• Read more about Drinking Water Rule, 10-144 CMR Ch. 231

This Rule administers the State of Maine drinking water requirements for approximately 1,900 public water systems by the Department’s Maine CDC Drinking Water Program (Department), which has federal primacy.

May 5, 2025

Editor's Note: This blog was originally published on May 20 and was since updated on May 28 to reflect developments as of May 22, when the U.S. House of Representatives passed the FFY 2025 budget reconciliation bill, formally titled the One Big Beautiful Bill Act. The updated content below incorporates policy changes included in the final House-passed version.

• Read more about Federal Proposals Threaten Health Coverage, Nutrition Assistance, and Marketplace Stability in Maine

• Read more about "Don't Let a Tick Make You Sick"

The Maine CDC marks Lyme Disease Awareness Month with Prevention Tips

AUGUSTA-- The Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention (Maine CDC) urges Maine residents and visitors to take precautions to prevent tick bites. Governor Janet Mills proclaimed May Lyme Disease Awareness Month. This year's theme is "Don't Let a Tick Make You Sick."

• Read more about Quarterly Physician Drug Code and Rate Update: QTR 2, CR 131894

In alignment with the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services’ (CMS) quarterly rate update, effective April 1, 2025, we retroactively updated the Physician Drug Rates. We implemented the new rates for billing on May 14, 2025. 

• Read more about Section 65 Medication Management Code Changes

New Codes

Beginning May 16, 2025, mental health and substance use agencies must use the following code modifier combinations to bill for medication management:

• Read more about SUN Bucks, SUN Meals Programs Return to Help Feed Kids During Summer Break

AUGUSTA-- The Maine Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), through its Office for Family Independence (OFI), and Maine's Department of Education (DOE) have announced the return of the SUN Bucks and SUN Meals Programs for Summer 2025. Together, the SUN Programs help give children the nutrition they need in summer when school meals are unavailable.

• Read more about Maine CDC Provides Tips to Reduce Exposure to Browntail Moth Hairs

May 5, 2025

Since 1995, the Maine CDC Breast and Cervical Health Program has helped clients access timely breast and cervical cancer screening, diagnostic, and treatment services. The program recently expanded eligibility to include qualifying women ages 21 and older -- lowering the previous age threshold of 35.

This change reduces the risk of undiagnosed cancers and the associated consequences of pain, illness, and premature death. It also addresses two critical public health considerations:

• Read more about Expanded Access to Breast and Cervical Cancer Services for Maine Women 21+

• Read more about Safe Haven Baby Boxes, 10-148 C.M.R. Ch. 22

This rulemaking establishes guidelines for the safe installation and use of safe haven baby boxes at qualifying safe haven provider locations before they are put into service. Public Law 2021, c. 466 amended Maine’s Safe Haven law to direct the Department of Health and Human Services to adopt rules to ensure the safe design, installation, and use of each safe haven baby box before it may be put into service by a hospital, law enforcement agency, or fire department.

• Read more about USDA Distributes Oral Rabies Vaccine for Wildlife in Northern Maine

Bait distribution aims to reduce the spread of the rabies virus

AUGUSTA-- In cooperation with the Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention (Maine CDC), officials from the U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) Wildlife Services will distribute oral rabies vaccine (ORV) baits next week. USDA Wildlife Services will distribute approximately 450,000 ORV baits in Aroostook County from May 12 through May 17.