2004-03-08                     Senate Journal                      Page 2458
SB 364                                                                                            
SENATE BILL NO. 364 BY THE SENATE RULES COMMITTEE                                                   
BY REQUEST OF THE GOVERNOR, entitled:                                                               
                                                                                                    
          "An Act relating to liability for expenses of                                             
          placement in certain mental health facilities; relating                                   
          to the mental health treatment assistance program;                                        
          and providing for an effective date."                                                     
                                                                                                    
was read the first time and referred to the Health, Education and Social                            
Services and Finance Committees.                                                                    
                                                                                                    
The following fiscal information was published today:                                               
 Fiscal Note No. 1, Department of Health and Social Services                                        
                                                                                                    
Governor's transmittal letter dated March 5:                                                        
                                                                                                    
Dear President Therriault:                                                                          
                                                                                                    
Under the authority of article III, section 18, of the Alaska                                       
Constitution, I am transmitting a bill related to the mental health                                 
treatment assistance program. The bill would give the Department of                                 
Health and Social Services additional tools to control costs. Costs                                 
would be controlled by limiting financial assistance to persons                                     
meeting the eligibility criteria after registration. Registration would                             
require contacting the department in a timely manner and supplying                                  
information on medical and financial need. The department would also                                
gain some flexibility to reduce rates when there is a shortfall of funds.                           

2004-03-08                     Senate Journal                      Page 2459
I urge your support of this important bill.                                                         
                                                                                                    
Sincerely yours,                                                                                    
/s/                                                                                                 
Frank H. Murkowski                                                                                  
Governor