As you may remember, this bill started as a request to ADD nurse practitioners to the list of those exempt, but the judicial system offered an amendment gutting the entire law instead. While the Medical Legal Cooperation Code does not specifically apply to legislative situations, it is extremely disappointing that physicians had no warning of the judiciary's intentions. We believe this requirement will be particularly hard on patients in rural areas who already have enough problems with access to health care.

MMA wishes to thank those senators who supported our request for a fair hearing on the bill or a continuation of the exemption. They are:

Sen. Bellows (D-Kennebec)

Sen. Breen (D-Cumberland)

Sen. Carson (D-Cumberland)

Sen. Chenette (D-York)

Sen. Gratwick (D-Penobscot)

Sen. Jackson (D-Aroostook)

Sen. Libby (D-Androscoggin)

Sen. Millett (D-Cumberland)

Sen. Miramant (D-Knox)