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MaineLD 768132nd Maine Legislature (2025-2026)SenateWALLET

An Act to Update the Laws Governing the Licensing of Intermediate Care Facilities for Persons with Intellectual Disabilities

Sponsored By: Henry L. Ingwersen (Democratic)

Became Law

HEALTH CARE FACILITIESHEALTH CARE FACILITIES - INTERMEDIATE CARE

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

5 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 0 costs, 3 mixed.

Stronger oversight for disability care homes

Inspectors can enter licensed intermediate care homes for people with intellectual disabilities at reasonable times to check compliance. The Department must do periodic and complaint inspections, often alongside Medicare or Medicaid surveys. The Department can impose sanctions, amend or deny renewals, and seek emergency suspension or revocation when clients’ health or safety is at risk. If a home plans to close, it must give at least 60 days’ notice to the Department and at least 30 days to clients, guardians, and key agencies. DHHS must set detailed rules on staffing, training, client rights, infection control, records, funds management, and more.

Care homes can share staff with safeguards

A nursing facility for people with intellectual disabilities can share staff with a group home if the nursing facility keeps enough staff and there is a clear audit trail. Sharing can be based on average hours per week or month. The Department can stop sharing if a survey finds client‑care problems tied to the arrangement.

Licensing and fees for disability care homes

Operating an intermediate care home for people with intellectual disabilities requires a state license. The Department charges an annual fee between $200 and $1,000 and may charge a nonrefundable application fee due when you apply. Licenses cannot be transferred and end right away if ownership changes; they start only after a complete application and fee are received. New operators can get a provisional license for 3 to 12 months; full licenses can last up to 2 years; conditional licenses are time‑limited and void if conditions are missed. You can ask for an administrative hearing if a license is refused. The law defines two facility types by nursing coverage (less than 8 hours a day vs at least 8 hours a day with 24‑hour coverage) and replaces the prior statute.

Medication rules across care settings

The Department of Health and Human Services sets rules for how medicines are given in boarding homes, residential care, drug treatment centers, day care, children’s homes, nursery schools, and certain non‑nursing group homes for people with intellectual disabilities. Trained, unlicensed staff can give medicines when they complete an approved program. The State Board of Nursing approves training in most licensed facilities. DHHS approves training in non‑nursing group homes for people with intellectual disabilities.

Who counts as a health care facility

The law updates who counts as a health care facility under state law. It now includes hospitals, ambulatory surgery centers, dialysis centers, and certain state institutions. It excludes nursing facilities and places licensed under chapter 1664.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • Henry L. Ingwersen

    Democratic • Senate

Cosponsors

There are no cosponsors for this bill.

Roll Call Votes

No roll call votes available for this bill.

Actions Timeline

  1. ACTPUB Chapter 237

    5/1/2026

  2. PASSED TO BE ENACTED, in concurrence.

    6/3/2025Senate

  3. PASSED TO BE ENACTED. Sent for concurrence. ORDERED SENT FORTHWITH.

    6/2/2025House

  4. CONSENT CALENDAR - FIRST DAYUnder suspension of the rules CONSENT CALENDAR - SECOND DAY.The Bill was PASSED TO BE ENGROSSED as Amended by Committee Amendment "A" (S-185).In concurrence. ORDERED SENT FORTHWITH.

    6/2/2025House

  5. Report READ and ACCEPTED.READ ONCE.Committee Amendment "A" (S-185) READ and ADOPTED.Under suspension of the Rules, READ A SECOND TIME and PASSED TO BE ENGROSSED AS AMENDED BY Committee Amendment "A" (S-185).Ordered sent down forthwith for concurrence.

    6/2/2025Senate

  6. CARRIED OVER, in the same posture, to the next special or regular session of the 132nd Legislature, pursuant to Joint Order SP 519.

    3/21/2025Senate

  7. The Bill was REFERRED to the Committee on HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES.In concurrence. ORDERED SENT FORTHWITH.

    2/25/2025House

  8. Committee on HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES suggested and ordered printed REFERENCE to the Committee on HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES Ordered sent down forthwith for concurrence

    2/25/2025Senate

Bill Text

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