AUGUSTA - The Legislature's Judiciary Committee advanced a bill on Tuesday from Rep. Jay McCreight, D-Harpswell, aimed at protecting patients rights to access health care.
LD 1899 would provide health service centers the ability to establish and mark a "medical safety zone" extending eight feet from the center of an entryway. Within the zone, individuals would 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 would be in effect only during the facilitys hours of operation. Violations could be charged as a Class E misdemeanor crime.
"Safe, unimpeded access to chosen health care must be a priority," said McCreight. "Without the protection this bill provides, people can continue to be repeatedly and intentionally obstructed from receiving the care they want and need. This proposal carefully balances the right of patients to receive care without interference with the right of individuals to express their own views."
The bill was supported by numerous advocacy groups at its public hearing, including the ACLU of Maine, the Maine Women's Lobby and the Maine Nurse Practitioner Association. Maine Attorney General Aaron Frey also testified in support.
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