Legislature(2007 - 2008)
2008-01-22 House Journal
Full Journal pdf2008-01-22 House Journal Page 1764 HB 337 HOUSE BILL NO. 337 by the House Rules Committee by request of the Governor, entitled: "An Act establishing the Alaska Health Care Commission and the Alaska health care information office; relating to health care planning and information; repealing the certificate of need program for certain health care facilities and relating to the repeal; annulling certain regulations required for implementation of the certificate of need program for certain health care facilities; and providing for an effective date." was read the first time and referred to the Health, Education & Social Services and Finance Committees. The following fiscal note(s) apply: 1. Indeterminate, Dept. of Health & Social Services 2. Fiscal, Dept. of Health & Social Services 3. Fiscal, Dept. of Health & Social Services 4. Fiscal, Dept. of Health & Social Services The Governor's transmittal letter dated January 18, 2008, follows: 2008-01-22 House Journal Page 1765 "Dear Speaker Harris: Under the authority of art. III, sec. 18 of the Alaska Constitution, I am transmitting a bill to further the provision of affordable and quality health care services for all Alaskans. This bill is my administration's Alaska Health Care Transparency Act. Access to affordable, quality health care services is one of the most pressing issues facing Alaska families. Providing these services in Alaska is particularly challenging, given our small population and wide geographic area to be served. Dynamic health care planning, that involves both the public and private sectors, is essential to providing affordable, quality health care services. This bill would further health care planning by establishing an Alaska Health Care Commission to look at health care services from a statewide perspective. It would encourage non-traditional stakeholders, including businesses and civic organizations, to share their expertise to address the important issues facing the provision of these essential services. Finally, now is the time to recognize that market mechanisms, not static governmental restrictions, are the best way to ensure that proper business decision-making guides the development of health care services. Therefore, to allow business decision-making to take place more efficiently, this bill would repeal the certificate of need program. The bill would also establish an Alaska health care information office to give consumers factually based information on quality, cost, and other important matters to make better informed decisions about health care facilities in the state. Alaska families deserve the best health care that Alaska can offer. This bill would play a major role in improving the health care system in Alaska. I urge your prompt and favorable consideration of this bill. Sincerely, /s/ Sarah Palin Governor"