Legislature(2007 - 2008)HOUSE FINANCE 519
04/05/2008 12:00 PM House FINANCE
| Audio | Topic |
|---|---|
| Start | |
| SB196 | |
| HB337 | |
| SB229 | |
| SJR17 | |
| SB185 | |
| SB265 | |
| Adjourn |
* first hearing in first committee of referral
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
| + | HB 337 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| + | SB 185 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| + | SB 229 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| + | SB 265 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| + | SJR 17 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| + | TELECONFERENCED | ||
| += | SB 196 | TELECONFERENCED | |
HOUSE FINANCE COMMITTEE
April 5, 2008
12:55 p.m.
CALL TO ORDER
Co-Chair Meyer called the House Finance Committee meeting to
order at 12:55:26 PM.
MEMBERS PRESENT
Representative Mike Chenault, Co-Chair
Representative Kevin Meyer, Co-Chair
Representative Bill Stoltze, Vice-Chair
Representative Harry Crawford
Representative Richard Foster
Representative Les Gara
Representative Mike Hawker
Representative Reggie Joule
Representative Mike Kelly
Representative Mary Nelson
Representative Bill Thomas Jr.
MEMBERS ABSENT
None
ALSO PRESENT
Ginger Blaisdell, Staff, Senator Lyda Green; Karleen
Jackson, Commissioner, DHSS; Rod Betit, President, Alaska
Hospital and Nursing Home Association; Paul Morris, CFO,
Alaska Regional Hospital; Paul Fuhs, Alaska Open Imaging
Center; Senator Joe Thomas; Marty Freeman, Division of
Forestry, Department of Natural Resources; Senator Bill
Wielechowski; Trevor Fulton, Staff, Senator Lesil McGuire;
Debbie Richter, Director, Permanent Fund Division,
Department of Revenue
PRESENT VIA TELECONFERENCE
Daniel Lynch, Soldotna; Patricia Senner, Nurse Practitioner,
Alaska Nurses Association; Linda Barefoot, Regional
Director, Purdue Pharma; Brian Howes, Investigator, OCC and
Professional Licensing; Joel Gilbertson, Regional Director,
Strategic Development and Administration, Providence
Hospital; Robert Cimasi, President, Health Capital
Consultants, Missouri; Nancy Cross, Physician, Fairbanks;
Dr. Larry Stinson, Anchorage; Grant Roderer, Physician,
Anchorage; Joanne Smith, Wasilla; Richard Cobden, Physician,
Fairbanks; Kevin Dorey, Fairbanks; Mike Powers, CEO,
Fairbanks Memorial Hospital; Jill Thorvald, Executive
Director, Medical Facility, Fairbanks; Stephen Sutley,
Fairbanks; Scott Bell, Fairbanks Memorial Hospital
Foundation Board; Maree Barney-Sutley, Fairbanks; Ryan
Smith, CEO, Hospital, Soldotna; Roman Stevens, CEO Medical
Center, Fairbanks; Mike McNamara, Surgeon, Anchorage; Mark
Wade, Surgeon, Fairbanks; Murray Richmond, Chaplain,
Fairbanks Memorial Hospital; Carone Sturm, Fairbanks; Mike
Maddox, Fairbanks; Jennine Hinman, Health Care Consultant,
Advanced Medical Centers of Alaska, Wasilla; Kathryn
Monfreda, Chief, Criminal Records and Identification Bureau,
Division of Statewide Services, Department of Public Safety
SUMMARY
CSSB 196(FIN)am
"An Act relating to establishing a controlled
substance prescription database."
HCS CSSB 196 (FIN) was REPORTED out of Committee
with no recommendations, a Senate Labor and
Commerce Committee Letter of Intent, and an
accompanying new fiscal note from the Department
of Health and Social Services and a previously
published fiscal note from the Department of
Commerce, Community and Economic Development.
HB 337 "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."
HB 337 was HEARD and HELD in Committee for further
consideration.
CSSB 185(STA) (title am)
"An Act relating to the central registry of sex
offenders and child kidnappers and to the
registration requirements for sex offenders and
child kidnappers; and providing for an effective
date."
SB 185 was HEARD and HELD in Committee for further
consideration.
SB 229 "An Act relating to the Tanana Valley State Forest
and to assignment of certain forest land to the
Minto Flats State Game Refuge; and providing for
an effective date."
SB 229 was REPORTED out of Committee with a "do
pass" recommendation and with zero fiscal note #1
by the Department of Natural Resources and zero
fiscal note #2 by Department of Fish and Game.
CSSB 265(FIN)
"An Act relating to the payment of permanent fund
dividends to certain individuals required to
register as sex offenders or child kidnappers;
relating to execution upon permanent fund
dividends by civilian process servers using
electronic procedures; amending Rule 89, Alaska
Rules of Civil Procedure; and providing for an
effective date."
CSSB 265 (FIN) was HEARD and HELD in Committee for
further consideration.
SJR 17 Urging the United States Congress to provide a
means for consistently sharing, on an ongoing
basis, revenue generated from oil and gas
development on the outer continental shelf with
all coastal energy-producing states to ensure that
those states develop, support, and maintain
necessary infrastructure and preserve
environmental integrity.
SJR 17 was REPORTED out of Committee with a "do
pass" recommendation and with zero fiscal note #1
by the Senate Resources Committee.
12:55:33 PM
Co-Chair Meyer presented summary of the bills on the agenda.
CS FOR SENATE BILL NO. 196(FIN) am
"An Act relating to establishing a controlled substance
prescription database."
12:56:42 PM
GINGER BLAISDELL, STAFF, SENATOR LYDA GREEN, presented an
overview of the bill. She indicated that the medical
community and the Alaska Pharmacy Association brought this
need to the attention of Senator Green. Ms. Blaisdell
described the legislation as a compilation of existing bills
from forty other states. She referred to the PowerPoint
presentation (Prescription Drug Monitoring Program and
Database, copy on file). She reported that:
All states have laws and regulations that govern the
distribution and handling of controlled substances.
Diversion of controlled substances and other
pharmaceuticals is generally recognized as a serious
problem throughout the United States.
Ms. Blaisdell referenced available support materials,
including letters from the White House designating drug
diversion as one of President Bush's top priorities. Ms.
Blaisdell expressed that:
States have found that Prescription Drug Monitoring
Programs (PDMPs) are among the most effective tools
available to identify and prevent drug diversion.
Ms. Blaisdell defined drug diversion:
Diversion is taking a legal prescriptive substance and
altering it to provide a different effect or
selling/giving it to someone other than the person to
whom it was intended.
Diversion affects the health of our citizens.
Diversion often promulgates other criminal activity.
Ms. Blaisdell indicated the goals:
Prescription Drug Monitoring Programs are intended to
promote pharmaceutical care while deterring diversion
through education and law enforcement.
Prescription Drug Monitoring Programs are aimed at
upholding statutory mandates in a manner that is most
supportive of and least disruptive to medical and
pharmacy practices.
Ms. Blaisdell noted it would only take two minutes a day to
download information from the database; the new legislation
is meant to be a helpful tool not a new mandated task. Ms.
Blaisdell described national ads produced for the $30
million U.S. drug awareness campaign. She stressed the
importance of education:
There is a national presumption that the misuse of
prescription drugs is safer than using illicit "street"
drugs.
Prescription and over-the-counter medications are fast
becoming the new "party" drugs for many teenagers and
adults.
Twenty-five to forty percent of MySpace users include
postings on how to get prescription medication on the
internet.
Ms. Blaisdell revealed the most commonly abused medications:
Pain Killers
Stimulants
Sedatives and Tranquilizers
Over-the-Counter Drugs
She described prescription abuse to include:
Children through elderly individuals abuse for themselves
or for personal profit.
Nearly seventy percent of prescription drugs are obtained
for free from friends and family.
Pain killers are the number one abused drug because of
the feeling of euphoria and/or high resale value.
Ms. Blaisdell stressed the importance of this legislation,
noting that:
The Department of Commerce, Community and Economic
Development (DCCED), Board of Pharmacy, currently
conducts research and licensee investigations regarding
drug diversion practices.
A Prescription Drug Monitoring Program will provide the
direction and tools for collecting accurate and timely
prescription drug information to assist in the prevention
of diversion and promote safe and effective health care
for Alaska's citizens.
1:03:24 PM
Ms. Blaisdell continued on the importance of this
legislation:
State and local law enforcement agencies are experiencing
a rise in prescription drug diversion criminal activity.
This legislation was requested by Alaskan pharmacists,
doctors and law enforcement officials.
With legislation, the state will be eligible for federal
funding.
Ms. Blaisdell reported that this legislation:
Establishes a Prescription Drug Monitoring Program within
the Board of Pharmacy.
Tracks all schedule I-V controlled substances in state
and federal law.
Data will be electronic rather than paper.
Ms. Blaisdell explained:
Data can be used by licensed prescribers who have the
authority to prescribe when caring for a patient.
Data can be used by a licensed or registered dispenser
who is considering a controlled substance to an
individual.
Data can be used by the personnel of the Board of
Pharmacy regarding licensing inquiries, and for database
management.
Data can be requested through the Board by law
enforcement entities with a subpoena or court ordered
warrant.
Ms. Blaisdell continued that data can be used to:
Improve health care for patients
Identify prescribing and dispensing practices that may be
of question; and
Identify individuals who show a pattern of inappropriate
use.
1:06:03 PM
Ms. Blaisdell revealed that the data is confidential and not
subject to public disclosure:
Health Insurance portability and Accountability Act
exceptions are allowed for state Prescription Drug
Monitoring Programs.
Patient privacy is secured by the details of the contract
for the vendor who will capture the data.
Privacy is insured by the Class A misdemeanor and Class C
felony charges that would accompany inappropriate use of
the data.
Ms. Blaisdell referred to the fiscal notes from the
Department of Commerce, Community and Economic Development
and the Department of Health and Social Services.
Ms. Blaisdell indicated that statewide insurance providers
and individuals who self-pay are expected save $1.4 million
in the first year. She remarked that:
Senate Labor and Commerce adopted a committee substitute
that addressed almost all concerns voiced by the medical
community and government agencies. The side-by-side
document is in the bill packet.
Senate Labor and Commerce adopted intent language
regarding the impact of future funding. The intent memo
is in bill packet.
She reassured the Committee that after checking through the
bill with legislative legal every sentence and every
paragraph has some sort of privacy protection or data
security written into the bill.
1:09:14 PM
Representative Nelson questioned if the Native Health
Service would have access to this database. Ms. Blaisdell
replied that Maine is the only state to enter voluntary
contracts with military and tribal health providers.
Military and tribal health is governed by federal law rather
than state law so they are exempt from participating. She
added that those providers who choose to participate can
receive permission.
Representative Nelson asked if this would be phrased as
anyone who contracts and compacts with Indian Health
Service. Ms. Blaisdell agreed that most people are entering
into contracts.
1:10:28 PM
Representative Gara questioned if the main purpose of the
bill would be to provide a database accessible to all
pharmacists in the state. Ms. Blaisdell responded that the
database would be accessible to all pharmacists who apply to
have access to retrieve information. All pharmacists in the
state would be required to report any dispensing of
controlled substances.
Representative Gara asked if one of the purposes of the
database would be for pharmacists to check on the other
medications a patient may have been prescribed. He also
inquired if this information would be available to the
physician when prescribing a drug for a patient.
Ms. Blaisdell emphasized that not every prescription will be
in the database. The database will only indicate drugs in
Schedule I-V: painkillers, sedatives, tranquilizers, or
stimulants. She provided the example of an elderly person,
always going to the same pharmacy, would have a prescription
history at that pharmacy. A medical provider can access this
database to look at the person's history when they are
writing a prescription.
1:13:20 PM
Representative Gara inquired if pharmacists now have access
to a database to determine if there is potential drug
interaction.
Ms. Blaisdell responded that pharmacists are not the primary
individual trying to discover every drug interaction.
Discovering potential drug interactions will start with the
medical provider. She signified that patients who "doctor
shop" using multiple pharmacies could be tracked with this
database.
1:14:40 PM
Vice-Chair Stoltze questioned the access individuals have to
the database. He requested information on any fees involved.
Ms. Blaisdell remarked that any individual can request the
report of their own history in the database. She reported
that the fee will not exceed ten dollars but the patient can
also ask their physician to run a history. She revealed that
prescriptions listed in the database will use the medical
term for the medication not the brand name.
Vice-Chair Stoltze asked if the database would be available
to other professional boards, primarily for disciplinary
cases. He also asked for comment on how the large chain
pharmacies handle prescription information.
1:16:47 PM
Ms. Blaisdell reported letters of support from the National
Association of Chain Drug Stores (Safeway, WalMart, etc). A
large corporate drug store can share data within their own
corporate chain but not among different drug store chains.
The proposed database would capture all this information.
Vice-Chair Stoltze asked again about the availability to
other professional boards.
Ms. Blaisdell responded that this information is only
accessible by a court ordered warrant or subpoena.
1:18:32 PM
Representative Nelson referred to another database set up
for antihistamines that expunges the records after one year.
She asked if there was a time frame to expunge records in
this bill.
Ms. Blaisdell responded that there is a two year provision
to dispose of the information. The database is looking for
someone with a pattern of use, not a one-time incident.
Representative Nelson asked if pharmacists are privy to
patient's drug history through a patient's insurance
provider.
1:20:02 PM
Ms. Blaisdell responded that a patient's drug history can
not be obtained through their insurance provider. She noted
that the use of cash to pay for a prescription is one of the
key data elements that may reveal drug diversion.
1:20:50 PM
Representative Gara stressed concern about information
becoming accessible to the general public. He pointed to a
provision in the bill indicating that law enforcement may
obtain information from the database through a search
warrant or subpoena. He noted in civil cases information can
be obtained through a "discovery process" and voiced his
concern that information may be obtained in this manner.
1:22:11 PM
Ms. Blaisdell disclosed that the data is not accessible for
"discovery" or civil suits only through a court order,
warrant or subpoena. She cited an example that a medical
doctor could not provide a person's medical history to
another member of the family.
Representative Gara asked where in the bill it states
information may not be obtained through a discovery order.
Ms. Blaisdell replied that there is no provision that says
it is not accessible through a discovery order because the
only provision for accessing this information, outside of
the physician or pharmacist, is through a court warrant or
subpoena
1:23:12 PM
DANIEL LYNCH, SOLDOTNA testified via teleconference and
voiced his concern about privacy information being
disclosed. He noted the widespread internet and database
theft. He cautioned that hackers have entered many national
corporate databases and a potential hacker into this drug
database would obtain personal information for possible
theft or sale to insurance companies or employers. He noted
the long-standing confidentiality between patients and
physicians and hoped privacy can be maintained. He wondered
if possible new hiring to enter these prescriptions will
raise the price of medications.
1:26:30 PM
PATRICIA SENNER, NURSE PRACTITIONER, ALASKA NURSES
ASSOCIATION testified via teleconference spoke in support of
the bill. As prescribers, the association welcomed the
opportunity of receiving accurate information for controlled
medication prescribed to their patients but warned that
someone in a physician's office, hospital or pharmacy could
go on a "fishing" expedition to locate private information,
noting the recent Britney Spears case. She suggested at
third layer manager who would give permission before any
information could be released from the database.
1:28:37 PM
LINDA BAREFOOT, REGIONAL DIRECTOR, PURDUE PHARMA testified
via teleconference in support of this legislation.
1:30:03 PM
BRIAN HOWES, INVESTIGATOR, OCCUPATIONAL AND PROFESSIONAL
LICENSING testified via teleconference and was available for
questions.
1:30:44 PM
Co-Chair Meyer CLOSED PUBLIC TESTIMONY.
Co-Chair Meyer MOVED to ADOPT Amendment 1 25-LS1092\V.2.
Page 2, line 25:
Delete "an inpatient in a licensed"
Insert "those administered to a patient at a"
Vice-Chair Stoltze OBJECTED for discussion.
Ms. Blaisdell explained that Amendment #1 clarified language
confusion in the bill.
Vice-Chair Stoltze WITHDREW his OBJECTION. There being NO
further OBJECTION, it was so ordered.
1:32:49 PM
Co-Chair Meyer MOVED to ADOPT Amendment 2, 25-LS1092\V.1.
Page 5, lines 7-9
Delete "The board may enter into agreements with
dispensers that are not regulated by the state and
practitioners in this state to submit information to
and access information in the database subject to this
section and the regulations of the board."
Insert "The board may enter into agreements with
(1) dispensers in this state that are not regulated by
the state to submit information to and access
information in the database, and (2) practitioners in
this state to access information in the database,
subject to this section and the regulations of the
board."
Vice-Chair Stoltze OBJECTED for discussion.
Vice-Chair Stoltze requested if there were any other
dispensers not regulated by the state.
Ms. Blaisdell disclosed that originally the paragraph only
mentioned military or tribal but it was broadened to include
the internet or medical doctors on ships inside Alaska
waters.
Vice-Chair Stoltze WITHDREW his OBJECTION. There being NO
further OBJECTION, it was so ordered.
1:34:58 PM
Co-Chair Meyer referred to the fiscal notes.
1:35:26 PM
Representative Gara questioned the date information is
removed from the database.
Ms. Blaisdell replied that it would be two years from the
date the prescription was obtained.
Representative Gara asked if there would be a problem
reducing it to one year. Ms. Blaisdell replied that forty
states have this database and most have a three year
provision. Representative Gara inquired about the
classification for the Class C and Class B offenses.
1:37:46 PM
Ms. Blaisdell deferred to legislative legal or the
Department of Law. She mentioned that the legislation is
written this way in other states and seems to be the
accepted nationwide practice.
Representative Gara pointed out that "knowingly" is only
written in regards to part of the crime. He wanted to make
sure that the legislation is properly written so someone is
not put in prison if they did not "know" what they were
doing was wrong.
1:39:02 PM
Ms. Blaisdell remarked that this issue was brought up before
in House Judiciary with the example that if a janitor finds
personal information that has been thrown in the trash of a
doctor's office, the office did not "knowingly" give it
away. But if the janitor then illegally uses that
information, then that would be classified as "knowingly."
Representative Gara wondered if someone who works for a
pharmacist and "unknowingly" gives the medication to an
improper individual would that be classified as "knowingly".
1:41:08 PM
Ms. Blaisdell remarked that in the federal grant there is a
significant emphasis on education for the proper use of the
database. There has been discussions if the access to the
database could be delegated to another individual on staff
in a pharmacy or medical office and the resounding answer
was no.
1:43:02 PM
Vice-Chair Stoltze MOVED to REPORT HCS CSSB 196 (JUD) out of
Committee, with a Letter of Intent, individual
recommendations and accompanying fiscal notes. There being
NO OBJECTION, it was so ordered.
HCS CSSB 196 (JUD) REPORTED from the Committee with a Letter
of Intent, no recommendations, and accompanying new fiscal
note from the Department of Health and Social Services, and
a previously published fiscal note from the Department of
Economic Development.
1:44:15 PM
HOUSE BILL NO. 337
"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."
1:44:32 PM
KARLEEN JACKSON, COMMISSIONER, DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND
SOCIAL SERVICES presented an overview of the bill. She
indicated this was the Governor's Health Care Transparency
Act crafted after a year's work with input from two
different reports, the Governor's Health Care Planning
Strategy Council and the Certificate of Need Task Force. The
intent of bill was to have three components that worked
together to improve Alaska Health Care. She indicated the
three components of the bill to achieve this goal were to:
1. Create a Health Commission charged with making sure
Alaska has a state-wide plan responsive to changing
demographics and Market conditions to guide public and
private investments in the health care service system.
Begin policy discussion about tough issues like end of
life care.
2. Promote self-responsibility by giving Alaskans new
tools to take charge of their health and health care
options through a web-based information source that
makes clear the cost, availability, and quality of
those options.
3. Encourage healthy competition among providers of
health care so that consumer choice rather than
government and court intervention determines the cost,
availability and quality of health care by eliminating
Certificate of Need program.
The original bill had seven hearings in the House Health and
Social Services committee that resulted in the current
version of the bill.
Ms. Jackson presented a sectional analysis of HB 337,
Version N (copy on file).
Section 1
Provides for Legislative findings and intent to mandate
an evaluation of the state's health care needs, propose
reforms, and improve health care in Alaska by
establishing the Alaska Health Care Commission for the
purpose of developing a comprehensive policy that
better meets the current and long-range health care
needs in the state.
Sec. 2 AS 18.05.010(b)
Requires the Department of Health and Social Services
to implement a statewide health plan under AS 18.09,
which is a new chapter creating the Alaska Health Care
Commission.
Sec. 3 AS 18.07.031(e)
Amends definition of "expenditure" under the
Certificate of Need program.
Sec. 4 AS 18.07.111(8)
Under the Certificate of Need program, applies the
definition of "health care facility," if the hospital
facility or center is located in a municipality or
borough that has a critical access hospital or that has
a population of 60,000 or fewer persons (excluding
recipients of military or Indian Health Service health
care); and nursing homes, residential psychiatric
treatment centers; excludes Alaska Pioneers Homes,
offices of private physicians or dentists, and military
and tribal health entities.
Sec. 5 AS 18.07.111
Amends definitions of facilities in which Certificate
of Need applies, including: ambulatory surgical
facility, critical access hospital, independent
diagnostic testing facility, intermediate care
facility, kidney dialysis center, nursing home, office
of private physicians (50 percent owned and operated by
physicians), and psychiatric hospital.
Sec. 6 AS 18
Adds new Chapter 9, Statewide Health Information
Office; Article 1. Sec. 18.09.100 Establishes an Alaska
Health Care Information Office in the Department of
Health and Social Services to provide consistently
updated health care facility information to aid
consumers of health care services, and information to
encourage personal responsibility in prevention and
healthy living.
Sec. 18.09.110
Requires the department to establish and maintain a
database on an Internet website about health care
facilities services and cost. Information in the data
base includes health care facility information; health
care providers licensed in Alaska; a list of not more
than 1500 commonly prescribed medications in the state
and the cost; a list of not more than 250 most commonly
conducted medical procedures in the state and the cost;
hospital ratings; consumer education information on
health, insurance information, clinics that cater to
uninsured and self-pay patients; and quality of health
care facilities; and information regarding prevention
and healthy living.
Sec. 18.09.120
Requires health care facilities to provide the
department information related to the facility's health
care services for placement on the database developed
under AS 18.09.110.
Sec. 18.09.130
The Department of Administration, the Department of
Commerce, Community and Economic Development, and the
Department of Labor and Workforce Development, and the
Department of Law shall provide information for
placement on the database regarding adverse actions
taken against a health care facility or against
licensed professionals practicing in health care
facilities in the state and cooperate with the
department in performance of its duties under AS
18.09.100-18.09.130.
Article 2
Sec. 18.09.900
Allows the Department of Health and Social Services to
adopt regulations under AS 44.62 to carry out purposes
of this chapter.
Sec. 18.09.990
Provides definitions of facilities from which the
department would collect information.
1:50:43 PM
Sec. 7
Establishes a 16-member Alaska Health Care Commission
within the Department of Health and Social Services.
The purpose of the Commission is to consider the
spectrum of health care related issues and formulate
policy recommendations to be presented to the
legislature and executive branch; to develop a
statewide plan to address the quality, accessibility
and affordability of health care for all citizens of
the state; to provide an annual report to the
legislature that includes a comprehensive list of
policy options considered by the commission; and to
review and approve facility health care information for
placement on the department's Internet database
established under AS 18.09.110.
Section 2
Specifies that the plan contain a health care policy
and a strategy for encouraging: personal responsibility
and reductions in health care costs; access to safe
water and wastewater systems; development of a
sustainable health care workforce; accessible quality
health care; and an increase in the number of residents
who are covered by insurance.
Ms. Blaisdell described that the membership of the
commission includes:
1. The department medical director (chair)
2. A representative of the Mental Health Trust
Authority, appointed by the authority
3. A representative of the University of Alaska
health education and training programs appointed, by
the university
4. Seven public members including:
a. one member representing the Alaska Native
Tribal Health Consortium appointed by the
consortium
b. one member representing the Alaska Primary
Care Association, appointed by the
association
c. one member representing the Alaska State
Nurses Association, appointed by the
association
d. one member representing the health
insurance industry appointed by the governor
e. two health care consumers or advocates
appointed by the governor, one of whom will
be a small business owner in the state
f. six members of the legislature, three
appointed by the president of the senate and
three appointed by the speaker of the house
of representatives.
Ms. Blaisdell remarked that the terms of office are
staggered terms of three years. She noted that the
commission shall employ an executive director who is not a
member of the commission. She stressed that the Health Care
Commission will sunset on June 30, 2014.
Sec. 8
Directs the commissioner of the Department of Health
and Social Services and Department of Law to
immediately take steps to seek dismissal of pending
administrative appeals and court actions concerning the
issuance of certificates of need, as appropriate, under
AS 18.07, as amended.
Sec. 9
Allows the Department of Health and Social Services to
adopt regulations that are necessary to implement
changes made by this Act.
Sec. 10
Provides for the department of contract with an entity
to conduct a comprehensive study of the effects of the
certificate of need program in the state, and provide a
copy of the study to the legislature.
Sec. 11
Section 9 takes effect immediately (for the development
of regulations).
Sec. 12
Except as provided in sec. 11, the Act takes effect July
1, 2008.
1:53:34 PM
Ms. Jackson summarized that the bill would put together a
health commission and an outline for an information office
to move Alaskans toward a better health care system.
However, as originally crafted, the Governor's Health Care
Transparency Act repeals the CON program moving Alaska to
full competition in the health care market and away from
thirty years of a government controlled and, most recently,
court-determined health care delivery system that is one of
the most expensive and least accessible in the country.
1:54:57 PM
Co-Chair Meyer questioned why the Commission would sunset.
Ms. Jackson agreed this was a good question and admitted to
being happier if it was not there.
1:55:48PM
Representative Gara asked what prevents this Commission from
studying things but not implementing anything. He noted that
the Governor appointed a Commission last year that
recommended changes to the Denali KidCare program to two
hundred percent eligibility but a bill never came from the
Governor's Office.
Ms. Jackson responded that the first task force was time
limited. The task force looked at the long and short term
strategies that could be developed but did not have time to
put fiscal notes to the policies. One of the recommendations
included an ongoing Commission to provide an annual report
with policy recommendations to the Legislature and the
Governor. The difference with this Commission would be the
deliverance of a report every year.
1:57:32 PM
Representative Gara noted that the Commission proposal on
Denali KidCare at two hundred percent was known but never
acted upon.
Ms. Jackson responded that there were many issues to deal
with in regard to health reform. The health care commission
insures that all the different strategies and goals have
timelines and a possibility of being implemented over time.
Representative Gara disagreed and thought Denali KidCare,
with a known fiscal note, should not wait from another
report from another Commission. He referred to the
Commission composition as being heavy in group
representation but little representation from the consumers
affected.
Ms. Jackson responded that the original legislation did not
have the specific seats but was the evolution of seven
meetings. She believed this to be a balance of all
suggestions. She shared his concerns to make sure consumers
were involved but suggested that any work by the Commission
would include public testimony.
2:01:14 PM
Representative Gara requested to see the alternative
proposals for the board. He believed the suggested board
would not be reflective of the vast majority of people
without health insurance.
2:01:50 PM
Ms. Jackson pointed out that the Alaska Primary Care
Association does work toward trying to make sure that the
uninsured have insurance.
2:02:18 PM
ROD BETIT, PRESIDENT, ALASKA HOSPITAL AND NURSING HOME
ASSOCIATION supported the legislation with some
reservations. The Association supported Sections 1 and 2
which they believed would improve the functioning of the
department. The Association opposed Section 3 and believed
the current language is recommended over the new proposed
language.
2:05:46 PM
Mr. Betit signified concern in Section 4 in that it
redefined the definition of a health care facility. The bill
states this is a way to increase competition and decrease
costs but the Association believed this would have the exact
opposite effect. He stated the repeal of the CON would be
detrimental to Alaska consumers. A 2001 study by Chrysler,
Ford and General Motors examined health care costs over
several years in eight states and found that costs were
eleven to thirty-nine percent lower in states with CON
requirements than in those without it. The amount of bad
debt increased fifty five percent in Alaska hospitals
between 2006 and 2007. Mr. Betit stressed that the repeal of
CON would reduce hospitals revenue from more profitable
service areas used to offset part of growing bad debt
problem.
2:07:59 PM
Mr. Betit referred to Section 5 and the proposed new
definitions. Definition #13 deals with Independent
Diagnostic Testing Facility versus a physician practice with
imagining equipment. He believed Definition #13 should be
replaced with language from HB 345 that clarifies when
imaging equipment purchased for a physician's office is
exempt from CON review. He speculated that this added
language would eliminate eighty percent of the lawsuits and
appeals currently before the state on imaging CON decisions.
He believed Definition #17 should be entirely deleted as
there is no useful purpose for attempting to define what is
or is not a physician office. Physician offices have always
been exempt from CON in Alaska and this proposed definition
would simply create interpretive complexity to an area that
is already very clear. Mr. Betit observed Section 6 deals
with the Health Care Information Office and mandatory
reporting. The Association strongly supports efforts to
provide consumers with better information to guide their
health care purchases with a few additional language
clarification amendments.
2:11:29 PM
Mr. Betit referred to Section 7 that establishes the Health
Care Commission and remarked the Association strongly
supports this commission but strongly recommends amending it
to give the Commission authority to define the reporting
requirements for each health care category. The Commission
is the more appropriate body for determining what is most
useful to consumers in weighing health care decisions that
must be made.
2:12:49 PM
Mr. Betit discussed the importance of the sunset for the
Commission. He remarked the Commission needs to be monitored
to see if it is fulfilling its purpose. If the Commission is
not fulfilling its purpose, it would go away. The
Association does not support Sections 8 and 9. He noted
Section 10 strongly supports competition of an Alaska
specific CON study to address the question of what impact a
CON repeal would have in Alaska. The Association does not
support any repeal of CON and therefore believed this
diction should be deleted. In Section 11, which deals with a
mandatory reporting date, the Association believes it is
unrealistic to expect for receiving and posting reported
information prior to July 1, 2009.
2:14:21 PM
Representative Gara inquired if the Committee decided to
pass part of this bill and passed the consumer information
sections 6 and 7 would the Association support this. Mr.
Betit said yes.
2:14:49 PM
PAUL MORRIS, CFO, ALASKA REGIONAL HOSPITAL supported this
legislation as a great first step in Alaska Health care. An
independent study is needed to evaluate where the state is
going, the language used, and how it will affect the
consumer. He listed several pro and CON studies and
overwhelmingly each group decided to retain the CON. He also
referenced the definition of physician practice.
2:18:20 PM
Representative Gara inquired if Mr. Morris would support the
bill if two sections, the Health Information Section and the
Planning Commission were passed and then a study was
initiated on the CON. Mr. Morris agreed. He agreed that all
three components are good but more detailed data collection
on the CON was needed.
Representative Gara requested where the CON study was in the
bill. Representative Hawker replied it was in Section 10.
2:20:00 PM
Mr. Morris referred to the extensive study in the state of
Maine that indicated the CON should be retained.
Representative Gara agreed but was troubled by each group
wanting their view to be represented but he believed the
greater importance was what is best for the state. A study
could provide an independent judgment on the best decision.
2:21:06 PM
Mr. Morris agreed with Representative Gara that a study was
needed and if one was not done, then the problem would keep
reoccurring and the debate would continue.
2:21:42 PM
PAUL FUHS, ALASKA OPEN IMAGING CENTER, remarked that all
agree on defining an individual independent diagnostic
testing facility and physician's office. The result of not
having a good definition is having nine lawsuits filed. In
order to come under the $1 million threshold, people are
turning to old technology and equipment. He believed the
Medicare services guidelines should be followed that do not
require any percentage of ownership. He noted the fifty
percent number was added because people did not want a store
front taking imagining with no doctor on premises.
2:24:51 PM
Mr. Fuhs continued that data collection is important for
people to be able to make informed choices, otherwise
medical expenses are being driven up.
2:25:29 PM
JOEL GILBERTSON, REGIONAL DIRECTOR, STRATEGIC DEVELOPMENT
AND ADMINISTRATION, PROVIDENCE HOSPITAL (testified via
teleconference), shared that healthcare is becoming more
unaffordable throughout the nation and the state. He
believed a clear first step would be the creation of a
Commission. He agreed that more information is needed to
represent the consumers for recommendations in health care
reform. The information needs to be relevant and accurate to
make better decisions. Health care costs are driven by what
is ordered and charged by physicians and facilities.
2:29:24 PM
Mr. Gilbertson signified that Providence does not support
the proposed language to repeal the Certificate of Need in
communities over 60,000. He believed this eliminates public
participation and input in health care planning and
infrastructure in the communities. There is research for and
against the CON. The Task Force agreed that the CON is a
relevant public policy tool that needs to be preserved. He
supported a study to be completed on the CON.
Representative Gara asked if that if there was an agreement
on how to rewrite the CON law would he support a bill that
passed out with the Health Care Office, the Commission, and
the CON study. Mr. Gilbertson agreed that with some minor
amendments they would support the legislation.
Representative Gara remarked that the Commission would
address the availability of medical care. He contended that
one of the big indicators for keeping a doctor in state is
whether they can attend a residency program in this state.
He noted that Mr. Gilbertson has a family practice residency
that may be expanding. Representative Gara inquired how many
people annually come out of this practice and if it was the
only one in the state.
2:32:54 PM
Mr. Gilbertson answered that there was only one residency
program in Alaska. It is a three-year program with eight
residents and is subsidized by Providence. Providence has
prioritized growing the program; the current first-year
class has 12 residents. National studies show that one of
the leading determinants of where a physician will practice
is where they did their residency. However, the residency
program loses money. It is a working clinic for uninsured
and Medicaid/Medicare patients, and is subsidized by the
hospital at $2 million per year.
Representative Gara offered to work with Mr. Gilbertson on
the subject.
Vice-Chair Stoltze stated concerns.
2:35:44 PM
ROBERT CIMASI, PRESIDENT, HEALTH CAPITAL CONSULTANTS,
MISSOURI (testified via teleconference), spoke in support of
HB 337. He summarized his written report to the Committee
("Alaska Health, Education and Social Services Committee,
Testimony on Certificate of Need," Copy on File).
Mr. Cimasi referred to the many studies done on CON programs
and cautioned the Committee to read them carefully as they
each address different issues.
Mr. Cimasi thought that health care should be about
providing care to patients and their families. He addressed
cross subsidization as a "hidden tax." Hospitals provide a
broad range of services. Those with CON raise prices. Costs
go up on the promise that there will be cross subsidization
of other services. He referred the Committee to a Health
Affairs article by Clark Havighurst, who states that health
insurance greatly increases the profitability of monopoly.
If costs are allowed to be raised and there is no commitment
against cross subsidization, the result is higher costs with
no benefit to anyone.
Mr. Cimasi referred to an extensive study by the Federal
Trade Commission, "Hospital Competition and Charity Care,"
which states there is a lack of statistical evidence for the
cross subsidization hypothesis. Other studies support that.
He asked the Committee to focus on the consumer and the
patient. CON regulation is favorable to hospitals, not
consumers.
2:47:12 PM
NANCY CROSS, PHYSICIAN, FAIRBANKS (testified via
teleconference), spoke in support of HB 337. She has not
been able to secure privileges at the local hospital. She
cannot do hospital based procedures, but must take patients
to Anchorage, which limits patients who cannot afford to
travel. She described the long process of applying,
inquiring and being given privileges and having them taken
away.
2:51:46 PM
DR. LARRY STINSON, ANCHORAGE (testified via teleconference),
spoke in favor of the bill. He thought it had been
demonstrated to be effective other places. In current
literature CON hasn't been shown to be of benefit, but
drives up costs. The state program has been in place since
1986. Each year the study is delayed it hurts the patient.
He is wary of a study if it does not represent the consumer.
Hospitals in other states without CON still make profits.
2:55:33 PM
GRANT RODERER, PHYSICIAN, ANCHORAGE (testified via
teleconference), asked the Committee to repeal the CON. He
would like the population limit lowered.
JOANNE SMITH, WASILLA (testified via teleconference), spoke
in favor of the bill. The current CON regulations are
outdated and should be repealed. The population base should
be eliminated. Alaska has the highest price and lowest
quality in health care, and a shortage of physicians. CON
was repealed on the federal level over twenty years ago
because it did not work. Competition is a good thing in
health care. She thought more physicians would come to
Alaska after CON was repealed.
3:01:57 PM
RICHARD COBDEN, PHYSICIAN, FAIRBANKS (testified via
teleconference), spoke in support the legislation with some
reservations, including eliminating MatSu, Anchorage and
Fairbanks from the process. He agrees that CON increases
costs without increasing care. There has been no consumer
input on the Commission. He thought legislators have the
responsibility to tax but are abrogating that to hospitals.
He wanted to address the problems of health care directly.
3:06:30 PM
KEVIN DOREY, FAIRBANKS (testified via teleconference), spoke
in support of the bill as a consumer and economist. The CON
law as applied in Alaska is a violation of federal anti-
trust law. He thought there would be more opportunity to
move forward if the State did not wait until the federal
government removed CON. He did not think Fairbanks was a
rural community and did not need the protections of the CON
system. When individuals have applied for CON, they have
been saddled with endless lawsuits.
MIKE POWERS, CEO, FAIRBANKS MEMORIAL HOSPITAL (testified via
teleconference), opposed all sections in the legislation
that support CON. He listed his thoughts on each of the
sections. He spoke to the other testifiers who had issues
with the Fairbanks hospital.
3:15:12 PM
JILL THORVALD, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, MEDICAL FACILITY,
FAIRBANKS (testified via teleconference), gave her
perspective as an operator in a private facility. She
supports the Governor's bill on CON. Physicians will view
Alaska as more attractive without CON. More specialties will
keep money in Fairbanks instead of patients traveling
outside Alaska and to Anchorage. She thought Medicare is an
entirely different issue that needs to be dealt with
separately. She did not see the bill as an anti-hospital
bill.
3:19:36 PM
STEPHEN SUTLEY, FAIRBANKS (testified via teleconference),
spoke in support the legislation, although he considers it a
poor compromise as populations are not well defined. The
health care issue is major in the national elections, and
thought it should be an issue in the state elections. Well
documented studies from many organizations show that the CON
does not work as it stifles free market enterprise, consumer
choice, and physician recruitment. Fairbanks is among the
fastest growing cities in the nation, yet it lacks
physicians.
3:25:06 PM
SCOTT BELL, FAIRBANKS MEMORIAL HOSPITAL FOUNDATION BOARD
(testified via teleconference), supported many parts of the
bill, but was very opposed to Sec. 4 which would have a
strong negative impact on the quality of health care
available. He spoke to an award the hospital had gotten
recognizing its commitment to community health. He felt CON
is important in providing high quality health care. He
highlighted a wide range of services at the Fairbanks
hospital.
3:28:22 PM
MAREE BARNEY-SUTLEY, FAIRBANKS (testified via
teleconference), spoke as a consumer and senior in support
of eliminating CON. She urged the Committee to move the bill
through.
RYAN SMITH, CEO, HOSPITAL, SOLDOTNA (testified via
teleconference), supported the study but not the elimination
of CON. The hospital does not have a parent company outside
of Alaska. He thought the regulation committee had been
poorly represented. The group voted against CON being
removed.
3:31:10 PM
ROMAN STEVENS, CEO, MAT-SU MEDICAL CENTER, FAIRBANKS
(testified via teleconference), said the committee was
balanced and thought it was misrepresented. He wanted to
maintain the CON and protect community hospitals. He was
supportive of the study.
MIKE MCNAMARA, SURGEON, ANCHORAGE (testified via
teleconference), spoke in opposition of the bill. He agreed
with the need for further information on CON, and with the
plan to create a Commission. Regarding CON, none of
Anchorage centers are full capacity. The have become very
specialized and rarely have to send people outside of
Alaska. He thought more centers would dilute that care and
worried about losing peer oversight of big centers. There is
a shortage of nursing in all centers. If CON is repealed,
then centers will be competing for specialty nursing staff
and physicians. The larger centers have the power to
negotiate contracts with insurance companies and unions,
which brings costs down.
3:36:56 PM
MARK WADE, SURGEON, FAIRBANKS (testified via
teleconference), spoke in support of the legislation. He
told his experience with CON. He had been given one to open
a center, but could not build the center as he has lawsuits
against him. He believes that freedom of choice is best for
the people of Alaska. He resigned from the committee, where
citizens were not represented. He wanted a free market.
3:42:14 PM
MURRAY RICHMOND, CHAPLAIN, FAIRBANKS MEMORIAL HOSPITAL
(testified via teleconference), spoke in opposition to the
legislation. He spoke to the variety of excellent services
in Fairbanks and thought the system was working for the
consumer. He did not want health care to be subject to the
forces of the market.
CARONE STURM, FAIRBANKS (testified via teleconference),
spoke as a consumer in Fairbanks in support of HB 337. She
wants the CON repealed. She has a child with a serious
health concern and said the costs are very high.
3:46:31 PM
MIKE MADDOX, FAIRBANKS (testified via teleconference), spoke
in support of the bill. Fairbanks is the only community in
the country of its size with one hospital. He spoke to
decreased service to the community. Fairbanks has only one
image center. Costs in some cases are doubled (testimony
garbled due to technical difficulties).
3:50:44 PM
JENNINE HINMAN, HEALTH CARE CONSULTANT, ADVANCED MEDICAL
CENTERS OF ALASKA, WASILLA (testified via teleconference),
spoke in favor of the bill. Instead of getting another task
force, she suggested repealing the CON and providing for a
review of that in five years. She spoke to the future need
for care for disabled veterans from Iraq.
PUBLIC TESTIMONY CLOSED.
HB 337 was HEARD and HELD in Committee for further
consideration.
RECESS 3:56:17 PM
RECONVENE 7:23:52 PM
SENATE BILL NO. 229
"An Act relating to the Tanana Valley State Forest and
to assignment of certain forest land to the Minto Flats
State Game Refuge; and providing for an effective
date."
SENATOR JOE THOMAS, SPONSOR, explained that the bill amends
the boundaries of the Tanana Valley State Forest by adding
and deleting boundaries to the legal descriptions,
increasing it by around 35,000 acres. The legislation also
moves approximately 4300 acres from the state forest to the
Minto Flats State Game Refuge (Sponsor Statement, Copy on
File). The forest is open to mining and other development.
He described the history of the state forest and its many
uses. He has received no negative comments on the bill.
7:27:09 PM
Co-Chair Chenault applauded the bill and asked if the
changes affect ability for oil and gas exploration on the
lands.
MARTY FREEMAN, DIVISION OF FORESTRY, DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL
RESOURCES, clarified that there is no change to the status
of the land going into the Tanana Valley State Forest. It
continues to be open for oil, gas and mining leasing. The
land going into the refuge is closed to mining. It is
primarily managed for wildlife habitat.
Co-Chair Chenault asked how much land would go into the
reserve. Senator Thomas answered 4300 acres.
PUBLIC TESTIMONY CLOSED.
Vice-Chair Stoltze MOVED to REPORT SB 229 out of Committee
with individual recommendations and with accompanying fiscal
notes. There being NO OBJECTION, it was so ordered.
SB 229 was REPORTED out of Committee with a "do pass"
recommendation and with zero fiscal note #1 by the
Department of Natural Resources and zero fiscal note #2 by
Department of Fish and Game.
AT EASE 7:30:56 PM
RECONVENE 7:44:57 PM
SENATE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 17
Urging the United States Congress to provide a means
for consistently sharing, on an ongoing basis, revenue
generated from oil and gas development on the outer
continental shelf with all coastal energy-producing
states to ensure that those states develop, support,
and maintain necessary infrastructure and preserve
environmental integrity.
Co-Chair Meyer noted for the record that he works for an oil
company that does offshore exploring in Alaska.
SENATOR BILL WIELECHOWSKI, SPONSOR, explained that SJR 17
urges Congress to provide Alaska with a fair share of
federal revenue from oil and gas leasing and development off
Alaska's coast. Under current law, Alaska receives virtually
no revenue from oil and gas leasing and development that
occurs more than six miles off the coast. The federal
government has allowed other states 37.5 percent of revenues
from newly leased federal waters off their coasts. Like
other energy-producing states, Alaska bears the costs of
infrastructure in support of offshore development, and
coastal resources and residents bear the impacts of that
development. (Sponsor Statement, Copy on File)
7:48:30 PM
Co-Chair Meyer asked if Cook Inlet was considered state
waters. Senator Wielechowski thought Cook Inlet was state
waters. He said the states get no revenues after 6 miles. A
lot of leases occur 60 miles out in the Chukchi Sea. Co-
Chair Meyer asked if Representative Joule's district would
be affected. Senator Wielechowski said it would be.
Vice-Chair Stoltze asked about sending the Resolution to
delegations of other states. Senator Wielechowski said the
other state most affected by the issue is California.
7:50:06 PM
Representative Gara wondered if Alaska would get any of the
money retroactively.
Vice-Chair Stoltze spoke to the polar bear issue.
Vice-Chair Stoltze MOVED to REPORT SJR 17 out of Committee
with individual recommendations and with the accompanying
fiscal note. There being NO OBJECTION, it was so ordered.
SJR 17 was REPORTED out of Committee with a "do pass"
recommendation and with zero fiscal note #1 by the Senate
Resources Committee.
CS FOR SENATE BILL NO. 185(STA)(title am)
"An Act relating to the central registry of sex
offenders and child kidnappers and to the registration
requirements for sex offenders and child kidnappers;
and providing for an effective date."
SENATOR WIELECHOWSKI, SPONSOR, explained that the bill
requires sexual offenders and child kidnappers to register
their email addresses and other internet identifiers. Alaska
has the highest percentage of internet use in the country
and the highest percentage of sexual offenders.
7:54:03 PM
Representative Gara asked if page 2, line 25, made
additional requirements related to drivers license numbers.
Senator Wielechowski explained that section as technical
clean-up.
Representative Hawker stated that he is uncomfortable with
the bill. Page 3, lines 27-31, essentially requires the
Department of Public Safety (DPS) to publish the list in its
entirety. He thought that gave the Department too broad
authority. It could help sexual offenders connect with one
another. Senator Wielechowski responded that the intent is
to allow parents of children to type in someone's name and
find out if they are a registered sex offender. He wanted
DPS to be able to communicate with internet providers and
organizations so that they can prohibit sex offenders from
having websites. MySpace prohibits convicted sex offenders
from having sites. He was open to the will of the Committee.
7:57:17 PM
PUBLIC TESTIMONY CLOSED.
SB 185 was HEARD and HELD in Committee for further
consideration.
CS FOR SENATE BILL NO. 265(FIN)
"An Act relating to the payment of permanent fund
dividends to certain individuals required to register
as sex offenders or child kidnappers; relating to
execution upon permanent fund dividends by civilian
process servers using electronic procedures; amending
Rule 89, Alaska Rules of Civil Procedure; and providing
for an effective date."
7:59:28 PM
TREVOR FULTON, STAFF, SENATOR LESIL MCGUIRE, explained the
bill's intent to bring sex offenders into compliance with
the state sex offender registry. Approximately one out of
ten convicted sex offenders in the state is non-compliant
with the registry. The bill would withhold Permanent Fund
Dividends (PFD) from anyone not properly registered and
would allow the Permanent Fund Division to issue the writs
electronically. Currently there are approximately 4,200
people on the registry.
8:02:00 PM
Representative Nelson asked for clarification regarding the
writs. Mr. Fulton explained writs as court orders for the
Division to sign over a PFD check to a debtor.
DEBBIE RICHTER, DIRECTOR, PERMANENT FUND DIVISION,
DEPARTMENT OF REVENUE, explained that a writ is the court
document issued when a person owes any debt. It functions as
permission for an agency or bank to pay the funds elsewhere.
8:05:33 PM
There was a discussion about PFD payment related to
eligibility and compliancy.
8:07:04 PM
Co-Chair Chenault asked if police agencies have access to
the PFD database. Ms. Richter answered that they could if
they had a memorandum of agreement with the Division. Co-
Chair Chenault stated concerns.
Representative Gara asked for clarification. Mr. Fulton
explained that a person could not get the PFD if they had
not registered or if they were out of compliance. The intent
was to have DPS and the Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV),
which houses the sex offender registry, run a check.
8:11:13 PM
KATHRYN MONFREDA, CHIEF, CRIMINAL RECORDS AND IDENTIFICATION
BUREAU, DIVISION OF STATEWIDE SERVICES, DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC
SAFETY (testified via teleconference), stated that she
managed the sex offender registry. She explained that there
are numerous ways to be out of compliance. Sex offenders are
required to register quarterly and can go in and out of
compliance repeatedly. Efforts are made monthly to get local
police department to locate people and get them to comply.
8:14:34 PM
Representative Hawker questioned what the bill would
accomplish since most of the people don't qualify for the
PFD anyway. Mr. Fulton said that the sex offender registry
examined some of the data and found that two-thirds of out-
of-compliance sex offenders filed for the PFD last year.
There was further discussion about compliance and dividends.
8:18:19 PM
PUBLIC TESTIMONY CLOSED.
Representative Joule asked about the fiscal note.
Ms. Richter explained that all of the funding supporting the
dividend program comes from the earnings before they are
distributed.
Representative Crawford asked who the dividend would go to
if it is under garnishment. Ms. Richter said that a dividend
that has not been paid cannot be garnished. Representative
Crawford stated concerns.
8:22:01 PM
Representative Gara was concerned about the Division using
resource unnecessarily. Ms. Richter said the identification
of people who would be affected would be done through a
computer data match. The people identified would be flagged.
The Division would be dealing with only a small segment of
applicants. There was further discussion about the process.
CSSB 265 (FIN) was HEARD and HELD in Committee for further
consideration.
ADJOURNMENT
The meeting was adjourned at 8:26 PM.
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