2010 State Legislative Preview: MAINE

MARKETING RULES, 2010 ELECTION DOT ME’S COMING TERM

The most important development in Maine is the departure of Jude Walsh, Governor Balducci’s special assistant for Healthcare Finance to Gould Associates. Walsh was the Governor’s point person for facilitating cost containment amongst chronic conditions. Balducci’s days are numbered literally. Term limited in 2010, it is unclear whether the Governor will act more like a lame duck come January or begin to think of his legacy and push to add to his credentials. Either way, the state continues to draft and implement rules making Chapter 1055 (the nation’s first in the country law prohibiting drug manufacturers from marketing products to minors) operational.

HFA continues to profile each of the individual states and the current legislative environment looking ahead towards the 2010 legislative term. As always, community members are invited to comment, raise questions, address evolving themes. Your imput is always welcome.