1.Powers.
Subject to any limitations contained in this chapter or in any other law, Dirigo Health may:
2.Duties.
Dirigo Health shall:
3.Budget.
The revenues and expenditures of Dirigo Health are subject to legislative approval in the biennial budget process. At the direction of the board, the executive director shall prepare the budget for the administration and operation of Dirigo Health in accordance with the provisions of law that apply to departments of State Government.
4.Audit.
Dirigo Health must be audited annually by the State Auditor. The board may, in its discretion, arrange for an independent audit to be conducted. A copy of the audit must be provided to the State Controller, to the superintendent, to the joint standing committee of the Legislature having jurisdiction over a
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1.
Powers.
Subject to any limitations contained in this chapter or in any other law, Dirigo Health may:
2.
Duties.
Dirigo Health shall:
3.
Budget.
The revenues and expenditures of Dirigo Health are subject to legislative approval in the biennial budget process. At the direction of the board, the executive director shall prepare the budget for the administration and operation of Dirigo Health in accordance with the provisions of law that apply to departments of State Government.
4.
Audit.
Dirigo Health must be audited annually by the State Auditor. The board may, in its discretion, arrange for an independent audit to be conducted. A copy of the audit must be provided to the State Controller, to the superintendent, to the joint standing committee of the Legislature having jurisdiction over appropriations and financial affairs, to the joint standing committee of the Legislature having jurisdiction over insurance and financial services matters and to the joint standing committee of the Legislature having jurisdiction over health and human services matters.
5.
Rulemaking.
Dirigo Health may adopt rules as necessary for the proper administration and enforcement of this chapter, pursuant to the Maine Administrative Procedure Act. Unless otherwise specified, rules adopted pursuant to this chapter are routine technical rules as defined in Title 5, chapter 375, subchapter 2‑A.
6.
Annual report.
Beginning September 1, 2004, and annually thereafter, the board shall report on the impact of Dirigo Health on the small group and individual health insurance markets in this State and any reduction in the number of uninsured individuals in the State. The board shall also report on membership in Dirigo Health, the administrative expenses of Dirigo Health, the extent of coverage, the effect on premiums, the number of covered lives, the number of Dirigo Health Program policies issued or renewed and Dirigo Health Program premiums earned and claims incurred by health insurance carriers offering coverage under the Dirigo Health Program. The board shall submit the report to the Governor, the joint standing committee of the Legislature having jurisdiction over appropriations and financial affairs, the joint standing committee of the Legislature having jurisdiction over health insurance and financial services matters and the joint standing committee of the Legislature having jurisdiction over health and human services matters.
7.
Technical assistance from other state agencies.
Other state agencies, including, but not limited to, the bureau, the Department of Health and Human Services, Maine Revenue Services and the Maine Health Data Organization, shall provide technical assistance and expertise to Dirigo Health upon request.
8.
Legal counsel.
The Attorney General, when requested, shall furnish any legal assistance, counsel or advice Dirigo Health requires in the discharge of its duties.
9.
Coordination with federal, state and local health care systems.
Dirigo Health shall institute a system to coordinate the activities of Dirigo Health with the health care programs of the Federal Government and state and municipal governments.
10.
Initial staffing.
Upon request from the board, the Governor shall provide staffing assistance to Dirigo Health in the initial phases of its operation.
11.
Advisory committees.
Dirigo Health may appoint advisory committees to advise and assist Dirigo Health. Members of an advisory committee serve without compensation but may be reimbursed by Dirigo Health for necessary expenses while on official business of the advisory committee.
12.
Legislative jurisdiction.
Notwithstanding any provision of law to the contrary, legislative jurisdiction for oversight of Dirigo Health is governed by the Joint Rules of the Legislature. In adopting the joint rules, the Legislature shall give consideration to ensuring that legislative oversight of Dirigo Health is thorough and ongoing, that normal budgetary procedures and controls are exercised and that committee jurisdiction is consistent with the subject matter jurisdiction of the joint standing committees.
12.
(TEXT REALLOCATED TO T. 24-A, §6908, sub-§13) Report; jurisdiction.
13.
(TEXT REALLOCATED FROM T. 24-A, §6908, sub-§12) Report; jurisdiction.
Dirigo Health shall report twice annually, once in January and once during the last month of the regular legislative session, to the joint standing committee of the Legislature having jurisdiction over insurance and financial services matters on the Dirigo Health Program and budget. Minutes of meetings of the Board of Trustees of Dirigo Health must be provided to each member of the joint standing committees of the Legislature having jurisdiction over insurance and financial services matters, health and human services matters and appropriations and financial affairs.