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Project targets vulnerable patients for visits by EMTs who make house calls

Farmington ¾

The Maine Emergency Medical Services Office has approved NorthStar’s plan to establish a community paramedicine pilot project called House Call that begins November 1. This pilot, along with 11 others in the state is a result of a bill signed into law in 2012.

The project targets vulnerable patients for visits by emergency medical technicians (EMTs) and paramedics who make house calls to educate and reengage patients, monitor their condition, and if needed, provide treatment. Having EMTs perform these functions within patients’ homes help prevent emergency room and doctors visits, ambulance transport, and hospital admissions and readmissions.

Primary care doctors will refer patients to the program. They will generally be those who have been newly released from the hospital; those who have had a recent surgery; those who have multiple chronic conditions; and those with safety concerns in the home.

“For decades, emergency medical services have focused on being reactive: you call, we come,” said Michael Senecal, NorthStar director. “This new approach is proactive: we come so you don’t have to call. It is an approach that is especially applicable in rural areas such as ours and NorthStar has the resources and often the time to visit patients in their home between emergency calls.” Senecal added that former NorthStar Director David Robie was a champion of the model and advocated for Maine to adopt the approach.

Services that can be administered in patients’ homes include vital signs, wound care, hypertension monitoring, diabetes management, medication management, ear and nose complaints, flu vaccinations, and potential fall assessments, among others. A record of the visit and services provided will be reported back to the referring physician.

Seventeen NorthStar EMTs have been selected to participate in the House Call program and will complete a nine-hour training before the program starts. Dr. Jay Naliboff serves as the House Call medical director and will act as a liaison to physician practices in the area. He will work with Dr. Steve Zanella , NorthStar’s medical director, to ensure that providers are maintaining the integrity of the service.

Senecal said that currently there is no provision for reimbursement for a community paramedicine program and the cost will be absorbed into the NorthStar operating budget. In the long term, community paramedicine costs should be offset by savings in transport, hospital admissions, and doctor visits. In study after study community paramedicine has proven to save money in the community.

Senecal believes that in time, community paramedicine will lead to new levels of training, licensure, and protocols for EMTs that will evolve into national training curriculums followed by national testing through the licensure levels: basic, intermediate, and paramedic.

For additional information call Senecal at 779-2400.

Governor LePage to Host Drug Crimes and Awareness Summit

Governor joins local law enforcement to discuss the impacts of drug use and crime in Maine communities

AUGUSTA – Governor Paul R. LePage will host two Governor’s Drug Awareness Summits on Friday, October 25 in Westbrook and Auburn. The Governor and Public Safety Commissioner John Morris will join local law enforcement from around the State to focus on the impacts of drug crimes on local communities, and the amount of illicit drug use that is taking place in Maine.

“Mainers need to feel safe in their homes and communities,” said Governor LePage. “The personal and economic costs associated with drug and alcohol abuse are significant. I am focused on discussing and working with local law enforcement to maintain the safety of our state. If there is something we can do at the state level, we need to take action,” said the Governor.

In 2010, the total estimated cost of substance abuse in Maine was more than $1.4 billion, translating to over $1,000 for every Maine resident. In 2012, 779 babies were born drug-affected, and it expected this number will climb in 2013. The Maine Drug Enforcement Agency seized 27.5 pounds of bath salts through the first 6 months of 2012 alone and Maine is subject to ever increasing numbers of out-of-state drug trafficking organizations.

“Drug use is a significant problem in today’s society,” said Public Safety Commissioner John Morris. “In 2012, there were 5 drug-related homicides. It is important that the State Police and the MDEA work with local law enforcement throughout the state to find out exactly what the impacts of drug crimes are to local communities. If the State can do something better to help address this problem, we want to know about it,” continued Commissioner Morris.

Additionally, Governor LePage and Commissioner Morris are reminding Mainers about the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration nationwide Take Back Day this Saturday, Oct. 26 from 10:00 to 2:00. More than 100 collection sites will be set up throughout the state and will be staffed by local law enforcement agencies in partnership with public and private community leaders.

To find a collection site near you, call your local police department or go to www.deadiversion.usdoj.gov/drug_disposal/takeback/index.html

Please Note: given the sensitive nature of this topic, the drug summits are closed to media and the public. However, there will be media availability with Governor LePage and Commissioner Morris immediately following each summit.

Statement of Governor LePage on End to Federal Government Shutdown

AUGUSTA – Governor Paul R. LePage released today the following statement about the end of the federal government shutdown:

“The federal shutdown was the result of a failure of leadership in Washington, D.C., but its consequences affected Maine families and state employees, as well as important services and programs throughout the state and country. Politicians forced the shutdown to score political points, but it caused real financial hardships for many caught in the middle. Shutting down government is never going to solve problems. We need strong leaders who have the courage to make the tough decisions on difficult issues and who will put politics aside to do what is right for the people.

The tactics of the shutdown were a mistake, but the unchecked spending and massive debt this country has incurred creates tremendous uncertainty for America’s economic future. Congress and the President must do their jobs. They must address our nation’s growing $17 trillion debt, and they must put our country back on stable financial ground. It is reckless and counterproductive to keep raising the debt ceiling limit every few months.

“Furthermore, we should recognize that states must play a significant role in reducing federal spending. For much too long, Maine has relied far too heavily on federal dollars to fund many of our programs and services. This is unsustainable. It is time to seriously question whether it is fiscally prudent to keep depending on the federal government when we know it’s unpredictable and unaffordable.”

Governor Seeks Judicial Candidates 

AUGUSTA – Governor Paul R. LePage today announced that his Judicial Selection Committee is accepting applications for a vacancy on the District Court and possible future openings on the District Court, Superior Court and Supreme Judicial Court.

The vacancy to be filled on the District Court is the result of the retirement of District Court Judge John David Kennedy. The person selected to fill the vacancy will likely be assigned to West Bath District Court. As a result, applications for this vacancy will be considered from candidates who reside within reasonable commuting distance from West Bath.

Additional vacancies may occur in the near future, and therefore, the Governor’s Judicial Selection Committee seeks qualified applications for consideration and review in anticipation of possible addition openings on the District Court, Superior Court and Supreme Judicial Court.

“I am pleased that to date all my judicial nominees have been confirmed by the Senate and I am very proud of the nominees we have selected who are serving the people of Maine in the Judicial Branch of Government,” said Governor LePage, “I look forward to consideration and nomination of highly qualified candidates to the bench.”

The Governor’s Judicial Selection Committee will accept applications until November 15, 2013.   Interested individuals who have submitted an application since July 1, 2013 to the present do not need to reapply to be considered for this vacancy. If you submitted an application prior to July 1, 2013, please provide an updated statement of interest and updated materials. Application materials can be found online at http://www.maine.gov/governor/lepage/cabinet/appointments/process.shtml.

Maine Emergency Management Director to Step Down in November

AUGUSTA – Governor Paul R. LePage announced today long-time Maine Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) Director, Rob McAleer will step down in November to enjoy retirement and pursue a number of activities put on hold during his tenure at MEMA.

Governor Baldacci on March 15, 2007 initially appointed McAleer and Governor LePage kept him in place as the MEMA Director recognizing McAleer’s professionalism and knowledge of the emergency management system. He presided over 12 Presidentially Declared Major Disasters including the St. Patrick’s Day and Patriots Day Storms in 2007, Aroostook and Penobscot County Flooding and Winter Storms in 2008, Flooding in 2009 and 2010, Tropical Storm Irene in 2010, and a blizzard in 2013.

Director McAleer also served nearly three years as the Co-Chair of the US/Canada International Emergency Mangers Group, Chaired the North American Mutual Aid Working Group for the National Emergency Management Association and was the Chairman of the Governor’s Homeland Security Advisors Council and the State Emergency Response Council. McAleer led the State’s effort to ensure compliance with FCC regulations for modern radios, helped to develop a Statewide Mutual Aid Agreement and helped guide planning and preparation efforts by county agencies faced with diminished funding support. Director McAleer also served as Acting Commissioner of the Department of Defense, Veterans and Emergency Management during the selection process that led to the confirmation of Commissioner James Campbell.

“I will miss Rob’s professionalism and excellent leadership while at MEMA. He was a trusted advisor in all areas of emergency management and homeland security,” said Governor LePage. “While I will miss his candid advice, I am pleased that after so many years of service to the state and nation that Rob is finally able to pursue a number of activities that he has put on hold these past years.”

McAleer says, “I have been honored to have the opportunity to serve the citizens of Maine and am extremely appreciative of the support by both the Executive and Legislative branches that our Agency has enjoyed.” “I would also like to publically express my appreciation to the team at MEMA and within emergency management agencies around the State. They are truly the secret to our success as a State.”

Governor LePage has appointed Maine Emergency Management Agency Deputy Director Bruce Fitzgerald as the agency’s acting director, upon Director McAleer’s departure in November.

Fitzgerald, who lives in South China and a veteran of the department, has served as Deputy Director, Acting Director for 6 months in 2012, Homeland Security Grants Manager and Homeland Security Division Director. The International Association of Emergency Management Managers and the Northeast States Emergency Consortium have recognized him.

“With Bruce’s expertise in emergency management and his contacts throughout the Northeast Region, I am confident the agency is in very capable hands,” said LePage. The Governor said he will continue to consider candidates for the permanent director’s position and could introduce the appointment soon.

Three weeks ago, I would have said that a federal government shutdown was a long shot. However, the antics coming from Washington have surprised even me.

Hello. This is Governor Paul LePage.

Let’s face the facts. The federal shutdown is hurting Maine. Federal contracts are going unpaid, and federal programs are at risk of running out of money. This has a direct and indirect impact to Mainers, our businesses and our economy.

Now two weeks into the shutdown, the gridlock in Washington has forced layoffs of state employees and closed Maine’s federal parks. The longer this shutdown drags on, the more harm will be done to Maine’s economy.

I’ve said it before, and I’ll keep saying it. We cannot count on the federal government to solve our problems.

Even before the shutdown, the federal government halted revenue e to care for our mentally disabled patients at Riverview. The federal government is reducing money for food stamps on November 1, and a power failure prevented the use of EBT cards over the weekend. 

Last week, I issued a civil emergency. Previous Maine governors have declared civil emergencies for much lesser reasons, and it is an authority exercised in times when the Governor needs flexibility to manage an emergency. What makes this emergency unlike others is the uncertainly surrounding the federal shutdown. We don’t know when it will end.

Many liberal politicians claim my action was a “power grab”.  The only power I am interested in is protecting state employees who are laid off or are facing a lay off and minimizing disruption to state services.

As a businessman, when I knew incoming revenues were not going to be enough to pay the bills, I had to take action to compensate for the loss in revenue. My approach to this situation is similar. The federal government is not paying their bills to the states during the shutdown.

Many believe that the federal government will reimburse Maine for any costs we incur to pay for federally funded state employees. I hope this is the case. However, my office has received no guarantees from the federal government or Congress that we will be reimbursed.

The Governor does not have the authority to move money from one part of the budget to another. Only the Legislature can do that.

Maine is caught in a difficult situation because of our reliance on the federal government. As challenging as these times are right now, we must seriously question how beneficial it is to depend on the federal government for so much.

Governor LePage to Travel to Edmunds Boat Launch in Cobscook Bay State Park

Feds barricade boat launch, but local fishermen still need access

AUGUSTA – Governor Paul R. LePage announced today that he will travel this week to Cobscook Bay State Park in Washington County after the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service barricaded the Edmunds boat launch.

The federal government owns Cobscook Bay State Park. However, the park is run, maintained and staffed by the Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry’s Bureau of Parks and Lands.

Although Cobscook Bay State Park is now closed for the season, USFWS issued warning notices to local fishermen who use the boat launch, which is located in the park. On Tuesday, federal officials placed barricades to block the entrance of the boat launch.

“I am calling on the federal government to remove the barricades,” said Governor LePage. “This ramp is a lifeline for local working fishermen, and it is a disgrace that the federal government is interfering with their livelihoods.

“Cobscook Bay State Park is a state-managed park, and we will continue to support our working fishermen whose livelihoods rely on access to this boat launch. The shutdown is the result of a failure of leadership in Washington, D.C., and it is inexplicable that the Obama Administration would punish local fishermen and any others seeking access to the ocean for it.”

In an effort to resolve the situation, Governor LePage will visit Cobscook State Park Thursday. Meanwhile, the Governor continues to urge USFWS officials to reconsider its decision to barricade the boat launch.

If the federal government demands resources, such as personnel, to assist in the reopening of Cobscook Bay State Park, the civil emergency declared by Governor LePage authorizes him to provide such resources.

Governor Reaches Tentative Agreement with Union to Benefit State Employees Who Are Laid Off

AUGUSTA – Governor Paul R. LePage and the Maine State Employees Association (MSEA) reached a compromise Tuesday that will benefit federally funded state employees who are laid off because of the federal government shutdown. Today’s announcement comes eight days into negotiations with MSEA and after multiple meetings.

“We are very pleased that the union came to the table and agreed with our proposals to help our state employees who have been impacted by the federal shutdown,” said Governor Paul R. LePage. “This is an agreement in concept, but it provides these employees with the security they will need if they get laid off.”

The union agreed in concept with the Governor’s proposals for the state to pay for employees’ health benefits during their lay-off period; for the state to waive the requirement that employees must search for work during the time they are collecting unemployment; and for employees to be paid with accrued vacation or leave time if the federal government does not provide them with back pay after the shutdown ends.

“We have been working closely with the union since last Friday, and we appreciate that they recognized this is an unprecedented situation that required creative solutions,” said the Governor. “When we can work together to benefit our hard-working state employees, not to try to score political points, we all win in the end.”

Statement of Governor LePage on Statoil Announcement

AUGUSTA – Governor Paul R. LePage released today the following statement with regard to Statoil’s announcement to close the Hywinds Maine project:

“The Administration has been perfectly clear through the regulatory process that the term-sheet offered by Statoil was ironclad in its cost – placing a $200 million burden on Mainers by way of increasing electric costs. Additionally, the corporation was ambiguous in its commitment to growing Maine’s economy.

“Through bipartisan legislation the Governor and the Legislature worked to ensure that additional competition could be considered prior to embarking on a 20 year plan for Maine’s offshore wind industry and to finalize the best contract for Maine by the end of the year. With electric rates the 12th highest in the country we must continue to attract lower cost electricity that will grow Maine jobs.”

Federal Government Refuses to Allow Maine’s Cobscook Bay State Park to Reopen  

AUGUSTA – The Obama administration said Thursday that states would be allowed to reopen national parks as long as states “used their own money” to pay for federal park operations. Late Friday, a Regional Director of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) told Maine that it cannot reopen Cobscook Bay State Park even though that park is run, maintained and staffed by the Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry’s Bureau of Parks and Lands.  That decision left Maine officials shaking their heads in disbelief. 

“This is the type of punitive, arbitrary decision that defies logic and common sense. Maine people are pragmatic, hardworking problem solvers that expect leaders to work together to find solutions even when they disagree,” said Governor Paul R. LePage.  Here we have an opportunity to reopen a State Park that never should have been closed in the first place. It is run, staffed and managed by the State of Maine with the tax dollars of Maine citizens.”    

Commissioner of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry (DACF) Walt Whitcomb was equally troubled by the absence of fairness and logic behind the decision. “It is sad when we see Washington, D.C. bureaucrats decide to come in and shut it down a State Park for political reasons,” said Whitcomb. “Families are being denied access to a beautiful State-managed, State-funded resource during the peak of fall foliage season."

Cobscook Bay State Park is operated through an agreement between the DACF and the USFWS. It is located on land in the Moosehorn National Wildlife Refuge. Cobscook Bay State Park closed on Oct. 1 and is the only Maine State Park affected by the federal government shutdown. Most Maine State Parks continue operations through Columbus Day.