The Health and Human Services Committee instead focused on community participation in the decision to open or maintain the clinics, voting in favor of requiring annual public reviews of the impacts of existing clinics on surrounding communities.

The two defeated bills, proposed by Representatives Michael Dunn and Edward Mazurek, would have included measures prohibiting clinics from opening near schools or day care centers, requiring criminal background checks of clinic staff, and shortening the licensing term by half to one year.

One of the bills would also have required new clinics to be approved by the state certificate of need office, which is a costly and discouraging process, according to Kim Johnson, director of the Office of Substance Abuse.

Legislators discussed ways to improve community response to the prospect of new privately-operated methadone clinics in Bangor and Rockland. Community response was more positive towards a clinic set to open in Calais, said one representative, because the Office of Substance Abuse conducted information sessions to address community concerns and educate residents.

Only one committee member opposed allowing clinic staff to forego background checks and requiring clinics to work with local residents and officials, but further votes are required in the state House of Representatives and Senate.

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