Rep. Kristi Mathieson

Maddy summaryMaine's LD 1018, the "Protect Health Care for Rural and Underserved Communities Act," prohibits discrimination against clinics and hospitals participating in the federal 340B drug discount program. It specifically bans drug manufacturers from interfering with the acquisition or delivery of 340B drugs and bars health insurers or pharmacy managers from paying 340B providers lower rates or imposing extra fees, restrictions, or data requirements compared to non-340B providers. The law ensures these rural and underserved healthcare facilities receive fair reimbursement and access to discounted medications under the federal 340B program. It directly affects 340B entities (like community health centers) and their pharmacy partners in Maine.

Maddy summaryLD 613 amends Maine's Death with Dignity Act to allow attending physicians to waive any portion or all of the waiting periods required for qualified patients to access end-of-life medication, based on the physician's medical assessment of the patient's condition. Physicians must document the waiver, including the specific portion waived and the medical reasoning that it serves the patient's best interests. This change directly affects patients eligible under Maine's Death with Dignity Act and their attending physicians. The amendment aims to improve timely access for patients facing urgent health circumstances without requiring the full waiting period.

Maddy summaryLD 1105 requires Maine's Department of Labor to create and maintain a database of civilian federal firefighters displaced by layoffs or facility closures at federal installations like naval shipyards or military bases within the state. Municipal fire departments must consult this database when filling open firefighter positions and give priority consideration to these displaced firefighters for 48 months after their displacement notice. The law mandates that fire chiefs prioritize local or county residents first and only consider out-of-area displaced firefighters if no local candidates are available. This policy directly affects displaced federal firefighters and municipal fire departments across Maine, creating a formal process to support their reemployment.

Maddy summaryLD 1854 requires four Maine licensing boards (Counseling Professionals, Dental Practice, Speech/Audiology/Hearing, and Occupational Therapy) to obtain fingerprint-based FBI criminal background checks for two groups: 1) new applicants seeking licensure, and 2) currently licensed professionals applying for "compact privileges" (which allow practice in other states that have the same licensing compact). The bill amends state law to mandate these checks, with applicants covering the associated fees. It directly affects healthcare professionals in these specific fields who are either applying for their first license or seeking multi-state practice authorization. The policy change standardizes background screening for these licensed roles, aligning with interstate licensing agreements.

Maddy summaryMaine's LD 180 prohibits health insurance carriers and pharmacy benefits managers (PBMs) from discriminating against entities participating in the federal 340B drug pricing program or their contracted pharmacies. It bans PBMs from restricting patient pharmacy choices, imposing extra fees on 340B entities, or requiring special billing for 340B claims. The bill also mandates that PBMs reimburse pharmacies for drugs at no less than the national average drug acquisition cost (plus a Medicaid-level dispensing fee) at the time of dispensing, or the wholesale acquisition cost if the national average isn't available. Additionally, PBMs cannot reimburse pharmacies less than the amount they pay themselves or their affiliates for the same drug.

Maddy summaryLD 403 requires Maine mortgage lenders to provide borrowers with written notice at least 35 days before initiating foreclosure due to payment defaults on residential mortgages. The notice must explain the borrower's right to cure the default by paying overdue amounts (including interest, fees, and attorney costs) and include a warning about fraudsters posing as legitimate negotiators who steal money and personal information. It also mandates that the notice state the total amount due excludes future payments and references available mediation options to avoid foreclosure. This law directly affects Maine homeowners facing mortgage distress, aiming to prevent fraud and clarify their rights during financial hardship.

Maddy summaryLD 1785 requires health insurance carriers in Maine to include annual cost-of-living increases in contracts with independent doctors and small practices (not affiliated with hospitals or groups of 25+ members). Starting January 1, 2026, these contracts must raise compensation based on the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics' Consumer Price Index (CPI-U), reflecting inflation. The bill prohibits carriers from reducing baseline reimbursement in 2025 to avoid future increases and bans fee cuts except for federal standard changes. It does not apply to dental or vision plans and affects only specific independent providers.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires Maine's educational programs for aestheticians, barber hair stylists, cosmetologists, and hair designers to include mandatory training on caring for coiled, curly, or wavy hair (defined as "textured hair"). The training must cover four key areas: cutting/styling techniques and chemical treatments for textured hair, specialized products/tools, hair health and scalp care, and the cultural significance of textured hair in diverse communities. This applies to all programs preparing these professionals, not directly to their clients or current practitioners. The requirement will be implemented through rules adopted by the Department of Professional and Financial Regulation.

Maddy summaryLD 647 requires jails and correctional facilities in Maine to provide affordable telephone and video call services to residents. It caps service provider rates at Federal Communications Commission (FCC) levels for interstate calls, bans connection fees and account deposit charges, and mandates free call allowances: 90 minutes weekly for jail residents with under $50 in their account, and 90 minutes weekly for correctional facility residents with under $10. The bill directly affects detained individuals, requiring facilities to enable communication with families and attorneys without excessive cost. Key provisions include prohibiting blocked collect calls without alternative options and requiring service providers to disclose rates to call recipients.

Maddy summaryLD 1757 updates Maine's licensing requirements for osteopathic physicians. It increases the required postgraduate training from 12 to 36 months for those graduating from accredited osteopathic medical schools on or after January 1, 2026. The bill explicitly prohibits the licensing board from requiring specialty board certification or "maintenance of certification" as a condition for initial licensure or renewal. This directly affects osteopathic physicians seeking to practice in Maine, particularly those graduating after 2025.