Sec. 1. 22 MRSA §42, sub-§9 is enacted to read:

9.__Effective date of newly adopted rules.__Notwithstanding any other provision of law, when the department adopts a rule affecting procedures for licensed health care providers, the rule may not take effect for at least 6 months unless the department determines that an emergency rule is necessary pursuant to Title 5, section 8054.__For the purposes of this subsection, "licensed health care provider" means a physician, clinic, hospital, health maintenance organization, home health agency, private clinical laboratory or other person who provides primary health care services and is registered or licensed by the State.

SUMMARY

This bill provides for a minimum of 6 months between the date of adoption of a rule by the Department of Health and Human Services and the effective date of that rule for health care providers.