Legislature(2005 - 2006)HOUSE FINANCE 519
02/13/2006 01:30 PM House FINANCE
| Audio | Topic |
|---|---|
| Start | |
| HB331 | |
| HB357 | |
| HB150 |
* first hearing in first committee of referral
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
| + | HB 150 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| + | HB 331 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| += | HB 334 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| + | HB 357 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| + | TELECONFERENCED |
HOUSE FINANCE COMMITTEE
February 13, 2006
1:41 p.m.
CALL TO ORDER
Co-Chair Meyer called the House Finance Committee meeting to
order at 1:41:46 PM.
MEMBERS PRESENT
Representative Kevin Meyer, Co-Chair
Representative Bill Stoltze, Vice-Chair
Representative Richard Foster
Representative Mike Hawker
Representative Jim Holm
Representative Reggie Joule
Representative Mike Kelly
Representative Beth Kerttula
Representative Bruce Weyhrauch
MEMBERS ABSENT
Representative Carl Moses
Representative Mike Chenault, Co-Chair
ALSO PRESENT
Jim Van Horn, Staff, Representative Jim Elkins; Clayton E.
Love, Disabled American Veterans, Juneau; John Wilkins,
Disabled American Veterans, Juneau; Howard Colbert,
Commander, Disabled American Veterans; Representative Peggy
Wilson; Aaron Danielson, Staff, Representative Peggy Wilson;
Gale Sinnott, Director, Division of Vocational
Rehabilitation, Department of Labor and Workforce
Development; Don Brandon, Coordinator, Americans with
Disability Act, Department of Labor and Workforce
Development; Heath Hilyard, Staff, Representative Tom
Anderson; Mike Ford, Alaska Native Health Board, Juneau;
Louanne Christian, Staff, House Finance Committee; Barbara
Huff Tuckness, Director of Governmental and Legislative
Affairs, Teamsters Local 959
PRESENT VIA TELECONFERENCE
Clyde Pearce, Radiation Inspector, Division of Public
Health, Laboratories, Radiological Health, Department of
Health and Social Services, Anchorage; William W. Resinger,
Radiologist, MatSu; Donna Elliot, Alaska Native Tribal
Health (ANTHC); Donna Rufsholm, Alaska Society of Radiologic
Technologists, Homer; Shelly Hughes, Alaska Primary Care
Association (APCA), MatSu
SUMMARY
HB 331 "An Act relating to access by persons under 21
years of age to premises licensed to sell
alcoholic beverages as clubs."
CSHB 331 (L&C) was REPORTED out of Committee with
a "do pass" recommendation and with a new zero
fiscal note by the Department of Public Safety,
and with a zero fiscal note by the Department of
Military and Veterans Affairs.
HB 357 "An Act updating the terminology in statutes for
persons with disabilities; and providing for an
effective date."
CSHB 357 (FIN) was REPORTED out of Committee with
a "do Pass" recommendation and with a zero fiscal
note by the Department of Health and Social
Services, and with a zero fiscal note by the
Department of Labor and Workforce Development.
HB 150 "An Act requiring licensure of occupations
relating to radiologic technology, radiation
therapy, and nuclear medicine technology; and
providing for an effective date."
HB 150 was heard and HELD in committee for further
consideration.
HB 334 "An Act relating to an exemption from and deferral
of municipal property taxes for certain types of
deteriorated property."
HB 334 was scheduled but not heard.
1:42:01 PM
HOUSE BILL NO. 331
"An Act relating to access by persons under 21 years of
age to premises licensed to sell alcoholic beverages as
clubs."
JIM VAN HORN, STAFF, REPRESENTATIVE JIM ELKINS, read the
sponsor statement for HB 331 as follows:
House Bill 331 is a simple, single page bill that
amends AS 04.11.110(g) by authorizing access by persons
under 21 years of age, who possess a valid military
active duty ID card, to a club's licensed premises
without specific authorization of the Alaska Beverage
Control (ABC) board in certain circumstances.
Under present state law, persons under the age of 21
cannot be on premises licensed to sell alcoholic
beverages unless a parent or legal guardian accompanies
them. At the same time, it is recognized that the
Federal Government is the legal guardian of those
active duty personnel under the age of 21.
All active duty personnel are eligible for membership
in veteran's organizations, including those under the
age of 21. Current law causes a dilemma to the under
age person. Here they are, eligible to join an
organization, but unable to go to the meetings because
they are under age.
The legislation will in no way allow the consumption of
alcoholic beverages by the persons under the age of 21
in licensed clubs. It will allow active duty people
under 21 to avail themselves of the club's amenities
such as television, pool table, lounge, etc.
Mr. Van Horn related a situation in Seward involving Coast
Guard personnel, which instigated this legislation.
1:46:11 PM
Representative Stoltze asked if this is companion
legislation to Senator Huggin's bill. Mr. Van Horn replied
that it is.
Co-Chair Meyer addressed the potential problem of a 20-year-
old Marine drinking, driving, and then getting in an
accident, and the possible liability. Mr. Van Horn replied
that the situation is similar to that of any underage
drinking in a bar. The bar or club is licensed under
current law, has received training, and assumes
responsibility in such a situation. Co-Chair Meyer agreed
that it is no different than in restaurants that serve
alcohol.
Representative Stoltze added to Mr. Van Horn's testimony.
He opined that is a matter of pride to bring new military
personnel into local military posts. It is not about
alcohol consumption.
Mr. Van Horn addressed the "typo" error, which required the
writing of a new zero fiscal note.
1:50:00 PM
Representative Hawker questioned if "someone currently
possessing an active duty card" is adequate for all
situations such as those in the reserves. Mr. Van Horn
related that the original intent of the bill was to address
active duty personnel. Many in the reserve don't have a
card, but only a temporary card or paper. He gave an
example in Ketchikan where there is a Joint Task Force
participating for two weeks in a military training center
and using the local VFW post.
Representative Hawker asked if the sponsor concludes that
the bill is adequate to address this issue. Mr. Van Horn
reported that the bill should address access to posts by
active duty personnel.
1:53:46 PM
CLAYTON E. LOVE, COMMANDER, DISABLED AMERICAN VETERANS
(DAV), JUNEAU, testified that veterans' organizations do a
great job of policing their own members. He emphasized the
camaraderie and social benefits of allowing active duty
military to go into a club.
JOHN WILKINS, DISABLED AMERICAN VETERANS, JUNEAU, testified
in support of HB 331. He noted that allowing young active
military people into the clubs would allow the older members
to mentor the younger ones.
Representative Kelly requested a definition of "active duty"
and wondered if it excludes anyone. Mr. Wilkins suggested
that it does not.
1:59:47 PM
HOWARD COBERT, COMMANDER, DISABLED AMERICAN VETERANS,
JUNEAU, shared the background of DAV, which was set up by
Congress. He maintained that there is no alcohol served at
DVA functions, which serves to help serve veterans by
helping with paperwork. The clubs act as places for younger
military to seek out their peer group and they police their
members. Representative Stoltze agreed that they are self-
policing.
Representative Foster introduced UAF Cadet Major Dollemolle.
Mr. Van Horn commented that Josh Temple, a Marine reserve,
would be presenting Senator Huggin's bill in the future.
2:05:37 PM
Representative Foster MOVED to REPORT CSHB 331 (L&C) out of
committee with individual recommendations and the
accompanying fiscal notes. There being NO OBJECTION, it was
so ordered.
HOUSE BILL NO. 357
"An Act updating the terminology in statutes for
persons with disabilities; and providing for an
effective date."
REPRESENTATIVE PEGGY WILSON explained that HB 357 updates
the terminology in statutes for persons with disabilities.
After the American with Disabilities Act of 1990, most
states modified their statutes to reflect a positive
reference - changing the word "handicapped" to "person with
a disability". This bill changes all Alaska State Statutes
to rid them of this archaic reference that has negative and
demoralizing connotations in reference to a person's ability
and potential. Using "a person with a disability" reflects
the language that is in Federal legislation - the Federal
Workforce Investment Act, the American's with Disabilities
Act, the Civil Rights Act of 1991; The Individuals with
Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and the Rehabilitation Act
of 1973 as amended in 1992 and 1998.
These changes are being proposed in consultation with the
Department of Labor, other state agencies, and along with
the Governor's Council on Disabilities and Special
Education. There is support for this bill from numerous
other organizations such as the Southeast Alaska Independent
Living (SAIL) Center, which represents people with
disabilities. This bill is not designed to modify any
existing requirements or exemptions, nor will it be changing
any existing requirements or exemptions with the new
terminology. This bill is designed to serve the
constituents of everyone across the state that are affected
by this existing negative and demeaning terminology.
Representative Wilson read part of a letter from SAIL:
"American consistently redefines itself through language and
subcultures. In order to do that, they often use language
to redefine themselves. Negroes became blacks, then afro-
Americans, homosexuals chose the term gay for themselves.
People with disabilities have done the same during the years
attempting to fight the stereotype and the negative
imagery."
Representative Wilson requested support for HB 357.
2:09:31 PM
GALE SINNOT, DIRECTOR, DIVISION OF VOCATION REHABILITATION,
DEPARTMENT OF LABOR AND WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT, explained
that this bill is not just a Department of Labor bill, it
crosses over the Department of Health and Social Services,
Department of Transportation and Public Facilities,
Department of Education and Early Development, Department of
Commerce and Economic Development, Department of Law, and
Department of Administration. The word handicapped is an
outdated term that evokes negatives images. The proposed
language is a positive change and also mirrors changes in
federal legislation. She related broad support for the
bill. She added that there is a zero fiscal note attached.
She requested that the committee support HB 357.
2:11:50 PM
Representative Stoltze stated that he supports the language
change, but is concerned about a possible impact on private
businesses. He pointed out that the Americans with
Disabilities Act (ADA) had some unintended consequences on
businesses. He wondered about enforcement of the bill
regarding handicapped signs and if there is a transition
period for compliance.
Ms. Sinnott clarified that the bill does not change the law,
just the language in Alaska State Statutes. There is no
repercussion for having old handicapped parking signs.
Representative Stoltze shared concern about past, unexpected
consequences of the ADA. He requested a letter of intent by
the sponsor in order to prevent such problems.
Ms. Sinnott deferred to Mr. Brandon.
2:14:49 PM
DON BRANDON, STATE DISABILITY COORDINATOR, AMERICANS WITH
DISABILITY ACT, DEPARTMENT OF LABOR AND WORKFORCE
DEVELOPMENT, shared his personal experience with
disabilities and society's labels. He defined the phrase "a
person with a disability" instead of "handicapped" as a door
opening to a positive self-concept. He emphasized that the
bill would change the wording in all Alaska statutes. He
agreed that there have been concerns about the ADA.
Handicapped parking signs will change as the wording in
statute changes.
2:18:48 PM
Representative Stoltze said he didn't trust the system and
there are some disabled who are looking for lawsuits. Mr.
Brandon explained reasons behind the complaint process and
the need to use the courts to address change and to prevent
discrimination.
Representative Kelly spoke in support of the language
change, but also noted the backlash associated with the ADA.
He said he does not want DOT to have to change handicapped
parking signs as an unintended consequence.
Representative Holm shared his experience about an accident
that resulted in the loss of part of his hand. He
emphasized that he is not disabled nor handicapped. He
emphasized that attitude is important and he prefers the
word "challenged". He said that he does not want to see
people limited by a label.
Mr. Brandon agreed with Representative Holm.
Representative Weyhrauch asked if Section 1, legislative
intent, is necessary. He also questioned if age is a
handicap.
Ms. Sinnott replied that the only intended word change was
handicap, and the inclusion of age was already there and not
considered. Referring to Representative Weyhrauch's
question about Section 1, Ms. Sinnott reported that the
Department of Law assisted in writing the language of the
bill.
2:28:09 PM
AARON DANIELSON, STAFF, REPRESENTATIVE PEGGY WILSON, stated
that the reference to age was already in the bill. Co-Chair
Meyer suggested that legislative intent is usually left out
of bills.
Representative Hawker related that there are two ways to
include a non-statutory comment in a bill. The preferred
method is a letter of intent. Ms. Wilson agreed to that
change and will work with the Department of Labor on a
letter of intent.
Representative Weyhrauch added that a letter of intent is
also a vehicle that would address Representative Kelly's and
Representative Stoltze's concerns.
Representative Joule recollected that governors typically
veto intent language. He stated support for a letter of
intent.
Representative Stoltze noted that his concerns could be
incorporated in a letter of intent.
2:32:24 PM
Representative Stoltze MOVED to ADOPT Conceptual Amendment
1, to delete Section 1.
Representative Hawker OBJECTED for discussion purposes. He
suggested that the motion should also include adopting a
letter of intent conforming to legislative intent language
in Section 1.
Representative Stoltze incorporated this idea into
Conceptual Amendment 1.
Representative Hawker WITHDREW his OBJECTION.
There being NO OBJECTION, Conceptual Amendment 1 was
adopted.
Representative Foster MOVED to REPORT CSHB 357 (FIN), as
amended, out of Committee with individual recommendations
and the accompanying fiscal notes.
Representative Weyhrauch OBJECTED. He requested the
Department of Labor to get back to him on the age-as-
disability issue. Representative Weyhrauch REMOVED his
OBJECTION.
CSHB 357 (FIN) was REPORTED out of Committee with a "do
pass" recommendation and with a zero fiscal note by the
Department of Health and Social Services, and with a zero
fiscal note by the Department of Labor and Workforce
Development.
At-ease.
2:39:57 PM
HOUSE BILL NO. 150
"An Act requiring licensure of occupations relating to
radiologic technology, radiation therapy, and nuclear
medicine technology; and providing for an effective
date."
2:40:28 PM
Representative Stoltze MOVED to ADOPT the Committee
Substitute (CS) for HB 150, labeled 24-LS0470\N, Mischel,
2/9/06. There being NO OBJECTION, it was so ordered.
HEATH HILYARD, STAFF, REPRESENTATIVE TOM ANDERSON, explained
that the bill establishes a full licensure for radiological
technicians and a partial licensure for limited radiologic
imagers. Mr. Hilyard related that the new CS removed
language from House Judiciary Version U. On page 2, lines
20-23 of Version U were removed because licensed
practitioners already have no restrictions on the ability to
perform x-ray examinations for diagnostic purposes.
Mr. Hilyard explained that in Version N, page 4, lines 24-
27, the language regarding limited radiologic imagers, was
changed to stipulate a requirement of two years of clinical
experience. Two years was chosen because the bill has a
two-year delayed effective date. Anyone performing these
duties, from the time the bill passes until the time the law
becomes effective, would qualify for the applied experience
and would not need to enroll in a new program.
Mr. Hilyard related that the third change is on page 5,
beginning on line 18 of Version N, "or if the program is
instructed by and under the supervision of a fully licensed
radiographer or licensed practitioner and sponsored by a
medical facility, as defined in AS 18.26.900". The language
was added due to a concern that there are a number of
facilities in rural Alaska that are providing training
programs that would not qualify under the earlier
definitions. This language clarifies that any facility
providing training under the supervision of a radiologist or
a licensed practitioner is acceptable. The intention of the
new language is to address concerns brought by practitioners
in rural Alaska.
2:45:50 PM
Representative Kerttula asked where the licensed
practitioner language was changed. Mr. Hilyard referred to
Version U, page 2, line 5, and lines 20-23, to clarify which
language was removed.
Representative Stoltze requested information about serious
health risks. Mr. Hilyard referred to two articles in the
members' packets, a report from the University of
California, Berkley (copy on file), and a story from the
Sacramento Bee (copy on file), which offer evidence of over-
exposure to radiation through standard medical x-rays.
Mr. Hilyard read from the Berkley report:
"There is the assumption that, at these doses,
radiation doesn't make a significant contribution," he
said. "But x-rays are very potent mutagens, even at
low doses. It's a disaster that people still believe
the `safe dose myth', that low doses are harmless".
Representative Stoltze wondered what motivated the sponsor
to write this bill. Mr. Hilyard reported that he does not
know why Representative Anderson took this subject on.
Representative Foster inquired if the bill applies to dental
x-ray technicians. Mr. Hilyard replied that it does not.
2:50:38 PM
Representative Weyhrauch inquired which groups are in favor
of the bill. Mr. Hilyard replied that the Alaska
Association of Radiologic Technicians, the Alaska State
Hospital Nursing Association, and the Alaska State Medical
Association support HB 150. The language for the bill was
taken from the American Association of Radiologic
Technicians who is leading the movement for licensure.
There are 41 states that currently have licensures.
Representative Weyhrauch inquired how many people would lose
their jobs if the bill passes. Mr. Hilyard reported that he
couldn't answer that question definitively. Great measure
has been taken to try to prevent job loss. There is a two-
year effective date and temporary permits to allow people
time to pass the examination. Most of the people acting as
full radiographers today already have a certification from a
national organization and would only have to pass a state
exam.
2:52:36 PM
Representative Weyhrauch asked how many complaints have been
lodged because of the current situation. Mr. Hilyard
responded that he did not know of any.
Representative Weyhrauch asked why the legislation is
needed. Mr. Hilyard related that it is a serious public
health issue and technicians need training to operate
safely.
Co-Chair Meyer noted that the training could be done on-
line. Mr. Hilyard agreed. He explained that there is a
training program available from Washington for $229. The
additional change in the bill states that any facility in
the state with a program taught by a radiographer or doctor
would also qualify.
2:54:13 PM
Representative Kerttula noted a letter in members' packets
from the Alaska State Medical Association (ASMA) that states
they would prefer and registration system, rather than
licensure. She wondered if ASMA has since changed this
opinion. He noted that he has been working all along with
ASMA. He asked that Mr. Jordan, president of ASMA, respond
to that question at a future date.
2:55:09 PM
Representative Kerttula said she understood the alarm about
unneeded x-rays. She asked for more information from ASMA.
Representative Holm asked why dental technicians do not need
to be registered. Mr. Hilyard replied that dental x-rays do
not present nearly the carcinogenic effect as standard x-
rays. They represent roughly 1/10 the level of exposure.
2:56:45 PM
MIKE FORD, ALASKA NATIVE HEALTH BOARD, JUNEAU, testified in
opposition to HB 150. He addressed costs to rural Alaska.
He pointed out that there have no complaints in Alaska to
date. The current system is very expensive and the proposed
legislation will increase that cost. The legislation adds
requirements to those already trained. To add another
licensing requirement raises issues of access, disruption in
services, and cost.
Mr. Ford mentioned the possible danger of exposure for
dental hygienists. He credited Representative Anderson for
attempting to make the legislation "user friendly". The
bottom line is it is another expense passed on to the
client.
Representative Stoltze commented on a complaint by a
constituent regarding costs to tele-medicine in rural areas.
Mr. Ford replied that this legislation would disrupt tele-
medicine and tele-radiology.
Representative Stoltze offered that in the zeal to over-
protect, some services may be denied. Mr. Ford acknowledged
that the motivation for the legislation is good. However,
there will be a layer of additional licensing; in the rural
setting, it will be a significant cost.
3:01:36 PM
Representative Hawker referenced the newly adopted committee
substitute and asked if Mr. Ford agreed that the
incorporated changes would be helpful to rural areas. Mr.
Ford stated that the legislation is user friendly, but the
reality is there will be additional costs to the client.
Representative Hawker asked Mr. Ford if he would have a
different opinion of the bill if it were limited to dealing
with the radiologic technologist. Mr. Ford stated it
"might" change his opinion.
Representative Hawker asked if the argument was about
performing x-ray services as opposed to those people
administering nuclear medicine. Mr. Ford replied that would
relieve some of the concerns.
3:03:53 PM
CLYDE PEARCE, RADIATION INSPECTOR, DIVISION OF PUBLIC
HEALTH, LABORATORIES, RADIOLOGICAL HEALTH, DEPARTMENT OF
HEALTH AND SOCIAL SERVICES, ANCHORAGE, disagreed with Mr.
Ford. He apologized that he had not provided back up
material on the number of complaints lodged. He related
several personal experiences when he inspected medical
clinics. He listed several problems with poor training. He
voiced support of HB 150.
Representative Kerttula referred to a handout provided to
the committee about proper training. She asked how many
people operate out of Mr. Pearce's office. He explained his
set up as the only radiation inspector for the State of
Alaska. Representative Kerttula asked if more inspectors,
plus better education, or a system to track the number of x-
rays might be better than legislation for licensure. He
discussed lack of adequate training. Mr. Pearce explained
that 40 percent of repeat exposures were due to mis-
positioning of patient. He spoke of the latent affect of
exposure to radiation and pointed out that few practitioners
recognize a radiation injury.
Representative Hawker asked for Mr. Pearce's affiliation.
He replied that he is the Chief of Radiologic Health for
the Department of Health and Social Services.
3:15:12 PM
DR. WILLIAM W. RESINGER, RADIOLOGIST, MATSU, spoke in
support of HB 150. He pointed out that there is a balance
between the benefits and the risks of employing ionizing
radiation for medical diagnosis. Education and experience
are needed to maintain this balance. A limited radiographic
imager should have the basic training and experience, which
the bill proposes. HB 150 is not designed to burden medical
providers, but to assure that minimum standards are met.
Dr. Resinger shared that, as a radiologist, he would not be
the person to train or supervise medical personnel in modern
medical therapy or surgery. Neither should a physician
train or supervise medical imagers. He defined a "blind
spot" as a problem, which one cannot see. He speculated
that if he misses an abnormality on a radiograph, that
finding becomes a blind spot. Radiologists are constantly
fine-tuning their skills in order to reduce missed
diagnoses. There are occasional abnormalities missed on
radiographs performed in remote areas. Sometimes the
problem is the quality of the image. Compliance to national
standards can be burdensome, but when criteria are
reasonable, the extra effort is worth improving the standard
of care. Dr. Resinger opined that the proposed requirements
of HB 150 are reasonable and should result in a beneficial
effect. He stated a belief that the bill would reduce
"blind spots" in Alaska's medical imaging community.
Representative Hawker asked for clarification of the line
between preparing the image vs. interpreting the image. He
wondered if this bill would license limited radiologic
technicians to read the images. Dr. Resinger said the
radiologists would do that. Representative Hawker asked
about the burden on rural Alaskan providers. Dr. Resinger
noted that there have to be minimum standards balanced with
reasonable regulations. Representative Hawker asked if
there is a legitimate risk to address and a need to
establish regulations. Dr. Resinger elaborated on past
diagnostic concerns.
3:22:19 PM
DONNA ELLIOT, ALASKA NATIVE TRIBAL HEALTH CARE (ANTHC),
agreed with Mr. Ford's comments. ANTHC is a network of
tribes which ensures that all Alaska Natives have health
care. She noted that it is difficult to retain qualified
licensed x-ray technician staff in rural areas. HB 150 is a
concern for ANTHC because it would place an unnecessary
burden on x-ray technicians within the tribal health system.
Representative Joule asked what the impact of this
legislation would be to the delivery system in rural Alaska.
Ms. Elliot replied that it would negatively impact the
delivery of health care because it means another hoop to
jump through. Representative Joule asked if it would impact
the workforce. Ms. Elliot replied that it would.
Representative Hawker asked if there is a distinction
between urban and rural service deliveries. He wondered if
ANTHC's concerns would be alleviated if, in the exemption
section, radiologic imaging would remain under current
statute on an unregulated basis in rural Alaska. Ms. Elliot
agreed that would be a step forward.
Representative Joule asked why the current rural workforce
should not be licensed and more qualified. Ms. Elliot
responded that would be a positive situation.
3:29:47 PM
DONNA RUFSHOLM, CHAIR, ALASKA SOCIETY OF RADIOLOGIC
TECHNOLOGISTS, Homer, shared that her organization helped to
write HB 150. She elaborated on why minimum standards and
additional training are needed. She mentioned the
carcinogenic qualities of radiation of which the average
patient is unaware. She referred to a handout on misuse of
radiation in Alaska (copy on file.) Blame should not be put
on the uneducated operators for radiation errors. They have
not been required to receive the correct training. She
argued that on-line training for $229 is not a financial
burden. HB 150 will not change how small businesses and
rural clinics operate. There are provisions in the bill for
rural area concerns.
Representative Holm referred to earlier testimony about
dental technicians and the comment that they were not
working with a high enough dosage. He inquired about the
carcinogenic effects of low doses. He also wondered about
no reported cases of damage.
Ms. Rufsholm stated that dentists and hygienists are
regulated under separate statutes. She said she hopes there
is never a case of dental-related radiation damage. Future
cases would be hard to track because there is a latent
effect. There have been misdiagnosed cases that cannot be
reported. She hoped that HB 150 would protect both the
patient and the technician.
3:37:44 PM
Representative Hawker commented on various categories of
risk. He inquired where the delineation is between low and
high risk factors. He asked about basic X-rays. Ms.
Rufsholm gave examples of high and low risk procedures.
Rural areas lack sophisticated equipment used for CT's and
MRI's, and only general radiological procedures are seen in
the clinics.
Representative Hawker asked if basic x-rays could be
permitted without additional training. Ms. Elliot cited her
experience with untrained technicians and said she could not
support that idea. Representative Hawker referred again to
the basic level of x-ray and asked why there is such strong
opposition. Ms. Elliot emphasized a need for high standards
of education, no matter where the service is performed. She
highlighted strong points in the bill; it would create more
jobs, and rural jobs would not be lost. She reported that
it is hard to understand why this bill would be opposed.
3:47:43 PM
Co-Chair Meyer announced that HB 150 would be held over.
SHELLY HUGHES, ALASKA PRIMARY CARE ASSOCIATION (APCA),
MATSU, spoke of the health centers located in rural areas of
the state. She read from a letter sent to the members of
the committee (copy on file.) She related that APCA has
been monitoring HB 150 to make sure that rural sites would
not face hardships as a result of the bill. She suggested
that other methods, such as onsite quality assurance checks
be taken to ensure safety improvements, rather than
licensing. She thanked the bill's sponsor for reworking the
bill to better accommodate community health centers.
Ms. Hughes turned attention to page 6, lines 9 and 13. She
suggested a change from "one" to "two" in section (b). She
requested that the Committee carefully weigh the safety vs.
access issues of the bill and address the disparity in
temporary permits.
3:51:24 PM
BARBARA HUFF TUCKNESS, DIRECTOR OF GOVERNMENTAL AND
LEGISLATIVE AFFAIRS, TEAMSTERS LOCAL 959, spoke in support
of CSHB 150. She stated that she represents radiologist
technologists in Homer who are already required by the
hospital to be certified. Certified nursing assistants and
truck drivers are required to have a license. This bill
would provide certification that ensures that the training
is done at the same level and that the service is
consistent. The bill has gone through many renditions. In
response to Representative Hawker's question, she noted that
there is career ladder training, which allows for multiple
levels of training.
Representative Hawker reported that the strongest opposition
to the bill was from the Alaska Academy of Physician
Assistants. He questioned why they were not here to
testify.
3:56:23 PM
LOUANNE CHRISTIAN, STAFF, HOUSE FINANCE COMMITTEE, informed
the Committee that Mr. Hall from the Alaska Academy of
Physician Assistants wanted to testify but was unable to.
Representative Hawker asked that he be present at the next
hearing.
Representative Kelly noted that Don Smith who is strongly
opposed to this bill should also be invited to speak. Co-
Chair Meyer said he is not in agreement with requesting more
public testimony. Representative Kelly stated that he is
concerned about costs and lack of depth of experience in
rural areas. He requested more information and discussion
of the bill.
HB 150 was heard and HELD in Committee for further
consideration.
HOUSE BILL NO. 334
"An Act relating to an exemption from and deferral of
municipal property taxes for certain types of
deteriorated property."
HB 334 was scheduled but not heard.
ADJOURNMENT
The meeting was adjourned at 4:01 PM.
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