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10-144 C.M.R. ch. 129, § 7 - Agency Expectations (Personal Care Agency Licensing Rule)

MaineregulationMaine Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Licensing and Certification

What this rule requires your agency to do

  • 1The provider must inform clients of state protection and advocacy rights, including contact information for the Division of Licensing and Certification, Adult Protective Services, and the Maine Long Term Care Ombudsman Program. (10-144 C.M.R. ch. 129, § 7)(10-144 C.M.R. ch. 129, § 7)
  • 2The provider must inform clients both verbally and in writing of how to file an internal grievance, and of how to file a complaint with the Department in a language understood by the client (which may be filed instead of or in addition to a grievance). (10-144 C.M.R. ch. 129, § 7)(10-144 C.M.R. ch. 129, § 7)
  • 3The provider must investigate all grievances, maintain grievance records (client name, filing date, and nature of the grievance), and provide a written resolution within seven calendar days retained in the client record. (10-144 C.M.R. ch. 129, § 7)(10-144 C.M.R. ch. 129, § 7)
  • 4The provider must give clients access to their records and provide paper copies upon request, and treat client information as confidential in accordance with Section 9(A)(2). (10-144 C.M.R. ch. 129, § 7(A))(10-144 C.M.R. ch. 129, § 7 - Agency Expectations (Personal Care Agency Licensing Rule))
  • 5The provider must communicate with clients about services in a language the client understands. (10-144 C.M.R. ch. 129, § 7(A)(1))(10-144 C.M.R. ch. 129, § 7 - Agency Expectations (Personal Care Agency Licensing Rule))
  • 6The provider must involve clients in the development of their service plan. (10-144 C.M.R. ch. 129, § 7(A)(1)(c))(10-144 C.M.R. ch. 129, § 7 - Agency Expectations (Personal Care Agency Licensing Rule))
  • 7The provider must provide services to clients free from abuse, neglect, exploitation, or misappropriation of property. (10-144 C.M.R. ch. 129, § 7(A)(1)(b))(10-144 C.M.R. ch. 129, § 7 - Agency Expectations (Personal Care Agency Licensing Rule))

Applies to: personal care / home care (licensed personal care agencies)

Maine's Personal Care Agency Licensing Rule (10-144 C.M.R. ch. 129) governs licensed personal care agencies. Section 7, Agency Expectations, sets out client rights and corresponding agency duties: freedom from abuse/neglect/exploitation, involvement in service planning, communication in a language the client understands, access to records, confidentiality, and written notice of grievance, complaint, and protection-and-advocacy rights, along with grievance investigation and resolution procedures.

Regulatory information, not legal advice — always confirm against the cited official source. Verification reduces error; it does not certify compliance.