Legislature(2015 - 2016)
2016-01-20 House Journal
Full Journal pdf2016-01-20 House Journal Page 1470 HB 270 HOUSE BILL NO. 270 by the House Rules Committee by request of the Governor, entitled: "An Act relating to criminal and civil history requirements for individuals and entities licensed or certified by the Department of Health and Social Services; relating to the centralized registry for certain individuals or entities that are licensed or certified by the Department of Health and Social Services or are eligible to receive payment from certain programs of the department; and providing for an effective date." was read the first time and referred to the Health & Social Services and Judiciary Committees. The following fiscal note(s) apply: 1. Zero, Dept. of Health & Social Services The Governor's transmittal letter dated January 18, 2016, follows: 2016-01-20 House Journal Page 1471 "Dear Speaker Chenault: Under the authority of Article III, Section 18, of the Alaska Constitution, I am transmitting a bill relating to the criminal history, civil history, and the centralized registry for certain individuals or entities that are licensed or certified by the Department of Health and Social Services or are eligible to receive payment from certain programs of the Department of Health and Social Services. In 2005, AS 47.05.310 - AS 47.05.390 were enacted. The purpose of these statutes was to centralize and formalize the process by which the Department of Health and Social Services conducted criminal background checks for entities and individuals who sought to be licensed providers or who are paid, in whole or in part, by the Department of Health and Social Services to provide services to individuals in the care and custody of the Department of Health and Social Services. Additionally, the Department of Health and Social Services was authorized to create a centralized registry so the State could rely on certain civil findings to bar persons from owning, operating, and being an administrator of certain licensed facilities. Over the ensuing years, certain gaps in the statutes were identified, and this legislation is designed to clarify and amend current statutes to fix those gaps. The changes proposed by the bill are simple amendments to ensure proper application and fairness under the system. In order to protect our vulnerable citizens yet offer appropriate due process and confidentiality protections to individuals, I urge your prompt and favorable action on this measure. Sincerely, /s/ Bill Walker Governor"