AUGUSTA - A measure by Rep. Allison Hepler, D-Woolwich, to improve the rights and protections for individuals with acquired brain injuries became law this week.
Hepler's bill, LD 559, would ensure that people with "acquired brain injuries" receive the same rights as people with intellectual disabilities or autism by adding "acquired brain injury" to the existing statutes concerning rights for those individuals.
The measure builds on legislation passed in the 125th Maine Legislature that defined "acquired brain injury" and directed the Maine Department of Health and Human Services to identify and ensure the rights of patients with acquired brain injuries. Since its passage, the Office of Maine Attorney General has said the law is insufficient in protecting the rights of people with acquired brain injuries.
"I am grateful to the survivors and care providers in this community who have fought so tirelessly to bring this issue to our attention and to enshrine the rights of people with acquired or traumatic brain injury into statute," said Hepler.
The legislation received support from the Maine Long-term Care Ombudsman Program and the Acquired Brain Injury Advisory Council.
The measure was passed as an emergency measure and went into effect on June 20, 2021.
Hepler is serving her second term in the Maine House and represents Arrowsic, Dresden, Georgetown, Phippsburg, Woolwich and part of Richmond. She serves on the Marine Resources Committee and the Inland Fisheries and Wildlife Committee.
Contact:
Jackie Merrill [Hepler] c. 812-1111