Government Funding

Some of the funding will be used to renovate Rome Memorial Hospital's surgical services.

People with intellectual and developmental disabilities are traditionally excluded from clinical trials under the assumption they can't provide informed consent.

The move would significantly alter the university's relationship with Minneapolis-based Fairview Health Services amid its proposed merger with Sioux Falls, S.D.-based Sanford Health.

The bill passed overwhelmingly, though some members made it clear that the $80 million is nothing more than a “Band-Aid.”

More than a fourth of the funding -- $119 million -- is earmarked for the Department of Health Care Services for 98 organizations to help with Medi-Cal's delivery system.

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration awarded about $185.7 million. The Health Resources and Services Administration awarded nearly $60 million.

A quick tally of funding for the most germane items finds that the federal government is putting at least $10 billion into behavioral health in fiscal 2023.

The legislation expands waivers for both programs that were put in place under the public health emergency.

This includes $4.9 billion in funding to address opioid abuse and $5.27 billion for mental health treatment, prevention and research initiatives.

The funds will be administered by the Maine Department of Health and Human Services.