ME LD2197

Prohibits the Maine Department of Health from issuing or renewing licenses for health care entities whose main campus is leased from a real estate investment trust (REIT)

Health care entities covered include hospitals, ambulatory surgical centers, diagnostic and imaging centers, outpatient clinics, health systems, and provider organizations; nursing facilities are excluded

"Main campus" is defined as the licensed premises containing the majority of a health care entity's inpatient beds

Hospitals already leasing their main campus from a REIT prior to July 1, 2026 are exempt and maintain exempt status through any subsequent ownership transfers

Originated from recommendations by the Commission to Evaluate the Scope of Regulatory Review and Oversight over Health Care Transactions