TESTIMONY OF THE MAINE MEDICAL ASSOCIATION

IN OPPOSITION TO

L.D. 943, AN ACT TO ALLOW LASER SPINE SURGERY IN THE STATE

Joint Standing Committee on Health Coverage, Insurance & Financial Services
Room 220, Cross State Office Building, Augusta, Maine
Thursday, March 21, 2019, 1:00 p.m.                                             

Good Afternoon Senator Sanborn, Representative Tepler, & Members of the Joint Standing Committee on Health Coverage, Insurance & Financial Services.  My name is Andrew MacLean, Interim CEO of the Maine Medical Association (MMA), and I am here today to speak in opposition to L.D. 943, An Act to Allow Laser Spine Surgery in the State.

I have not had an opportunity to talk with Rep. Stanley about the perceived problem the bill is attempting to address, but I simply do not believe the bill is necessary.  I am not aware of any legal barrier to a surgeon in Maine using a laser for spine surgery if such a treatment is supported by medical evidence and is in keeping with the current standards of care.  I am not aware that Maine law addresses any specific tool or device used in a medical procedure and I urge the Committee not to take such a step with L.D. 943.  The MMA recommends an “ought not to pass” vote on the bill.

Thank you for considering the views of the MMA on L.D. 943.  I would be happy to respond to any questions you may have.