Critics say the minimum staffing levels are unrealistic and an unfunded mandate that will further burden the state’s nursing homes, many of which are at risk of closing or downsizing because of worker shortages.
Health
Gov. Mills signs bill protecting providers of abortion and gender-affirming care
The proposal drew significant debate in the Legislature this session as well as opposition from out-of-state Republican attorneys general who called it ‘constitutionally defective.’
Madison residents, officials object to planned clinic offering methadone
Acadia Healthcare is under contract to buy 2 Old Point Ave., the former Taylor’s Drug Store, where it plans to open a behavioral health clinic offering medication-assisted treatment and other services.
Use of antipsychotics in Maine nursing homes increases
After an initial crackdown and decline, the rate of the powerful medications given to nursing home residents has ticked back up in recent years.
Maine lawmakers approve slimmed-down version of hospital facility fee bill
The measure now goes to Gov. Janet Mills, who has not yet taken a position on the bill.
Weedkiller manufacturer seeks to squelch claims it failed to warn about cancer
The maker of popular weedkiller Roundup is turning to lawmakers in key states to try to squelch legal claims that it failed to warn about health risks.
Maine’s former landfills are leaking forever chemicals
The state has so far found PFAS-contaminated drinking water supplies in 51 wells near former landfills, but no one will say which landfills are leaking.
Measles cases in U.S. up in 2024. What’s driving the increase?
There have been 17 times as many U.S. measles cases in the first 3 months of this year compared with the average number seen in the first 3 months of the previous 3 years.
New EPA rule says 218 U.S. chemical plants must reduce toxic emissions likely to cause cancer
The new regulation will reduce ethylene oxide and chloroprene emissions by nearly 80%, officials say.
Arizona can enforce 1864 law criminalizing nearly all abortions, court says
It provides no exceptions for rape or incest, but allows abortions if a mother’s life is in danger.