Legislature(2013 - 2014)CAPITOL 106
03/21/2013 08:00 AM House STATE AFFAIRS
| Audio | Topic |
|---|---|
| Start | |
| SB1 | |
| HB59 | |
| Adjourn |
* first hearing in first committee of referral
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
| + | SB 1 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| += | HB 127 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| + | HB 59 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| + | TELECONFERENCED |
HB 59-MISSING VULNERABLE ADULT RESPONSE PLAN
8:40:34 AM
CHAIR LYNN announced that the last order of business was HOUSE
BILL NO. 59, "An Act relating to missing vulnerable adult prompt
response and notification plans."
[Before the committee was CSHB 59(MLV).]
8:40:49 AM
REPRESENTATIVE MAX GRUENBERG, Alaska State Legislature, as the
bill sponsor, explained that HB 59 would assist in the location
of missing adults via what is colloquially known as the "Silver
Alert System." He suggested that this bill would pertain to
people with Alzheimer's disease or dementia and make sure if
they do wander away that they can be found. He offered his
belief that this can and will save some lives.
8:43:15 AM
MILES BROOKES, Staff, Representative Max Gruenberg, Alaska State
Legislature, presented HB 59 on behalf of Representative
Gruenberg, sponsor. He explained that HB 59 would create a new
statewide system that would help find missing vulnerable adults.
He stated that this concept passed the Senate of the 27th
Legislature unanimously and made it as far as the House Rules
Standing Committee. Currently, 29 states have the "Silver
Alert" System or a similar program used for the recovery of
missing vulnerable adults. A list of those states can be found
in members' committee packets.
MR BROOKES said there are many factors that can contribute to
putting vulnerable adults at risk, including terrain and
temperatures. Specifically, HB 59 would require the Department
of Military and Veterans Affairs (DMVA) and the Department of
Public Safety (DPS) to develop and implement notification plans
for the event of a missing vulnerable adult. The plan would use
a voluntary network of television and radio stations and
newspapers to alert the public of a missing adult.
Additionally, the bill calls for DMVA and DPS to establish
standards on when an alert is triggered and protocols on when a
vulnerable adult is considered missing.
MR. BROOKES said the bill would provide a valuable public system
to help ensure that the search for Alaska's missing vulnerable
adults happens quickly and efficiently. He stated that the
efforts would be totally voluntary. He expressed his hope that
a relationship could be developed between the two departments to
implement this plan. The bill would define vulnerable adult in
Section 2(d). Prior to the bill passing from the Military and
Veterans' Affairs Committee, the sponsor had referenced the
definition of vulnerable adult in AS 47.24.900. However, he
recalled that the definition of vulnerable adult has changed for
the purposes of elder abuse and fraud, but that definition
includes intoxication, chronic drug use, and fraud confinement.
Therefore, the sponsor has inserted the prior definition as it
was in AS 47.24.900, prior to passage of the bill last year.
Thus the definition is the one in proposed AS 44.41.060 (d). He
noted that this definition of vulnerable adult does not affect
any other legislation or statute and is limited to this section.
MR. BROOKES named those in support of HB 59, including the
Alaska AARP, the Alaska Commission on Aging, the Alaska
Association of Chiefs of Police, Inc., the Alaska Peace Officers
Association, and the Alaska Geriatric Exchange Network. He
stated that the letters of support can be found in members'
committee packets.
8:47:57 AM
MR. BROOKES, in response to a comment, referred to Section 2(b),
which would give broadcasters immunity from being sued for
implementing the plan.
REPRESENTATIVE GRUENBERG clarified that would be as long as
[broadcasters] were doing so in accordance to the plan. In
response to Chair Lynn, Representative Gruenberg explained that
he is not aware that any broadcasters have been sued, but
[Section 2(b)] would give them comfort that if they implemented
the plan properly, they would not be sued. He characterized it
as a positive step.
8:48:56 AM
REPRESENTATIVE ISAACSON said he held an informal discussion with
Deputy Commissioner McHugh Pierre. He asked whether this is
something the agencies could do under emergency powers. He
asked for further clarification why the statute change is
necessary rather than to defer to the agency.
REPRESENTATIVE GRUENBERG answered he believes it is important
that as many parts of the state participate in this as possible.
Some local governments have the ability to implement missing
vulnerable adult prompt response and notification plans. This
will make sure they do it, that it is publicized, that the
program gets going and keeps going with a solid statutory
framework. He emphasized the issue is not "if" someone has the
authority, but whether the plan gets done. He offered his
belief this will be important to achieve this purpose, and other
witnesses will testify as well.
CHAIR LYNN asked how the plan would be initiated. He asked
whether it would be done by a caretaker, at home or in an
institution.
REPRESENTATIVE GRUENBERG answered yes. He compared it to being
like an "Amber Alert" System for a child. The parent, friend,
or caregiver would state that "so and so" was missing from the
private or institutional residence. The party would notify the
appropriate law enforcement official and then the word would go
out.
CHAIR LYNN asked whether the word would go local first rather
than all over state.
REPRESENTATIVE GRUENBERG answered yes, the plan would be
regionalized.
8:51:34 AM
REPRESENTATIVE KELLER asked whether other groups of people are
categorized by DMVA or whether this would be unique.
REPRESENTATIVE GRUENBERG answered that this has nothing to do
with military, unless an elderly person who lives on a military
base goes missing. He said the reason the authority rests with
DMVA is that DMVA's Division of Homeland Security and Emergency
Management has the network set up that would help provide the
communications and work with DPS on the plan. He stated it
would be the civil defense emergency aspects and not the
military.
REPRESENTATIVE KELLER said this is mandate specific to the DMVA.
It is specific to vulnerable adults. He asked whether other
classes or categories are defined for which the legislature has
charged the DMVA to provide similar communication requirements.
REPRESENTATIVE GRUENBERG answered that he doesn't know. He
deferred to the DMVA.
8:53:24 AM
REPRESENTATIVE GATTIS asked how the Amber alert was instituted
and whether there is any reason vulnerable adults should be
treated differently.
REPRESENTATIVE GRUENBERG deferred to the DMVA.
CHAIR LYNN asked whether there was any opposition to the bill.
REPRESENTATIVE GRUENBERG answered that he was not aware of any
opposition.
8:54:03 AM
REPRESENTATIVE HUGHES noted about 30 other states have similar
programs. She referred to the zero fiscal note. She recalled
testimony given in a prior committee where the DMVA was
confident that it would take little effort to implement. She
wondered if other states' "Silver Alert" programs have a cost
associated with them.
REPRESENTATIVE GRUENBERG said he doesn't know, but he offered to
find out and report back to the committee.
8:55:35 AM
REPRESENTATIVE ISAACSON said he thinks the bill has merit. He
remarked that today the proposed legislation does not have a
fiscal note; however, it is the nature of things that in five
years there may be a 10-person division. He said he hopes not.
He expressed concern that someone, who doesn't like where
his/her parents are, could erroneously report them as missing,
which could impede elder mobility. He expressed further
concern, noting it might be necessary to establish a medical
assessment. He described local efforts in his community when
someone goes missing. He maintained his reservation about
putting a good idea into an agency program with the authority to
take action. He offered his understanding that the sponsor
wants to ensure there will not be any question of someone
stepping beyond their authority.
CHAIR LYNN offered his belief that currently there must be some
kind of procedure in place when someone goes missing, which he
surmised is a fairly common event in neighborhoods. He asked
what would be done under HB 59 differently from what is already
being done.
REPRESENTATIVE GRUENBERG said testifiers could shed light on the
issue. In further response to a question, he anticipated there
probably would not be any change in areas that already have
similar programs; however, but the proposed legislation would
enable the program to be used throughout the state. He said he
anticipates that this program would work through local police
agencies, and he suspects the process would remain the same in
Anchorage. He deferred to the department to answer how it would
be handled in the villages.
9:00:09 AM
REPRESENTATIVE HUGHES questioned whether the beep on the radio
and information printed on the bottom of the television during
programming could only be used for an Amber Alert for missing
children, or if it could be used for missing vulnerable adults.
REPRESENTATIVE GRUENBERG deferred to the department.
9:00:59 AM
REPRESENTATIVE GATTIS understood the panic parents experience
with missing children. She could envision similar panic that
adult children experience with aging parents. She could see
this bill as dovetailing with the Amber Alert process. She
wondered why differences were given to vulnerable adults since
it really wouldn't matter if it was small children or elderly
parents who have wandered off.
REPRESENTATIVE GRUENBERG answered that it would be similar. He
shared his family's experience, when his son's friend, David,
was intoxicated and went outside and it was days before they
found him in a snow bank. He said intoxication isn't something
specifically listed in the bill, but he wished David had been
found earlier.
CHAIR LYNN recalled when he lived in California that his elderly
grandparents wandered off a few times, but they were able to
find them.
9:03:35 AM
MIKE O'HARE, Deputy Director, Division of Homeland Security and
Emergency Management, Department of Military and Veterans
Affairs (DMVA), stated that the division supports the intent of
the bill. He acknowledged that the division coordinates with
DPS on all matters of emergency plans, procedures, and
communications.
CHAIR LYNN asked whether this is duplicative.
MR. O'HARE answered that plans are in place in larger
communities and in some small or medium communities. The
proposed bill would ensure there are local plans in place to
find missing vulnerable adults. If the plans are not already in
place, it would be up to DPS, in collaboration and in
conjunction with DMVA, to help and assist in developing the
plans. Mr. O'Hare relayed that the Amber Alert System (AAS) is
not in statute; it is national program in which the state
participates. He described AAS as "the most urgent alert
warning system necessary for abducted/missing children." He
related that children can be grabbed and taken anywhere against
their will, whereas missing elders usually are not more than a
one-mile radius of their home. He indicated that [searching for
a missing adult] does not necessarily require use of AAS or the
statewide Emergency Alert System (EAS), unless an expanded
search becomes necessary - based on circumstances, weather, or
the individual - in which case, the alert mechanisms in place
would be escalated.
9:07:11 AM
MR. O'HARE stated that the department would want to leave AAS in
place, but would like to convey to the legislature that there
are plans in place to search and find missing and vulnerable
adults. He reiterated that the department supports the intent
of HB 59. In response to the chair, he answered that specific
instances [of missing adults] would be handled on a case-by-case
basis. He deferred to DPS to respond with respect to law
enforcement. He said local search and rescue entities in
community would be activated and, beyond that, DPS and DMVA
would become involved, as needed. He clarified that search and
rescue is the responsibility of DPS, so he would not answer on
its behalf.
9:09:23 AM
CHAIR LYNN asked how this would be handled differently from a
regular missing person report, such as a runaway teenager.
MR. O'HARE answered that a runaway child is a situation
different from that of a missing or vulnerable adult with either
physical or cognitive impairments, which prevent the adult from
caring for him/herself.
9:10:04 AM
REPRESENTATIVE KELLER said the reason he was asking the sponsor
about DMVA's role is that the bill requires the department to
cooperate with DPS to implement and develop the plan. He then
said it strikes him as odd because currently the three items
that outline the duties of DMLV seem broad, and the fourth item
seems out of place. For example, the statute requires the
department to handle the military affairs of the state, report
to the state, and handle veterans' services, whereas this will
implement response and notification plans for vulnerable adults.
He acknowledged that with respect to missing vulnerable adults
the goal would be the same. He asked about possible costs
involved in DMVA's cooperation with DPS.
MR. O'HARE responded that there are no costs associated in
providing cooperation. He stated that DMVA houses the Division
of Homeland Security and Emergency Management, which is also
involved with coordination and planning of emergency
communication. He said [the division] supports the intent of
the proposed bill and promises to collaborate and coordinate.
He related that the division currently performs these tasks and
will continue to do so under bill.
CHAIR LYNN remarked that the legislature creates laws; however,
the legislature does not "legislate intent."
9:12:54 AM
REPRESENTATIVE GATTIS related a scenario in which her mother
wandered off, but her mother may have felt she was just going
for a walk. She asked, under HB 59, at what point her mother
would be considered a vulnerable adult and whether it would be
based on her mother's say, on her say, or if a medical report
must be on file. For example, perhaps her mother may have
decided she would go fishing for the day. She said she would
like to think that the local police would respond based on her
concern about her mother's welfare; however, she also wondered
if a missing person must be missing for 24 hours before a report
can be filed.
MR. O'HARE deferred to DPS to respond.
9:14:24 AM
REPRESENTATIVE HUGHES recalled Representative Isaacson's earlier
concerns that a program such as this one might expand. She
asked whether the same personnel and equipment could be used for
the vulnerable adult notification as for AAS. She further asked
how much time and energy might be necessary if this bill were to
become law.
MR. O'HARE answered that this is about communications planning,
not about adding equipment, staff, or any bureaucracy. He
explained that EAS can be regionalized and provides tsunami
warnings, severe storm and Amber Alert warnings. This bill
would provide local planning for search and rescue for
vulnerable adults, and identify procedures to expand from local,
to regional, and, if necessary, to a statewide alert system. He
offered his belief that it would not require more manpower or
funds, just some assurance of planning. He reported that DPS
and DMVA currently have plans in place in some local
communities, but HB 59 would expand the process and require
assurance that plans are in place to help other communities in
similar situations.
REPRESENTATIVE HUGHES offered her understanding that the
proposed bill is not just about planning, but would also pertain
to implementing the plan. She offered her understanding that
Mr. O'Hare had stated that the division would be involved in the
planning but not the implementation.
MR. O'HARE offered his understanding that is correct. He
explained that the implementation of the plan under HB 59 would
be local implementation of a plan for local search and rescue
for vulnerable adults. He offered his belief that if it is
necessary to require regional coordination and collaboration to
implement the search, then the division would need to make sure
it had plans in place for a regional effort.
9:17:50 AM
REPRESENTATIVE HUGHES said she read from the sponsor statement
that the bill would require DMVA and DPS to develop and
implement notification plans. She suggested if that information
is not correct, then the sponsor statement should be corrected.
CHAIR LYNN asked whether statute is necessary for the department
to accomplish the plan.
MR. O'HARE deferred to the committee to make that decision. He
acknowledged that local agencies and communities already work to
find missing persons, since it is the right thing to do, but
this bill would provide planning assurance, coordination, and
collaboration of local search and rescue plans for vulnerable
adults.
CHAIR LYNN asked who would monitor to make sure that is
accomplished.
MR. O'HARE answered that according to the proposed bill, DPS, in
collaboration with the DMVA, would do so.
CHAIR LYNN understood that the agencies will contact local
communities to find out whether they have plans in place.
MR. O'HARE answered that is his understanding, as well.
9:19:56 AM
REPRESENTATIVE HUGHES referred to page 1, line 14, of HB 59,
which requires DMVA to cooperate with DPS to develop and
implement missing vulnerable adult prompt response and
notification plans under AS 44.41.060. She said in reviewing
the bill it seems as though the department has a role in
implementation.
MR. O'HARE answered that the bill would not require the
department to activate any equipment unless it was deemed to be
necessary, for example, if an individual left the local
community and it was necessary to send out a broader alert
system for search and rescue teams and other communities.
Further, if regional or statewide alerts were necessary, the
department would activate an emergency alert system (EAS) either
by contacting DPS or using a backup system in the emergency
operation center.
9:21:44 AM
REPRESENTATIVE ISAACSON surmised the reason for both DMVA and
DPS to be involved is that DPS needs to know the community can
respond quickly, and the Division of Homeland Security and
Emergency Management is responsible for general emergency
planning. Thus he envisioned this coordination being
incorporated into the emergency planning documents and
procedures in communities.
MR. O'HARE answered that is correct.
REPRESENTATIVE ISAACSON said this seems to be already within
DMVA's purview, and the division doesn't need legislation to do
these emergency planning tasks.
MR. O'HARE answered that this could annex a local emergency
operations plan that a local community deemed necessary. The
division would operate under the guidance of the governor's
initiative and any laws developed by the legislature to
accomplish [the emergency search and rescue for vulnerable
adults.]
REPRESENTATIVE ISAACSON surmised the next part is to ensure the
search and rescue effort is also done through news broadcasts.
He offered his understanding that the emergency system allows
the division to basically connect every community to address
earthquakes or other emergencies. He asked whether this system
can be used to alert not only the public safety agency, but also
fire departments, police departments, municipalities, and
communities. He asked whether the Alaska Land Mobile Radio
System (ALMR) would be used.
MR. O'HARE responded that the infrastructure for ALMR is a vital
piece of day-to-day emergency communication, but the system is
not a statewide system. However, he identified the EAS as a
statewide relay that goes over various media, which would be
used on a case-by-case basis. He said that development of a
localized plan for alerting the community to be on the lookout
for a missing vulnerable adult may be as simple as an e-mail
notification system to broadcasters or quick phone calls out to
first responders and local search and rescue teams. In fact,
the effort may not warrant a statewide or further regionalized
warning.
9:26:15 AM
RODNEY DIAL, Lieutenant; Deputy Commander, A Detachment, Alaska
State Troopers, Division of Statewide Services, Department of
Public Safety (DPS), stated that the department is neutral on HB
59, but supports the intent of the bill. With respect to a
previous question, he said the department does not see the
proposed legislation creating a notification system similar to
an Amber Alert. In fact, if the department were to expand its
Amber Alert System to incorporate the vulnerable adults, it
would result in a fiscal note to the department. He said that
under the proposed bill, the department envisions a plan would
be created in conjunction with DMVA to develop a localized
contact list and policy the department would use to disseminate
to media outlets in the area when a "qualifying" vulnerable
person went missing. Currently, the department maintains
emergency and immediate contact lists at all of its Alaska State
Trooper posts that can be utilized in missing person cases.
Further, the department works with media regarding wanted or
dangerous individuals. Thus, the main difference that would
result under the bill would be a change in the amount of
discretion the department has and when the department would
issue notifications. Therefore, the notification system would
basically consist of phone, e-mail, and facsimile ("fax")
systems to the media outlets. The department would potentially
use its regional dispatch centers to receive information and
send out the notifications. Using such a format to coordinate
and implement the [missing vulnerable adult prompt response and
notification plans] would not result in any cost to department,
he said.
9:28:21 AM
LIEUTENANT DIAL, in response to Chair Lynn, reported that
currently the department has no set waiting period and assesses
missing person cases on a case-by-case basis. Certainly, the
department exercises discretion in terms of the amount of the
initial response it directs to a case. For example, a certain
percentage of individuals in communities frequently go missing,
and the department's response to them may be different from its
response to a report of an elder with dementia who has wandered
away from his/her home. He acknowledged that municipalities may
have slightly different policies with respect to timing of
activating elements for each situation; however, the department
treats every missing person as an emergency. Of course, the
department has always been responsible for search and rescue
efforts statewide and takes actions to resolve situations as
quickly as possible.
9:30:05 AM
CHAIR LYNN asked whether HB 59 would enhance the safety of
elders.
LIEUTENANT DIAL answered that the greatest benefit of this
legislation may be to the smaller municipalities that do not
already have a plan in place. Additionally, it would encourage
communities to use the [missing vulnerable adult prompt response
and notification plans], since they would be available. The
department currently has search and rescue plans in place and it
uses the media for notifications when it believes the
notifications would be helpful.
9:30:52 AM
REPRESENTATIVE KELLER asked Lieutenant Dial to clarify the
reason the bill would benefit municipalities, since the mandate
is for the department [to implement missing vulnerable adult
prompt response and notification plans.]
LIEUTENANT DIAL explained that the department would create the
plans, which would basically "push" some of the communities to
develop a short plan. Typically, the communities would call the
department's regional dispatch centers to have the notifications
happen. He said the department would assist in local efforts
and try to comply with the intent of HB 59 by bringing some of
the smaller municipalities on-line and obtain commitment for use
of the plan.
CHAIR LYNN offered his understanding that the department would
formalize a plan and impose it on communities.
LIEUTENANT DIAL said he does not think the department would have
the authority to mandate municipalities to use a plan, but it
would create the plan in conjunction with DMVA and try to
convince them to use it. He envisioned the department would
take action on behalf of municipalities by issuing regional
notifications. In further response to a question, Lieutenant
Dial indicated the department could currently take that action
now.
9:33:09 AM
PATRICK CUNNINGHAM, MSW, DSW; Member, Board of Directors,
Alzheimer Resource Agency, stated that this agency provides
services throughout Alaska for persons who have Alzheimer's
disease and related dementia and their families. Additionally,
he serves as an associate professor at the University of Alaska
Anchorage's (UAA) School of Social Work in the College of
Health. He estimated that approximately 7,000 Alaskans have
"this disease." He said an unfortunate manifestation of "this
disease" is that 6 of 10 dementia victims will tend to wander at
least once from their place of residence and be unable to make
their way home or to a safe place. According to the National
Alzheimer's Association, if not located within a 24-hour period,
the person may suffer a serious injury or death. For example,
last summer an elder woman became missing and was later found
dead just off the Tony Knowles Coastal Trail in Anchorage.
Additionally, some adults with physical and intellectual
disabilities, persons with mental illness who may become
distraught and suicidal, and soldiers or veterans who suffer
from traumatic brain injuries or post-traumatic stress disorders
may become disoriented and also be in need of assistance.
Further, these people could be on foot or in a motor vehicle.
Additionally, he reported that many of the beneficiaries of the
Alaska Mental Health Trust Authority fall into these categories.
DR. CUNNINGHAM reported that approximately 35 states have
already put into place some type of a Silver Alert program. The
current system in Alaska is fragmented, and HB 59 would remove
that fragmentation by creating a safety plan for vulnerable
adults and promoting awareness about the vulnerable adults. In
fact, the underlying value of this bill is the preservation of
human life. He offered the Alzheimer Resource Agency's strong
support for this bill and said he hopes it will become law. He
thanked members for the opportunity to testify and for
legislators' service to Alaska.
REPRESENTATIVE KELLER surmised that as prevalent as Alzheimer's
disease is, nearly everyone on committee has someone they know
with the disease.
9:36:33 AM
BRADLEY JOHNSON, Deputy Chief, Fairbanks Police Department; Vice
President, Alaska Association of Chiefs of Police, Inc., offered
to answer any questions members may have. In response to Chair
Lynn, Mr. Johnson said passage of HB 59 would not substantially
change what is currently being done, but he believes the bill
would add tools that would speed up response time. Typically
when the department receives a report of a missing vulnerable
adult, the department will determine which measures to implement
to attempt to locate the person. He indicated that if the
situation rose to the level of a need for an areawide search or
if the department determined it was necessary to get the word
out to the public quickly, the bill could help provide access
through DPS, including the EAS. He said he understands some
concern surrounds who could request the service and under what
criteria.
9:38:36 AM
MR. JOHNSON said he thinks law enforcement currently does a good
job of assessing the circumstances of the report and determining
the vulnerability of the missing person as well as the validity
and immediacy of the need to locate the missing person. He
offered his belief that the process his police agency would use
would be to notify the Division of Alaska State Troopers, which
would provide additional assessment before any type of
notification was made. Further, he stated his belief that the
bill is appropriate and would afford Alaska's police departments
and organizations some tools not currently available.
9:39:32 AM
CHAIR LYNN characterized a missing vulnerable adult as a form of
a missing person. Thus the local police organization would
assess the danger to the missing person. He asked whether the
department would assign a priority based on the report. For
example, the priority may differ for a missing Alzheimer's
patient, a teenager who has left the house, or a husband who
hasn't come home on time.
MR. JOHNSON answered yes; that's exactly what the police
department would do. He related his understanding of HB 59 is
that under specific circumstances, the department would afford
the police agency an opportunity to use tools currently used in
the Amber Alert system specifically for missing vulnerable
adults.
9:40:52 AM
REPRESENTATIVE ISAACSON said Mr. Johnson's responses clarified
that the proposed legislation does not merely sound good, but
would offer practical application in helping vulnerable
citizens. He offered his understanding the proposed legislation
would give police departments some tools, speed up the
notification period, and have a practical application in helping
vulnerable citizens.
MR. JOHNSON answered that is correct.
9:41:36 AM
KEN HELANDER, Advocacy Director, AARP, stated that he has worked
with the Alzheimer's Resource Agency and the many families who
have experienced problems related to dementia. He offered
support on behalf of AARP for HB 59, since it would provide an
additional tool in an array of tools [for missing vulnerable
adults.] He found that the [search and rescue] response always
begins locally to make sure the person is found quickly.
However, if an elder is not found quickly, the net would need to
widen. He reported that the National Alzheimer's Association
released 2013 facts and figures, and the most startling news is
one out of three elders will die with Alzheimer's disease and
some symptoms of dementia. Luckily, only once did he find it
necessary to activate the actions this bill would call for,
since most of the time a vulnerable adult will go missing in
close proximity to the place in which they receive care. In
closing, he offered his belief that given the complexity of our
lives, HB 59 would give reassurance to communities and
especially to family members who bear the burden of the
responsibility daily to care for those with Alzheimer's disease
or dementia.
9:44:32 AM
KEN SPADAFORA, Lieutenant, Anchorage Police Department (APD),
stated that one of his responsibilities is for the
communications center at APD. He said that APD generally
supports efforts that will help find missing people. However,
Anchorage has extensive policies and tools set up in Anchorage,
especially since APD has more resources than some police
agencies and communities. For example, the department has
specific policies for different situations, such as runaways,
missing adults, and people of need. It is a myth that police
must wait 24 hours before an agency will respond. In fact, if
life threatening circumstances arise, APD can quickly "ratchet
up" its resources.
MR. SPADAFORA asked members to keep in mind that the Amber Alert
System was designed for rapid and widespread alert of criminal
abductions of children, to prevent children from being murdered
or raped. He expressed concern over anything that would dilute
the system, such as using it for non-criminal situations. In
fact, each week APD receives reports of one or two elderly
people who have wandered away from an assisted living home, and
the department would not put a regional broadcast out for
missing persons in those situations. He warned that if the
alerts are frequently occurring, the public will become numb to
the request for assistance. He admitted that does not seem to
happening, but said he wanted to express his concern. In
conclusion, Lieutenant Spadafora stated that APD already has
plans in place, but he offered his support for any action or
bill that would provide process and policy for the smaller
communities. He assured members that APD would lend any
assistance to any other agency that needs it.
9:47:39 AM
REPRESENTATIVE GATTIS reminded the committee that the proposed
bill would not be limited to the elderly, but would pertain to
"vulnerable adults."
9:48:27 AM
DENISE DANIELLO, Executive Director, Alaska Commission on Aging,
Division of Senior and Disability Services (DSDS), Department of
Health & Social Services (DHSS), stated that the Alaska
Commission on Aging is charged with making recommendations to
the governor, the legislature, and the administration on budget
appropriations, regulations, and services for older Alaskans.
She said the commission is concerned with the growing number of
people with Alzheimer's and dementia, which is primarily due to
the aging of Alaska's population. She explained that Alaska is
number one in percentage of elders residing in the state, which
has been the case for four years. More than 6,100 elders reside
in Alaska who are 65 and older and have Alzheimer's disease.
She reported this number is expected to triple. Ms. Daniello
said "wandering" really affects the elderly population. She
related that the commission has been working to determine the
number of people who are 100 years old or older. She reported
that this segment of the population has increased by 52 percent
since 2010. The commission has been working on a state plan
devoted to people with Alzheimer's disease. As part of its
development effort, the department has taken surveys and done
community forums. She reported that the commission completed
seven community forums last year, with 161 attendees. One of
the main concerns expressed during the forums was public safety
for people with Alzheimer's disease. Respondents see a need to
enhance and increase the state's coordinated response system.
She offered the Commission on Aging's support for the bill,
since it will help increase awareness about the needs of people
with cognitive impairment and will help reduce [emergency search
and rescue] response time.
9:52:05 AM
CHAIR LYNN asked whether the current system is adequate.
MS. DANIELLO offered her belief that HB 59 would enhance the
current system, because it would provide more emphasis on
community response. By sending out alerts through the public
media and social networks more people will look for the missing
person, in addition to the public enforcement officials.
9:53:36 AM
DAVE TALERICO, at the request of the sponsor, came forward to
testify. He stated that he is staff to Representative Doug
Isaacson, but is speaking on his own behalf today. He spent 10
years as Denali Borough Mayor, as well as having served on the
assembly and school board. He indicated he was intrigued by the
bill. He spent years working on an all-hazards plan for the
Denali Borough. He characterized the location of the borough as
being unique, since it borders the Matanuska-Susitna Borough and
the Fairbanks North Star Borough, with two major transportation
corridors traversing the borough. He identified the highways as
the George Parks Highway and the Alaska Railroad. He said the
Denali Borough's emergency responders are pretty busy. Although
the borough residents only number 1,800 people, emergency
responders respond approximately 600 times per year. The Denali
Borough has developed a large search and rescue program within
the all-hazards plan. He pointed out the numerous times search
and rescue operations have occurred near the Teklanika River as
a result of the Into the Wild film, which made the bus
[Christopher McCandless used as a shelter] an attraction. He
reported that the Denali Borough revamps its search and rescue
plan every two years, but he noted the plan does not mention
vulnerable adults. The Denali Borough has an AST detachment in
the area, and four troopers live within the borough. He
commended the job AST performs on the Parks Highway and within
the Denali Borough. At times, for search and rescue operations,
troopers cover a 180-mile stretch of the Parks Highway.
Therefore, at any given time, an AST could be over an hour away
from the crisis. He reported that there are over 100 pagers in
the area for volunteers who are part of the search and rescue
effort.
9:56:45 AM
MR. TALERICO discussed the change of demographics of the area in
which he has been a resident for 44 years. In the past, people
would leave when they became retirees, but he said that does not
happen any longer. As residents tend to stay, the demographics
have also changed. Additionally, he emphasized that there is a
substantial difference between vulnerable adults and regular
missing persons, since the needs of vulnerable adults probably
require attention much sooner. He expressed interest in seeing
this bill move forward, not only for the planning aspect, but
for the communications aspect. He said emergency responders for
the Denali Borough are dispatched from the University of Alaska
Fairbanks dispatch center. He envisioned that the additional
planning required under HB 59 could streamline and improve the
effectiveness of the response process for his area.
MR. TALERICO related that he had an uncle who suffered from
Alzheimer's disease, who was once found a considerable ways from
his home in Seattle, because he had somehow managed to travel
quite a distance on foot and by bus. He appreciated the sponsor
bringing [HB 59] forward, since the effort could make
substantial changes in [how vulnerable adults are assisted] in
all municipalities in Alaska.
9:59:57 AM
CHAIR LYNN, after ascertaining that there was no one else who
wished to testify, closed public testimony on HB 59.
10:00:15 AM
[HB 59 was held over.]