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MaineLD 2088132nd Maine Legislature (2025-2026)House

An Act to Increase Access to Primary Care Provided by Physician Associates

Sponsored By: Michelle Boyer (Democratic)

Signed by Governor

HEALTH CARE PERSONNELHEALTH CARE PERSONNEL - PHYSICIAN ASSISTANTS

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

1 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.

Maine physician associates get more flexible rules

Effective immediately upon the Governor's approval, the law removes certain practice-agreement rules for Maine physician associates. A separate collaborative-agreement framework, including uniform standards and forms, remains. Associates can consult, collaborate, or refer patients based on patient needs, their training and experience, and standards of care. The practice setting or facility's rules for approving providers and their services determine the level of consultation. Consultation can happen electronically or by phone, and a physician no longer must be available at all times. These changes may support access to care, but they do not guarantee more appointments or lower costs.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • Michelle Boyer

    Democratic • House

Cosponsors

  • Donna Bailey

    Democratic • Senate

  • Kristi Mathieson

    Democratic • House

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 118 • No: 25

House vote • 3/24/2026

Enactment - Emer

Yes: 118 • No: 25

Actions Timeline

  1. Signed by Governor, ACTPUB Chapter 604

    4/3/2026

  2. PASSED TO BE ENACTED - Emergency - 2/3 Elected Required, in concurrence.

    3/25/2026Senate

  3. This being an emergency measure, a two-thirds vote of all the members elected to the House was necessary.PASSED TO BE ENACTED.ROLL CALL NO. 664(Yeas 118 - Nays 25 - Absent 6 - Excused 1 - Vacant 1)Sent for concurrence. ORDERED SENT FORTHWITH.

    3/24/2026House

  4. Reports READOn motion by Senator BAILEY of York the Majority Ought to Pass Report ACCEPTED. Bill READ ONCE. Under suspension of the Rules, READ A SECOND TIME and PASSED TO BE ENGROSSED in concurrence.

    3/19/2026Senate

  5. Reports READ.On motion of Representative MATHIESON of Kittery, the Majority Ought to Pass Report was ACCEPTED.The Bill was READ ONCE.Under suspension of the rules, the Bill was given its SECOND READING without REFERENCE to the Committee on Bills in the Second Reading.The Bill was PASSED TO BE ENGROSSED.Sent for concurrence. ORDERED SENT FORTHWITH.

    3/18/2026House

  6. The Bill was REFERRED to the Committee on HEALTH COVERAGE, INSURANCE AND FINANCIAL SERVICES in concurrence

    1/7/2026Senate

  7. Committee on Health Coverage, Insurance and Financial Services suggested and ordered printed. The Bill was REFERRED to the Committee on HEALTH COVERAGE, INSURANCE AND FINANCIAL SERVICES.Sent for concurrence. ORDERED SENT FORTHWITH.

    1/7/2026House

Bill Text

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