2005-01-26                     Senate Journal                      Page 0160
Finally, the bill would amend the definition of the term "mental health                             
professional" for purposes of child in need of aid and juvenile                                     
delinquency proceedings.  In order to authorize placement of children                               
in secure residential psychiatric treatment facilities, courts must hear                            
the testimony of a "mental health professional."  The current definition                            
of that term, contained in AS 47.30.915, excludes professionals who                                 
may be licensed to practice in other states, but not in Alaska.  The                                
testimony of such professionals is often critical in cases involving                                
Alaska children who are already placed out of state by DHSS.  Thus,                                 
expansion of the existing definition is necessary to ensure that Alaska                             
children who are placed outside of this state receive the psychiatric                               
treatment they need.                                                                                
                                                                                                    
Each of the provisions of this bill constitutes a step toward making                                
Alaska's children safer, healthier, and more secure, without                                        
unreasonably expanding governmental powers.                                                         
                                                                                                    
I urge your prompt and favorable action on this measure.                                            
                                                                                                    
Sincerely yours,                                                                                    
/s/                                                                                                 
Frank H. Murkowski                                                                                  
Governor                                                                                            
                                                                                                    
SB 84                                                                                             
SENATE BILL NO. 84 BY THE SENATE RULES COMMITTEE                                                    
BY REQUEST OF THE GOVERNOR, entitled:                                                               
                                                                                                    
          "An Act relating to the confidentiality of                                                
          investigations, court hearings, and public agency                                         
          records and information in child-in-need-of-aid                                           
          matters and certain child protection matters; relating                                    
          to immunity regarding disclosure of information in                                        
          child-in-need-of-aid matters and certain child                                            
          protection matters; amending Rules 3 and 22, Alaska                                       
          Child in Need of Aid Rules of Procedure; and                                              
          providing for an effective date."                                                         
                                                                                                    
was read the first time and referred to the Health, Education and Social                            
Services, Judiciary and Finance Committees.