AUGUSTA — Gov. John Baldacci is ordering state agencies to begin implementing the national health care law that was signed by President Barack Obama last month.

Baldacci said today that a steering committee with local, state, federal and tribal representation will plan the state’s implementation of the reform law, but he says the state’s already adopted many of its components.

One of the first things the steering committee must do is find out how to access federal funds to maximize affordable coverage and plan for the creation of a state health exchange.

Maine’s Dirigo Health agency already does many of the things envisioned by the exchange, such as contracting with insurers and negotiating rates.