Maine Revised Statutes Title 5. Administrative Procedures and Services § 20044. Voluntary treatment of drug users and persons with substance use disorder

1. Voluntary treatment. A drug user or person with substance use disorder may apply for voluntary treatment directly to an approved treatment facility.

2. Determination. A person who comes voluntarily or is brought to an approved treatment facility for residential care and treatment must be examined immediately by a licensed physician. That person may then be admitted or referred to another health facility based upon the physician's recommendation. Subject to rules adopted by the department, the administrator in charge of an approved treatment facility may determine who may be admitted for treatment. If a person is refused admission to an approved treatment facility, the administrator, subject to rules adopted by the department, shall refer the person to another approved treatment facility for treatment if possible and appropriate.

3. Outpatient or intermediate treatment. If a person receiving residential care leaves an approved treatment facility, that person must be encouraged to consent to appropriate outpatient or intermediate treatment.

4. Discharge. If a person leaves an approved treatment facility against the advice of the administrator in charge of the facility and that person does not have a home, the patient must be assisted in obtaining shelter.