ME LD1972

Health care entities with at least $10,000,000 in assets or annual revenues must file written notice with the Department of Health and Human Services at least 180 days before completing material change transactions including mergers, acquisitions, changes of control, joint ventures, or facility closures

The department conducts preliminary review within 60 days and may approve, conditionally approve, or require comprehensive review for transactions involving assets over $100,000,000, those that lessen competition, or those likely to materially impact health care cost, quality, equity, or access

Comprehensive reviews require public hearings, a cost and market impact analysis by the Office of Affordable Health Care examining factors such as pricing, workforce impact, market share, and service availability, with a report due within 150 days

Violations of the chapter or imposed conditions carry administrative penalties of $10,000 per day, with the Attorney General authorized to seek injunctive relief, damages, and attorney's fees for enforcement

Health care entities must annually report ownership and control information to the Maine Health Data Organization, with public reports on ownership changes required beginning July 1, 2027; the act takes effect January 1, 2026