AUGUSTA - Gov. Janet Mills signed into law last week a bill sponsored by Rep. Jay McCreight, D-Harpswell, that will protect patients' access to health care.
LD 1899 will provide health service facilities the ability to establish and mark a "medical safety zone" extending eight feet from the center of an entryway. Within the zone, individuals will be prohibited from intentionally blocking entrances and exits, harassing and threatening patients, and making noise so loud that patients are unable to hear or process critical medical information while inside. The zones will be in effect only during the facility's hours of operation. Violations could be charged as a Class E misdemeanor crime.
"This bill will provide important protections so that people will no longer be repeatedly and intentionally obstructed from receiving the health care they want and need," said McCreight. "I am grateful for the governor's support for this legislation, which will bring greater safety and equity in access to health care."
The new law will go into effect 90 days after the current session of the Legislature adjourns.
McCreight, House chair of the Legislature's Marine Resources Committee and a member of the Veterans and Legal Affairs Committee, is serving her fourth term in the Maine House and represents Harpswell, West Bath and northeastern Brunswick.
Contact:
Jackie Merrill [McCreight], c. 812-1111