Maine Revised Statutes
Me. Rev. Stat. tit. 34-B, § 5002 (2026)
Policy
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1.
Services.
It is the policy of the State to provide education, training and habilitative services to persons with intellectual disabilities or autism who need those services, except that nothing in this chapter may replace or limit the right of any person with an intellectual disability or autism to treatment by spiritual means alone, through prayer, if that treatment is requested by the person or by the person's next of kin or guardian.
[PL 2011, c. 542, Pt. A, §82 (AMD).]
2.
Setting.
It is the policy of the State that the setting for the services described in subsection 1 must, consistent with adequate care and treatment:
A.
Impose the fewest possible restrictions on the liberty of persons with intellectual disabilities or autism; and
[PL 2011, c. 542, Pt. A, §82 (AMD).]
B.
Be as close as possible to the patterns and norms of the mainstream of society.
[PL 1983, c. 459, §7 (NEW).]
[PL 2011, c. 542, Pt. A, §82 (AMD).]
SECTION HISTORY
PL 1983, c. 459, §7 (NEW). PL 2011, c. 542, Pt. A, §82 (AMD).
Notes of Decisions
Cited in 1
case, 1985–1985 · leading case: In re Robert D., 486 A.2d 134 (Me. 1985).
In re Robert D., 486 A.2d 134 (Me. 1985). “See 34-B M.R.S.A. § 5002. At numerous points in the statute, the Legislature has expressly permitted consideration of the availability of less restrictive alternatives to institutional care.”
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