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Parents Want More Oversight for Developmentally Disabled

Parents Want More Oversight for Developmentally Disabled

Photo: 560 WGAN Newsradio


AUGUSTA, Maine (AP)   Parents are calling for more oversight and an independent review of deaths of adults with developmental disabilities and autism in Maine.

But an oversight board said Wednesday that the state is refusing to provide data to analyze trends and help protect disabled adults. Federal auditors have found that Maine, Connecticut and Massachusetts have failed to investigate deaths of disabled adults.

Department of Health and Human Services representative Amy MacMillan cited confidentiality and protocol concerns following a 2016 data breach for the failure to cooperate.

The Maine Developmental Services Oversight and Advisory Board is also accusing the administration of failing to act to fill vacancies on the panel. Attorney Richard Estabrook says his board application has languished since 2015.

Republican Gov. Paul LePage’s office didn’t immediately comment Wednesday.

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