OADS Licensing Guidance and Review Tools Webinars
 
As you may know, the way providers of developmental disabilities services are licensed is changing as of late 2025. Moving forward, all agencies that provide case management, group home, shared living, day, and employment services are required to be licensed by the Division of Certification and Licensing (DLC). The Office of Aging and Disability Services (OADS) and DLC will jointly oversee the licensing process.
Licensing standards include administrative requirements, physical plant requirements, and program standards. These licenses are service-specific, meaning that different standards will apply to a provider agency based on the type of services that agency provides. To help agencies prepare to transition to the new licensing system, OADS is holding a series of webinars:

• Provider Review Guidance & Tools: Friday, December 5th, 12-1pm
  • This session will describe what to expect during a review and how review tools are structured. You can sign up here.
• Preparedness Standards: Tuesday, December 9th, 4-5:30pm
  • This session will describe OADS licensing standards for provider agencies. It will not address DLC licensing standards. You can sign up here.
• Improving Performance: Thursday, December 11th, 10-11am
  • This session will describe standards for corrective action plans and how to respond to common types of deficiencies agencies may have. You can sign up here.
• HCBS Quarterly Provider Meeting: Wednesday, December 17, 11am-12pm
  • Meeting information and future quarterly dates are listed on the website.
  • Click this link to attend:   Passcode:61189137

If you cannot attend these sessions, recordings will be posted afterward on a new HCBS Licensing and Standards web page. Written guidance and additional information about the licensing process will be posted there as well. Please contact [email protected] if you have any concerns about meeting accessibility or other questions.
We look forward to seeing you all and getting ready for a smooth transition!
~ The OADS Team

Forwarded from Maine Disability Alerts:
​Contact Congress to protect Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA)

Please see the town hall and toolkit to protect children with disabilities and consider contacting federal Senators and Representatives about saving special ed.

• Toolkit for contacting elected representatives about special ed
• Fact sheet about Office of Special Education Programs
• More info including link to town hall

From Maine Disability Alerts:

Dear Friends of Mainers with Disabilities,
 
Sorry for this late request for action, but please act on it TODAY (Wed 10/22) - and please feel free to forward to allies who might also act today.
 
Rep Sean Faircloth has introduced a "bill request" LR 2694 "An Act to Criminalize Intentional or Knowing Failure to Make a Report, Preventing a Report and Making a False Report of Abuse or Neglect". The bill will be considered at 9 am Thursday, 10/23, by Maine's Legislative Council for whether they will admit its introduction in the 2026 legislative session. In order for them to admit it, they have to deem it an emergency.
 
This bill was inspired directly by Hampden case - and in particular by reports that some mandated reporters failed to report abuse. (See the Bangor Daily News article from earlier this year for more information on the case: 
https://www.bangordailynews.com/2025/05/13/bangor/bangor-police-courts/lee-residential-care-hampden-maine-concealed-abuse-victims-family-says-lawsuit-joam40zk0w/)
 
Maine currently has NO CRIMINAL PENALTY for a mandated reporter failing to report abuse and NO CRIMINAL PENALTY for blocking a report of abuse of children or adults w disabilities. (The only penalty is a $500 civil fine.) Rep Faircloth's bill would fix that. (It would also create a penalty for false report.)
 
Please email EVERY MEMBER OF LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY to ask them to vote in favor of introducing LR 2694 "An Act to Criminalize Intentional or Knowing Failure to Make a Report, Preventing a Report and Making a False Report of Abuse or Neglect" as an emergency bill in the upcoming 2026 legislative session.
 
Please also briefly explain why this bill is important to you.
 
Please also ask your own senate and rep to contact members of legislative council from their own party to request that they support introduction of this important bill.
 
thank you!
 
Contact info for the 10 legislature council members:
 
House Speaker Ryan Fecteau (D) [email protected]
Senate President Mattea Daughtry (D) [email protected]
Sen Teresa Pierce (D) [email protected]
Sen Jill Duson (D) [email protected]
Sen Trey Stewart (R) [email protected]
Sen Matt Harrington (R) [email protected]
Rep Matt Moonen (D) [email protected]
Rep Lori Gramlich (D) [email protected]
Rep Billy Bob Faulkingham (R) [email protected]
Rep Katrina Smith (R) [email protected]
 
You can get email addresses of your own rep at https://legislature.maine.gov/house/house/MemberProfiles/ListEmail
 
You can get email addresses of your own senator at https://legislature.maine.gov/senate-home-page/find-your-state-senator
 

We would like to inform you of an important change regarding the review process for requests for Individual Goods and Services for Members with self-direction services under Section 29 of the MaineCare Benefits Manual.
​
Effective the week of October 14, 2025, the OADS Clinical Review Team/ Resource Coordinators will assume responsibility for reviewing Section 29 Individual Goods and Services request forms. This change is being implemented to support consistency and continued alignment with reviews of services for timely prior authorization and approval of individual goods and services consistent with current practices.

We thank you for your continued support in empowering individuals to direct their own services. Self-direction offers people the opportunity to have greater choice and control over the services and supports they receive, allowing them to live the lives they choose in their homes and communities. It reflects the values of dignity, independence, and community inclusion. Self-direction places the individual in the “driver’s seat,” giving them decision making authority over what services they use, who provides them, when and where they’re delivered, and how they are carried out.

At this time, we encourage you to review the MaineCare Benefits Manual, Section 29, Chapter II, with a particular focus on the self-direction workflows and requirements. Please ensure you are familiar with the roles and responsibilities of the member/employer, the Financial Management Service, the Supports Broker, and the Case Manager in facilitating self-directed services.

To support your review, please see the following links to resources:

• OADS Self Directed Services Overview: https://www.maine.gov/dhhs/oads/get-support/adults-intellectual-disability-and-autism/self-direction Maine
• MaineCare Benefits Manual, Chapter II – Section 29 (Support Services for Adults with Intellectual Disabilities or Autism Spectrum Disorder): https://www1.maine.gov/sos/rulemaking/agency-rules/mainecare-benefits-manual Maine+1
• MaineCare Notice of Rulemaking Adoption (comments and responses) – Chapter II, Section 29: https://www1.maine.gov/dhhs/about/rulemaking/mainecare-notice-agency-rule-making-adoption-mainecare-benefits-manual-chapter-ii-section-29-2024-01-22 Maine
• Maine OADS Independent Support Brokers: https://www.maine.gov/dhhs/oads/get-support/adults-intellectual-disability-and-autism/independent-support-brokers

If you have any questions or need further clarification, please email [email protected].

​Thank you for your ongoing partnership in supporting individuals through self-directed services.
​

Call to Action Reduction in Force at Offices of Special Education Programs & Rehabilitative Services
We have learned that last Friday evening nearly all staff at the federal Offices of Special Education Programs (OSEP) and Rehabilitative Services (OSER) have received a reduction in force notice. This means, unless the notices are rescinded, effective 12/09/2025 these offices will be severely understaffed threatening special education programs in schools and employment offices.
 
Why This Matters
These offices provide the essential oversight and expertise needed to ensure states properly implement the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act.
 
The impact to State Departments of Education, local schools, and agencies who implement IDEA and Section 504 programming may include a lack of Special Education monitoring, absence of grant approvals, delayed corrective actions plans, limited oversight of special education and civil rights law, and slower response times for assistance, approvals, and appeals.
 
Most concerning is the threat to the protections and supports that students with disabilities and their families depend on.
 
What Does This Mean for MPF
While the situation is fluid and uncertain, one thing remains constant: MPF's work continues. Our parent center funding remains stable at this time. We remain fully operational and committed to the families and communities we serve.
 
In partnership with disability organizations across Maine and within our National Coalitions MPF is committed to working with our partners in D.C. including within Maine's Congressional Delegation to get these positions reinstated.
 
 
What Can You Do
As we have proven already many times during this administration voices of families, providers, and state leaders are extremely powerful.
 
You can do a couple of things.

1. Send a quick email speaking to how access to Special Education and Rehabilitative Services are important to you. See below for a template example to use as well as contacts for Maine's Congressional Delegation.
2. Call and leave a message for our Congressional Delegation, see contact information below.
3. Finally use the contact forms to send a message to our Congressional Delegation, website information below.

 
Email Template
 
Dear "staffer name",
 
My name is "enter name" and I am contacting you today to express my feelings in regard to the reduction in force action at the Offices of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services. I am concerned these actions will threaten the implementation and oversight of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act and Section 504 of the Rehabilitative Act.
 
My experience as a "enter a value, here are some examples. family members, provider, educator" with IDEA and/or Section 504 includes "provide a couple sentences about your experience with our agency and why or why not you believe funding should be provided."
 
Thank you for your time and consideration.
 
"Your name and contact information"
 
Maine Congressional Delegation Contacts
Senator Susan Collins - Chair of the Appropriations Committee
Education Staffer - Katie Brown - [email protected] & Katherine Huiskes - [email protected]
Phone - (202) 224-2523
Website
 
Senator Angus King
Educational Staffer - Sanjay Kane - [email protected]
Phone - (202) 224-5344
Website
 
Representative Chellie Pingree
Health & Education Staffer - Evan Johnston - [email protected]
Phone - (202) 225-6116
Website
 
Representative Jared Golden
Health & Education Staffers
Tyler Nadeau - [email protected]
Phone - (202) 225-6306
Website
 
Maine Parent Federation truly appreciates your advocacy and voice to assist us during what remains an extremely challenging time. I remain available to all of you to assist with your questions and concerns.
 
Thoughtfully with you,
 
Carrie Woodcock, Executive Director
 and The Staff of Maine Parent Federation​

Registration is now open for September Work & Benefits Navigator Trainings
Who are these trainings for?  Anyone who. . .

• Supports people with disabilities;
• Wants to learn more about Social Security disability benefits and how working impacts benefits; and
• Wants to know how to challenge myths and misinformation about work and benefits.

 
Virtual (Zoom)
This session is for employment support providers only such as Employment Specialists, VR Counselors, and Clubhouse Staff.
September 11 and 18, 2025, from 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Trainees must attend both sessions in the same month.
 
In-Person (Portland)
This session is for non-employment providers only such as case managers, residential staff, and educators.
September 26, 2025, from 9:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Location: MaineHealth, 110 Free Street, Portland
 
Space is limited. Registration is required. Confirmation will be sent two weeks before session. Cost is $25; no cost for DHHS employees or VR Counselors. Contact hours available. Must attend entire session and actively participate to receive credit.

Click here to register! 

Stay tuned for announcements about future Work & Benefits Navigator Training dates! Upcoming trainings can also be found anytime at the bottom of our website www.benefitsandworkinme.org.

Notice of Agency Waiver Renewal
​
AGENCY:  Department of Health and Human Services, MaineCare Services
RULE TITLE OR SUBJECT: Chapter 101, MaineCare Benefits Manual, Section 29, Support Services for Adults with Intellectual Disabilities or Autism Spectrum Disorder
WAIVER: ME.0467, Support Services for Adults with Intellectual Disabilities or Autism Spectrum Disorder Waiver
CONCISE SUMMARY: The Department plans to submit a five-year renewal for the Section 29, Support Services for Adults with Intellectual Disabilities or Autism Spectrum Disorder Home and Community Based Services (HCBS) 1915(c) waiver application. 

This five-year waiver renewal proposes to incorporate the following changes:

General:

• Update the Brief Waiver Description for clarity and readability.
• Revise language, where applicable, to align and create consistency with Maine’s four other 1915(c) waiver authorities [ME.1082 (MaineCare Benefits Manual (MBM) Section 18), ME.0276 (MBM, Section 19), ME.0995 (MBM, Section 20), and ME.0159 (MBM, Section 21)].
• Update and revise Performance Measures throughout the waiver, where applicable, to align and create consistency with ME.0159, (MBM, Section 21).
•   Update and include new information related to the 2024 revised 1915(c) HCBS Waiver Application, version 3.7 where applicable.

Appendix A Waiver Administration and Operation:

• Update and revise Appendix A-2-b: Medicaid Agency Oversight of Operating Agency Performance, Appendix A-5: Responsibility for Assessment of Performance of Contracted and/or Local/Regional Non-State Entities, and Appendix A-6: Assessment Methods and Frequency, to align and create consistency with ME.0159 (MBM, Section 21).

Appendix B Participant Access and Eligibility:

• Update the number of Unduplicated Participants Served in Appendix B-3-a and the Number of Participants Served at any Point in Time in Appendix B-3-b to reflect the five-year renewal period. 

Appendix C Participant Services:

• Revise and update Appendix C-1/C-3: Provider Specifications, by adjusting the basic requirements for enrollment and regular re-enrollment requirements for providers of waiver services, consistent with MaineCare regulations and statutory requirements (changed every three years to every five years).
• Expand, clarify and strengthen the list of “Individual Goods and Services (IGS) that are not allowable” as well as the requirement that funds must be accrued and available within the participant’s individual budget to access authorized IGS in Appendix C-1/C-3: Service Specification, Individual Goods and Services. 
• Revise and update provider requirements in Appendix C-2-a: Criminal History and/or Background Investigations, for conducting criminal background checks by requiring compliance and alignment with DHHS Division of Licensing and Certification, Maine Background Check Center (MBCC) Rule (10-144. Chapter 60).  Remove the list of disqualifying offenses because the list of these offenses within the MBCC rule is more extensive. 
• Revise and update Appendix C-2-e: Other State Policies Concerning Payment for Waiver Services Furnished by Relatives/Legal Guardians, by clarifying that under this waiver a qualified legal guardian (when the legal guardian is a parent, stepparent, stepsibling, or other biological family member) may only be paid to deliver the following two provider-managed services: Shared Living Services and Non-Medical Transportation Services.  Additionally, clarify that under this waiver, a qualified family member may only be paid to deliver the following three provider-managed services: Non-Medical Transportation, Shared Living and Respite Services.
•  Clarify and strengthen requirements in Appendix C-2-f: Open Enrollment of Providers, that providers must comply with all applicable state and federal regulations including licensing rules and regulations.
• Revise and update the combined annual limits for certain services in Appendix C-4: Additional Limits on Amount of Waiver Services.  Additionally, include the basis of service limits and that rates and limits are subject to legislative approval and appropriation. 
• Revise and update Appendix C-5: Home and Community-Based Settings, by including the process and standards the Department employs to ensure providers comply, initially and ongoing, with federal HCBS Settings standards.

Appendix D Participant-Centered Planning and Service Delivery:

• Revise and update Appendix D-1-a: Responsibility for Service Plan Development, by including requirements that all training for Case Managers complies with the HCBS Settings Rule and Maine’s Global HCBS Waiver Person-Centered Planning and Settings Rule (“the Global Rule”).
• Revise and update Appendix D-1-c: Supporting the Participant in Service Plan Development, to align and create consistency with ME.0159, (MBM, Section 21).
• Revise and update Appendix D-1-d: Service Plan Development Process, by incorporating the state’s process for ensuring the participant engages in and consents to the Person-Centered Service Plan (PCSP) and process.

Appendix E Participant Direction of Services:

• Revise and update Appendix E: Participant Direction of Services, to align with current protocol and practice. 
• Revise and update requirements that Financial Management Services (FMS) providers fully inform participants that access to prior approved IGS is contingent upon the monthly accrual of adequate funds within the participant’s individual budget.

Appendix F Participant Rights:

• Revise and update Appendix F-3-c: State Grievance/Complaint System to align and create consistency with current process and practice.

Appendix G Participant Safeguards:

• Revise and update Appendix G-1-d: Responsibility for Review of and Response to Critical Events or Incidents, to align with current state licensing rules and practice.

Appendix H Quality Improvement Strategy:

• Update Appendix H-2: Use of a Patient Experience of Care/Quality of Life Survey, to reflect the Department’s adoption and use of the Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems (CAHPS) satisfaction survey tool. 

Appendix I Financial Accountability:

• Update Appendix I-2-a: Rate Determination Methods, by clarifying that certain reimbursement rate adjustments are contingent on available funding and subject to legislative approval.  

Appendix J Cost Neutrality Demonstration:

• Update Appendix J-1: Composite Overview and Demonstration of Cost-Neutrality Formula, and Appendix J-2: Derivation of Estimates, for the five years of this waiver cycle (through December 31, 2030).

Please see the accompanying draft application for all proposed changes as included in the renewal. 
DHHS is accepting comments through 11:59 pm, August 29, 2025. Any interested party may obtain a copy of the waiver application by going to the website noted below or at any regional Office for Family Independence (a list of the offices and locations can be found at this link http://www.maine.gov/dhhs/ofi/offices/index.html).
A printed copy may be obtained by calling Lisa Weaver at (207) 624-4050 or emailing [email protected].
See http://www.maine.gov/dhhs/oms/rules/index.shtml for waiver amendment and to submit comments.

STATUTORY AUTHORITY:            42 CFR §441.304
DEADLINE FOR COMMENTS:      Comments must be received by 11:59 pm, August 29, 2025.
AGENCY CONTACT PERSON:        Heather Bingelis, Comprehensive Health Planner II
AGENCY NAME:                              MaineCare Services
ADDRESS:                                        109 Capitol Street
                                                          Augusta, Maine 04333-0011
EMAIL                                               [email protected]
TELEPHONE:                                  207-624-4951 FAX: (207) 287-1864 TTY: 711

Maine Disability Alerts Forwarded Action Alert:

Dear Friends of Mainers with Disabilities,
 
Solid coverage in Bangor Daily News this weekend about the 35th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act--and threats to disability programs.
 
The US Senate Appropriations Committee, chaired by Senator Susan Collins, is scheduled to meet Thursday morning (July 31) to "mark up" the labor-health-and-human-services-education appropriations bill.
 
Please contact Maine's Congressional Delegation (but especially Senator Collins' office) to ask them to support disability programs in this week's "LHHS Appropriations markup", including:

• Don't eliminate University Centers for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities (UMaine Center for Community Inclusion and Disability Studies)
• Don't eliminate Parent Training and Information Centers (Maine Parent Federation)
• Don't slash disability protection and advocacy (Disability Rights Maine)
• Don't eliminate disability employment programs
• Don't eliminate preschool disability programming

Senator Collins contact info (you can call any office and/or email via the web):

• 202-224-2523 DC office
• 207-622-8414 Augusta
• 207-945-0417 Bangor
• 207-283-1101 Biddeford
• 207-493-7873 Caribou
• 207-784-6969 Lewiston
• 207-618-5560
• https://www.collins.senate.gov/contact/email-senator-collins

You can also find a tool to email all for members of Maine's congressional delegation about UCEDDs at https://aucd.quorum.us/campaign/133226 (it'll take about 2 minutes)