key provisions (high-level)

  • Makes clarifying changes to Maine statutes regarding which facilities require licensure by DHHS and how licensure requirements are to be applied.
  • Adjusts statutory language (definitions, cross-references, procedural wording) to reduce ambiguity in the existing licensure framework.
  • Includes the provisions adopted in Committee Amendment “A” (S-236); the amendment was adopted by the Legislature and the bill was enacted as amended.

Note: The summary is based on bill title, legislative history, and fiscal notes provided. The specific textual changes (precise statutory sections, definitions amended, or procedural mechanics) are not included in the materials supplied here; consult the enrolled bill text for exact statutory language.

Who is affected

  • Department of Health and Human Services — regulatory and licensing staff who administer licensing programs.
  • Facilities that currently are or may be subject to DHHS licensure (e.g., health care service providers and other facilities referenced in the statutes).
  • Facility operators and administrators — may see clarified compliance expectations and potentially updated application/process guidance.

Fiscal and administrative impact

  • Fiscal note(s): Minor General Fund cost increase.
  • DHHS assessment: Any additional costs are expected to be minor and can be absorbed within existing budgeted resources.
  • No major new staffing or capital costs anticipated.

Legislative and procedural timeline

  • Introduced: May 13, 2025.
  • Committee action: Health and Human Services — voted OTP-AM; Committee Amendment A (S-236) adopted. Work session held May 22, 2025.
  • Passed Legislature: June 3–9, 2025 (engrossed as amended; concurrence).
  • Signed by Governor: June 12, 2025.

Practical next steps

  • DHHS likely will update guidance, internal procedures, and possibly rule language to conform to the clarified statute.
  • Facility operators should review the enacted bill text (enrolled law) and consult DHHS guidance to determine whether the clarifications affect licensure status, application processes, or compliance obligations.

For the precise statutory amendments and operative language, refer to the enrolled version of LD 1961 on the Maine Legislature website or the final bill text as signed into law.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

Sign in to ask a question.