Senate supports Claxton bill to convene task force on long-term acute care

Posted: May 28, 2019 | Senator Claxton

AUGUSTA — A bill by Sen. Ned Claxton, D-Auburn, LD 439 “Resolve, Directing the Commissioner of Health and Human Services To Convene a Task Force To Study the Need for Long-term Acute Care Hospital” received the unanimous support of the Maine Senate on Tuesday.

 

The bill would convene a task force to study the need for long-term acute care beds in Maine.

 

“Because they have no good placement options, these patients end up with long stays in hospitals that are better designed to help those who have short-term needs,” said Sen. Claxton. “I’m glad my colleagues have supported this important legislation.”

 

For people with complicated medical needs that can improve slowly with aggressive care, having access to long-term acute care is crucial. Currently, many patients are transported out of state or end up in an inappropriate type of care facility due to shortages of long-term acute care beds.

 

LD 439 would be the first step in determining the need for long-term acute care beds in Maine.

 

The bill faces additional votes before the Maine Senate and House.

 

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