CONCISE SUMMARY: This emergency rulemaking will remove the MaineCare Benefits Manual (MBM), Ch. I Section 4, "Telehealth Services", blanket prohibition against providers utilizing telehealth to deliver services under the MBM, Ch. II Section 80, Pharmacy Services. Pursuant to 5 MRS § 8054, the Department has determined that immediate adoption of this rule is necessary to avoid a potentially severe and immediate threat to public health, safety or general welfare. The Department's findings of emergency are set forth in detail in the Emergency Basis Statement. Maine is facing a substantial public health threat posed by the global spread of the 2019 Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19). On March 11, 2020, the World Health Organization declared COVID-19 a worldwide pandemic. As a preemptive action by the Department, Pharmacy Services will be available via telehealth when medically necessary and appropriate.
This emergency rule change will take effect upon adoption and will be in effect for 90 days (5 MRS § 8054). The Department is concurrently engaging in the routine technical rulemaking process for Section 4 to prevent a lapse in the rule and added services.
See http://www.maine.gov/dhhs/oms/rules/index.shtml for rules and related rulemaking documents.
EFFECTIVE DATE: March 17, 2020
OMS CONTACT PERSON: Nicole Jurdak, Comprehensive Health Planner, Division of Policy, 109 Capitol Street - 11 State House Station, Augusta, Maine 04333-0011. Telephone: (207)-624-4058 FAX: (207) 287-6106. TTY users call Maine relay 711. Email: Nicole.Jurdak@Maine.gov.
OFI WEBSITE: http://www.maine.gov/dhhs/oms/.
DHHS WEBSITE: https://www.maine.gov/dhhs/.
OFI RULEMAKING LIAISON: Thomas.Leet@Maine.gov.
DHHS RULEMAKING LIAISON: Kevin.Wells@Maine.gov.