Legislature(1999 - 2000)
04/19/2000 02:00 PM House FIN
| Audio | Topic |
|---|
* first hearing in first committee of referral
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
HOUSE CS FOR SENATE BILL NO. 204(HES)
"An Act extending the termination date of the Alaska
Commission on Aging; transferring the office of the
long-term care ombudsman from the Alaska Commission on
Aging to the legislative branch; and providing for an
effective date."
JANE DEMMERT, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, ALASKA COMMISSION ON
AGING, provided information on SB 204. She observed that the
bill would extend the sunset on the Commission. The
Commission is in a role that directly impacts the lives the
older Alaskans around the state through its grant programs.
The Commission assists in funding direct services. She
observed that discussion has occurred regarding the
organizational out-stationing of the long-term care
function. She noted that the Commission looked at out-
stationing options during the interim in consultation with
four different agencies: State Ombudsman, Alaska Mental
Health Trust Authority, Disability Law Center and Alaska
Legal Services. Given the youth of Alaska's assisted living
industry and rapid growth in developing long-term care, the
Commission concluded that it would have a higher level of
status within state government. The State Ombudsman Office
concluded that it would not be in the best interest of
persons with concerns regarding the performance of state
government to have the two offices merged. The Alaska Mental
Health Trust Authority was not ready to assume the
responsibility, but has remained interested and involved in
the Search Committee. The Commission has restructured its
bylaws to provide a clear definition of the role of the
Commission in interfacing with the Ombudsman Office. The
Commission feels that it has crafted a healthy and
responsive approach to support that function. She
acknowledged that there are merits to a transfer.
Representative Grussendorf asked if the Commission would be
satisfied with an extension of time to allow further
discussions. Ms. Demmert responded that the Commission would
be satisfied with a time extension.
Representative Phillips pointed out that the legislation
passed from the Senate Finance Committee only contained the
provision to extend the sunset date. On the House side,
there was an amendment to place it under the Legislative
Council. She noted that the Legislative Council was not
consulted. No research was done regarding cost. An audit of
the issue concluded several options. She observed that a
long-term care task force would consider the issue during
the interim and recommended that the ombudsman be placed
under the Alaska Mental Health Trust Authority for the
meantime. She maintained that the long-term ombudsman would
not be properly placed in Legislative Council.
Representative J. Davies agreed that the issue should be
discussed further. He felt that it might be appropriately
placed under the Legislative Council with more
consideration.
SHARON CLARKE, STAFF, SENATOR MIKE MILLER, mentioned that
the sponsor's intent was solely to extend the Commission on
Aging. The discussion on the ombudsman was added at the
direction of another senator. She clarified that the intent
was not to place it under the Legislative Council: the
Legislative Council was only one of the options.
Representative Phillips clarified that the amendment did not
come from Senator Mike Miller. Ms. Clarke acknowledged that
the discussion did come up with Senator Miller. It was not
acted upon.
In response to Vice Chair Bunde, Ms. Clarke explained that
discussions in the Senate Finance Committee indicated that
the long-term care task force could address the issue.
Vice Chair Bunde asked if there was a letter of intent.
Representative Phillips MOVED to adopt Amendment #1.
Amendment 1 would remove language relating to the Long-term
Care Ombudsman from the legislation. The legislation would
be returned to its original language, with an effective date
of June 30, 2000. The sunset date would be the year 2004.
There being NO OBJECTION, Amendment 1 was adopted.
Vice Chair Bunde MOVED a Letter of Intent that would ask
that the Long-term Care Task Force address the placement of
the ombudsman. There being NO OBJECTION, it was so ordered.
MIKE TIBBLES, STAFF, CO-CHAIR THERRIAULT observed that with
the adoption of Amendment 1 the title change resolution was
not needed.
Representative G. Davis asked the impact of the amendment on
the fiscal note. Mr. Tibbles replied that the long-term
care ombudsman portion of the fiscal note was $138.0
thousand dollars. The RSA or interagency receipt to the
legislation would not be needed with the adoption of the
amendment.
Representative J. Davies recommended that there should be a
revised fiscal note. Mr. Tibbles reported that there would
be a new analysis.
Representative Williams MOVED to report HCS CS SB 204 (FIN)
out of Committee with individual recommendations and with
the new fiscal note. There being NO OBJECTION, it was so
ordered.
HCS CSSB 204 (FIN) was REPORTED out of Committee with a "do
pass" recommendation and with a new fiscal impact note by
the Department of Administration.
| Document Name | Date/Time | Subjects |
|---|