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MaineLD 961132nd Maine Legislature (2025-2026)HouseWALLET

An Act to Address Maine's Health Care Workforce Shortage and Improve Access to Care

Sponsored By: Kristi Mathieson (Democratic)

Became Law

HEALTH CARE PERSONNELHEALTH CARE PERSONNEL - LICENSING

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

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

New supervision and experience rules for nurse practitioners

Beginning February 17, 2026, a certified nurse practitioner who qualifies as an advanced practice registered nurse must complete at least 24 months of supervised practice. You can meet this by working under a licensed physician or a supervising nurse practitioner, or by being employed at a clinic or hospital with a physician medical director. You must give written proof to the State Board of Nursing when you finish. The law also requires at least 5 years of advanced practice in the same specialty to meet the related experience rule. The 24‑month supervision rule stays in place until the Board adopts new standards.

Board sets nurse practitioner standards by 2026

Starting February 17, 2026, the State Board of Nursing must set practice standards for certified nurse practitioners. The rules will cover how long you must practice, required mentorship time with a supervising nurse practitioner, and practice setting or employment requirements. You must show you meet these standards to qualify, because eligibility now depends on meeting the Board’s rules. The Board must send proposed standards to the legislative health committee by March 15, 2026. The Board cannot adopt these rules before May 1, 2026.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • Kristi Mathieson

    Democratic • House

Cosponsors

  • Anne Graham

    Democratic • House

  • Daniel Shagoury

    Democratic • House

  • Denise Tepler

    Democratic • Senate

  • Michelle Boyer

    Democratic • House

  • Poppy Arford

    Democratic • House

  • Stacy F. Brenner

    Democratic • Senate

Roll Call Votes

No roll call votes available for this bill.

Actions Timeline

  1. ACTPUB Chapter 540

    5/1/2026

  2. Taken from the table by the President Subsequently, PASSED TO BE ENACTED - Emergency - 2/3 Elected Required, in concurrence.

    2/12/2026Senate

  3. On motion by Senator STEWART of Aroostook Tabled until Later in Today's Session, pending PASSAGE TO BE ENACTED - Emergency - 2/3 Elected Required, in concurrence. Unfinished Business

    2/10/2026Senate

  4. This being an emergency measure, a two-thirds vote of all the members elected to the House was necessary.PASSED TO BE ENACTED.Sent for concurrence. ORDERED SENT FORTHWITH.

    2/3/2026House

  5. READ A SECOND TIME and PASSED TO BE ENGROSSED AS AMENDED BY Committee Amendment "A" (H-785), in concurrence.Ordered sent down forthwith.

    1/27/2026Senate

  6. Reports READ and ACCEPTED. Bill READ ONCE. Committee Amendment "A" (H-785) READ and ADOPTED. ASSIGNED FOR SECOND READING NEXT LEGISLATIVE DAY.

    1/20/2026Senate

  7. 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" (H-785).Sent for concurrence. ORDERED SENT FORTHWITH.

    1/13/2026House

  8. Carried over, in the same posture, to any special or regular session of the 132nd Legislature, pursuant to Joint Order SP 800.

    6/25/2025House

  9. Carried over, in the same posture, to the next special or regular session of the 132nd Legislature, pursuant to Joint Order SP 519.

    3/21/2025House

  10. Received by the Clerk of the House on March 6, 2025.The Bill was REFERRED to the Committee on HEALTH COVERAGE, INSURANCE AND FINANCIAL SERVICES pursuant to Joint Rule 308.2 and ordered printed pursuant to Joint Rule 401.

    3/6/2025House

Bill Text

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