Date posted:
Attachment(s):
Notice of Agency Rulemaking Adoption
Agency: Department of Health and Human Services, Office of MaineCare Services
Chapter Number And Title: MaineCare Benefits Manual (“MBM”), Chapter I, Section 7, Children’s Behavioral Health Services Global Rule
Adoption Filing Number:
Concise Summary:
The Department of Health and Human Services (Department) adopts this new rule to implement several requirements in accordance with the settlement agreement between the United States of America and the State of Maine (U.S. District Court, District of Maine, Case 1:24-cv-00315-SDN), effective December 20, 2024 (the “Agreement”), which is intended to prevent Children with behavioral health disabilities as defined under the Agreement from entering or remaining in an out-of-home placement. Children – under age 21 – with behavioral health disabilities and who need medium or high intensity behavioral health services, will be offered a Single Assessment. Following the Single Assessment, the Department or its authorized Entity will contact the Child and family to explain the nature of the services for which the Child is eligible. The provider requirements include, but are not limited to, offering to and referring Children to a Single Assessment, delivering timely services, adopting contingency staffing plans, and having appropriate training. This rule also includes provisions concerning the Single Assessment which the Department will use to determine the clinically appropriate level of care for Children and to determine eligibility for medium and high intensity behavioral health services for children.
Effective Date: April 14, 2026
Agency Contact Person: Henry Eckerson, Children’s and Behavioral Health Policy Manager
Agency Name: Department of Health and Human Services, Office of MaineCare Services, Division of Policy
Mailing Address: 11 State House Station, 109 Capitol Street, Augusta, ME 04333-0011
Telephone Number: (207) 624-4045
Email Address: henry.eckerson@maine.gov
Adopted
Office: MaineCare Services
Email: henry.eckerson@maine.gov
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