Press Release


December 19, 2003

DHS to Hold Public Meeting on the Need for Ambulatory Surgical Services in the Portland Area

Contact: Newell Augur, Office of Public and Legislative Affairs
  Department of Human Services
  11 State House Station, Augusta, ME 04333
  Tel: (207) 287-1921, TTY: (207) 287-4479
  (207) 851-1082 (pager)

Augusta: The Department of Human Services is reminding interested persons that a meeting will be held Monday, December 22nd from 1:00 p.m. until 3:00 p.m. for the purpose of gathering information about ambulatory surgical services in the Greater Portland area. The meeting will be held at the DHS Office on Marginal Way in Portland and will be open to the public.

DHS is gathering this information with respect to future Certificate of Need applications for ambulatory surgical units in the Portland area. DHS anticipates that representatives from the hospital and medical community, as well as health insurance providers, will be in attendance to offer data. In addition, members of public with knowledge of the need for ambulatory surgical services are also invited to submit information.

Individuals who are unable to attend the public meeting can still provide written comment on this issue by mailing a letter to the Certificate of Need Unit, Department of Human Services, 442 Civic Center Drive, Augusta, Maine 04333 before the close of business December 31, 2003.