Janet Mills, Maine's attorney general, is drafting legislation that would require hospitals that receive half or more of their operating revenues from the state or federal government to open board meetings to the public, according to a Press Herald report.
The bill, which is not yet printed, would open the board meetings under Maine's Freedom of Access Act. According to the report, most states exempt hospitals from similar laws. Some states like Florida and West Virginia do not exempt hospitals that receive public funding, however. Board meetings at hospitals that receive public funding are open in those states, and Ms. Mills is aiming to add Maine to that roster.
The past two Maine legislatures have reviewed and defeated similar proposals, according to the report.
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The bill, which is not yet printed, would open the board meetings under Maine's Freedom of Access Act. According to the report, most states exempt hospitals from similar laws. Some states like Florida and West Virginia do not exempt hospitals that receive public funding, however. Board meetings at hospitals that receive public funding are open in those states, and Ms. Mills is aiming to add Maine to that roster.
The past two Maine legislatures have reviewed and defeated similar proposals, according to the report.
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