Whereas, this legislation appropriates funds to build new hospices and establish hospice services in 3 areas of the State; and

Whereas, under this legislation, grantees must have plans in place by June 1, 2005 to qualify for the grants; and

Whereas, in the judgment of the Legislature, these facts create an emergency within the meaning of the Constitution of Maine and require the following legislation as immediately necessary for the preservation of the public peace, health and safety; now, therefore,

Be it enacted by the People of the State of Maine as follows:

Sec. 1. Appropriations and allocations. The following appropriations and allocations are made.

HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES, DEPARTMENT OF

Purchased Social Services 0228

Initiative: Appropriates funds for grants to build new hospices and to establish new hospice services. These funds must be awarded through a competitive bidding process, the funds being awarded equally among the following 3 areas of the State: Lewiston and Auburn; Augusta; and Scarborough and South Portland. Grantees must have plans submitted to the Department of Health and Human Services by June 1, 2005 to qualify for these grants.

GENERAL FUND 2004-05 2005-06

All Other $150,000 $150,000

__________ __________

GENERAL FUND TOTAL $150,000 $150,000

Emergency clause. In view of the emergency cited in the preamble, this Act takes effect when approved.

SUMMARY

This bill appropriates funds for the Department of Health and Human Services to provide grants to build new hospices and to establish new hospice services. These funds must be awarded