HAMPDEN, Maine (WABI) – A group home for people with disabilities in Hampden is able to operate without a license because the law doesn’t require it.
Earlier this week, we reported on the horrific abuse a Newburgh man pleaded guilty to at Lee Residential Care.
Zachary Connors, 26, faces two and a half years in prison for the “grotesque and widespread” abuse, according to court records.
The abuse of the victim, who he cared for at Lee Residential, continued for three years.
Also charged are Rene Dubois III, 47, of Prospect, Michael Slater, 49, of Palmyra, and Joshua Martin, 43, of Winterport.
The Maine Department of Health said it has not been licensed since February 2023, and that “until recent legislation, which is still in the process of rulemaking, there was no licensing authority for small entities operating one- and two-bed facilities. Facilities could choose to voluntarily become licensed, and many have done so, but it was not required.”
Under the new law, small entities like Lee Residential will also be given conditional approval based on their own requirements, they said.
DHHS said Lee Residential’s license had expired and they chose not to renew it.
If it was renewed, they say the Maine Department of Health’s Licensing and Certification Division would conduct the inspection, as it does with all license applications, license renewal applications and complaint responses.
DHHS has information on its website about how to find licensed nursing homes.
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