Legislature(2005 - 2006)HOUSE FINANCE 519
04/20/2006 01:30 PM House FINANCE
| Audio | Topic |
|---|---|
| Start | |
| HB29 | |
| SB200 | |
| SB253 | |
| SB254 | |
| SB255 | |
| Adjourn |
* first hearing in first committee of referral
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
| + | SB 253 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| + | SB 254 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| + | SB 255 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| + | TELECONFERENCED | ||
| += | HB 29 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| += | SB 200 | TELECONFERENCED | |
HOUSE FINANCE COMMITTEE
April 20, 2006
1:52 P.M.
CALL TO ORDER
Co-Chair Meyer called the House Finance Committee meeting to
order at 1:52:48 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 Carl Moses
Representative Bruce Weyhrauch
MEMBERS ABSENT
Representative Mike Chenault, Co-Chair
ALSO PRESENT
Representative Norman Rokeberg; Cecil Bykerk, Alaska
Comprehensive Health Insurance Association Board (ACHIA),
Omaha, Nebraska; Brian Angel, Vice Chairman, Alaska
Comprehensive Health Insurance Association Board (ACHIA),
Omaha, Nebraska; Linda Hall, Director, Division of
Insurance, Department of Commerce, Community and Economic
Development; Susan Parks, Deputy Attorney General, Criminal
Division, Department of Law; Tom Maher, Staff, Senator Gene
Therriault; Pat Davidson, Director, Legislative Auditor,
Legislative Audit Division; Dave Stancliff, Staff, Senator
Gene Therriault
PRESENT VIA TELECONFERENCE
Sundi Hondel, President, Physical Therapy Board, Anchorage
SUMMARY
HB 29 An Act relating to health care insurance and to
the Comprehensive Health Insurance Association;
and providing for an effective date.
HB 29 was HEARD and HELD in Committee for further
consideration.
CS SB 200(JUD) am
An Act relating to defense of self, other persons,
property, or services.
CS SB 200 (JUD)am was HEARD and HELD in Committee
for further consideration.
SB 253 An Act extending the termination date for the
Board of Chiropractic Examiners; and providing for
an effective date.
SB 253 was reported out of Committee with a "no
recommendation and with fiscal note #1 by the
Department of Commerce, Community & Economic
Development.
SB 254 An Act extending the termination date for the
State Physical Therapy and Occupational Therapy
Board; and providing for an effective date.
SB 254 was reported out of Committee with a "no
recommendation and with fiscal note #1 by the
Department of Commerce, Community & Economic
Development.
CS SB 255(FIN)
An Act extending the termination date and duties
for the Board of Examiners in Optometry; amending
the licensing, endorsement, and renewal provisions
for optometrists; and providing for an effective
date.
CS SB 255 (FIN) was reported out of Committee with
a "no recommendation and with fiscal note #1 by
the Department of Commerce, Community & Economic
Development.
1:53:47 PM
HOUSE BILL NO. 29
An Act relating to health care insurance and to the
Comprehensive Health Insurance Association; and
providing for an effective date.
REPRESENTATIVE NORMAN ROKEBERG, SPONSOR, stated that the
Alaska Comprehensive Health Insurance Association (ACHIA)
was established to provide access to health insurance to all
residents of the State who are unable to find or are denied
health insurance or who are considered uninsurable. It is
additionally required coverage for those federally eligible
individuals under the Health Insurance Portability and
Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA).
The plan was first implemented in 1993 and is funded through
premiums collected from insured and assessments received
from health insurers transacting business in Alaska. Prior
to the time that the State became self-insured, the State
also participated in providing funds to ACHIA (through
assessments received from its health insurer). The effect
of the decision not to remain in ACHIA, reduced ACHIA's
funding by approximately $400,000 dollars per year.
In December 2003, there were 484 insured individuals
participating in ACHIA. He stated that as the insurer of
last resort, it is important that the State guarantee ACHIA
remains viable and in place. During 2003, over $4 million
dollars was collected in assessments from ACHIA members
(those companies or entities who do business in Alaska and
pay into ACHIA) and over $2.6 million dollars was collected
in premiums from insured individuals. ACHIA paid out over
$6.6 million dollars in claim expenses in that same year.
Representative Rokeberg continued, the majority of Alaskans
that receive health care benefits do not contribute to the
high-risk pool; thereby, shifting costs to only individuals
and small groups that purchase health insurance. That is
poor public policy, particularly on an unfunded Federal
mandate.
Many of the self-insured companies, objected to the original
version of the bill. In order to accommodate the needs of
ACHIA, the legislation has been modified to grant a tax
credit to the insurance companies who are currently assessed
for the entire ACHIA shortfall, by using a small portion of
the premium taxes paid into the State. A premium tax credit
would be justifiable given the importance of maintaining the
viability of the Association and its requirement under
HIPAA. He maintained that when viewed against the demands
of the general fund, viability of ACHIA exceeds most other
legislation and he urged support.
2:01:43 PM
Representative Rokeberg presented a handout, demonstrating
ACHIA contribution breakdowns from 1993 through 2005. (Copy
on File). The attachment highlights:
· 1998-2005: Proforma With HB 29
· 1993-2005: Historical
· 1998-2005: Proforma Assuming State Had Remained Insured
Representative Rokeberg noted the State's original
participation in the program, dropping out and giving up
responsibility. He emphasized the need to meet that burden,
which can be addressed through a tax credit, not an
allotment.
2:04:22 PM
Co-Chair Meyer advised that the Committee is concerned with
rising costs in the out years. Representative Rokeberg
pointed out that all insurance premiums continue to
increase.
Representative Weyhrauch commented on the unfunded liability
burden to the Department and the Division of Retirement and
Benefits. Representative Rokeberg was not sure, understood
this would be a tax credit. He said Representative
Weyhrauch referenced an old fiscal note to the previous
version of the bill and that there would be no impact to the
unfunded liability. The prior version did spread the risk.
Representative Weyhrauch inquired if the bill was related to
HB 10, the non-profit pool. Representative Rokeberg stated
it wasn't, however, has the same goal.
2:08:03 PM
Representative Kelly asked if other states use the proposed
system.
Co-Chair Meyer inquired why the legislation was coming to
the Committee at such a late date. Representative Rokeberg
explained that he had changed the source of funding and the
style of the bill.
2:10:16 PM
CECIL BYKERK, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, ALASKA COMPREHENSIVE
HEALTH INSURANCE ASSOCIATION BOARD (ACHIA), OMAHA, NEBRASKA,
advised that ACHIA is an important program, which first
passed in 1992. He offered to provide the FY04 annual
report to the Committee.
ACHIA is an important piece of the insurance system in
Alaska. It serves & benefits all Alaskans in one-way or
another. Over the 14 years, ACHIA has paid over $45 million
dollars in claims; collecting $17 million dollars in
premiums. The people purchasing those premiums for the most
part are uninsurable individuals. ACHIA offers coverage on
a subsidized basis. The primary purpose is to serve the
uninsurable population. ACHIA is the Healthy Insurance
Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) solution for
Alaska and under which Alaska has fulfilled the federal
requirements.
Mr. Bykerk added that ACHIA offers an outlet of insurance to
those that would otherwise be uninsurable. Member's pay a
high rate @ 140% above the standard rate. In reality, they
should pay 300% more given the health issues. ACHIA offers
an in for the system. Those people become "payers" to the
health system, which eventually, benefit everyone in the
State. There is no cost shifting using these mechanisms.
Currently, short falls are made-up by assessing health
insurers. It has been estimated that premium taxes paid by
health insurers, are somewhere between $10-$12 million
dollars. When companies get assessed for shortfalls, the
costs get transferred back to the policyholders. Those are
expenses that insurance companies must cover in some manner,
ultimately transferred back through premiums to individuals.
HB 29 will ease the burden by broadening ACHIA's overall
funding base.
Mr. Bykerk added, AHCIA anticipates receiving $1 million
federal dollars over the next five years. He reiterated
that all Alaskans would benefit from ACHIA. He offered to
answer questions of the Committee.
2:18:26 PM
BRIAN ANGEL, VICE CHAIRMAN, ALASKA COMPREHENSIVE HEALTH
INSURANCE ASSOCIATION BOARD (ACHIA), NEBRASKA, echoed
comments made by Mr. Bykerk. He emphasized that ACHIA does
benefit all Alaskans. The $45 million dollars that ACHIA
has paid in claims is money that would not have gone into
the system, rather "free-care". He acknowledged that
everyone knows, there is no such thing as "free care".
2:19:23 PM
Co-Chair Meyer asked if the legislation could reduce
insurance rates. Mr. Bykerk replied that health insurance
costs and premiums continue to go up. The bill could help
mitigate some costs for individuals and small groups buying
coverage. Those assessments have been in a range of 1% -
1.5% of premium costs each year. He believes it could
become more equitable for those purchasing insurance.
2:22:14 PM
LINDA HALL, DIRECTOR, DIVISION OF INSURANCE, DEPARTMENT OF
COMMERCE, COMMUNITY AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT, commented that
the ACHIA plan would not prevent the type of concerns voiced
by Representative Kelly and those seeking different kinds of
relief. People that are a part of ACHIA, do pay health
insurance premiums, but pay at a reduced rate. There is a
150% cap of the average rate. Uninsurable people can buy
insurance at a substantially increased premium; the program
does prevent the growth of the uninsured population. She
advised that the Division of Insurance has historically
supported the program and noted they had worked diligently
with Representative Rokeberg to find other funding sources.
The program provides "huge" benefit to Alaskans.
2:24:15 PM
Representative Holm asked what it means to have a 150% of
higher rate cap. Mr. Bykerk explained, the rates are based
upon surveys taken from the top five insurance carriers in
the State of Alaska. Based on that, the Board sets the rate
at a percentage, capped at 150%. There is no intent to
compete with the insurance industry. Those rates are based
on the same structure in the market place and are age-
dependent, offering various deductible choices. ACHIA is
capped at 150% by law, attempting to keep it affordable.
2:28:39 PM
Representative Holm asked if the majority of the subscribers
were non-paying. Mr. Bykerk noted that those that left the
coverage participated in a survey, which indicated that they
could not pay the premium costs. Available data shows that
if they were uninsurable and not HIPAA eligible, they must
indicate that they applied and were turned down. He
emphasized, they must demonstrate that they are uninsurable.
2:31:15 PM
Mr. Angel pointed out that there are 32 states that carry
high-risk pools; 19 states use some form of general fund
revenues to fund the pool.
PUBLIC TESTIMONY CLOSED
2:32:24 PM
Co-Chair Meyer noted concern with the fiscal costs,
indicating he would hold the bill in Committee to determine
other fiscal options.
2:32:59 PM
Representative Kelly asked how it could be determined, who
is an assessed "other insurance company". Mr. Bykerk
replied that there is no correlation or assessment, but
rather defined in statute.
HB 29 was HELD in Committee for further consideration.
2:37:28 PM
CS FOR SENATE BILL NO. 200(JUD) am
An Act relating to defense of self, other persons,
property, or services.
DAVE STANCLIFF, STAFF, SENATOR GENE THERRIAULT, stated that
SB 200 was introduced to allow individuals to protect
themselves and others from violent crimes. Based on a
Florida Statute hailed as the "Castle Law", SB 200 allows
force or deadly force as a legally available option under
certain circumstances where life, property, and the welfare
of others is at risk.
Mr. Stancliff noted the provision excluding the use of force
for any reason against law enforcement officers, emergency
services personnel and/or those assisting in official
duties.
2:42:32 PM
Vice Chair Stoltze said he had heard concerns voiced
regarding the time after exercising the "doable force", the
person being prosecuted. Mr. Stancliff declared that was
motivation for the bill and the front section includes
exceptions.
2:44:35 PM
Representative Hawker asked about the legal precedence of
the language on Page 3, removing "duty to retreat" and
replacing it with "leaving the place of encounter". Mr.
Stanclif deferred to the Department of Law.
SUSAN PARKS, DEPUTY ATTORNEY GENERAL, CRIMINAL DIVISION,
DEPARTMENT OF LAW, addressed the change in terminology on
Page 3, stating that the Department did not believe it would
raise concerns regarding legal precedent. In working with
the Sponsor, they attempted to make the self-defense laws
easier to understand. Previously, she thought it was more
difficult to get lawyers and jurors to understand
phraseology. She stated the Department was involved in the
drafting the bill.
2:48:30 PM
Ms. Parks noted the Department supports the rewrite. She
offered to answer questions of the Committee.
Representative Kerttula referred to the section on immunity
and asked if the person was acting in true self-defense and
the other person turned out to be an off-duty peace officer,
how would that be resolved. Ms. Parks stated the Department
had not been involved in drafting that portion. She added
it would be left to the jury to decide the immunity or
liability. The plaintiff would not automatically be liable
or immune.
2:50:26 PM
Representative Kerttula referred to the section addressing
gangs; she thought there was justification available for
self-defense written into Section 2. In that section, an
individual might not be able to use the justifications.
Ms. Parks stated that section pertains to "shoot outs". The
Sponsor attempted to carve out situations when a person was
engaging in criminal type behavior, when self-defense would
not apply. She referred to Subsection 4, (a,b,c,d). The
intent is meant to help innocent people and not those
involved in criminal acts.
Representative Kerttula requested clarification regarding
new gang members, who may not have committed criminal acts
and could use that self-defense justification. Ms. Parks
pointed out that current law precludes it; if one is
involved in such risky behavior, they stand the risk of the
violent response.
Representative Kerttula referred to Page 2, Subsection C,
Line 24, suggesting they might have a history of violence,
but not committing the crime, merely responding to the
conduct of others. Ms. Parks offered to follow up on that
conversation.
2:55:05 PM
Representative Hawker observed that Section 2, Subsection 4,
was difficult language to understand. He pointed out that
in (D), one might not claim self-defense if that person,
possessed an illegal weapon.
Ms. Parks acknowledged that was correct; she pointed out
cases in which, felons, who had no legal right to carry a
concealed weapon, end up in a confrontation and then claimed
self-defense.
2:57:14 PM
Representative Hawker referred to (D) and the illegal nature
of the weapon as a result of the felony conviction. He
asked about the circumstances of registered firearms and if
the individual could use the self-defense justification.
2:58:27 PM
Ms. Parks replied the original restriction had been broader.
Under federal law, those involved in domestic violence could
possess weapons; many Alaskans do own weapons.
3:00:12 PM
Representative Holm noted the reference to "first
responders" and asked if that included military or other
sections of government. He asked how that related to a
person wanting to protect themselves, "from the government"
taking property.
3:01:42 PM
Ms. Parks referred to Section 1, which creates immunity from
civil liability. She pointed out that subsection merely
prevents the immunity from becoming automatic.
Specifications leave the decision to the discretion of a
judge.
3:02:40 PM
Vice Chair Stoltze noted the arduous process the bill has
gone through during other committee discussions.
3:03:18 PM
Mr. Stancliff mentioned amendments made to the bill during
the committee process. The bill does not provide license to
shoot someone for stealing property. Each case would be
weighed on terms regarding "reasonably necessary force".
The intent is to provide individuals, the ability to defend
their life and property.
PUBLIC TESTIMONY CLOSED
Co-Chair Meyer asked if the Sponsor had supported changes.
Mr. Stancliff acknowledged that amendment which the National
Rifle Association (NRA) does not agree with, however, the
overall intention of the bill has remained intact to the
satisfaction of the Sponsor.
3:07:10 PM
Representative Hawker expressed appreciation for the process
the bill has moved through. He referred to the provision on
Page 2, the possession of an illegal weapon, resulting in a
felony conviction. He thought it created a loophole and
asked why the provision was limited to instances of felony
conviction. Mr. Stancliff provided a hypothetical situation
of a person owning a shotgun and making the decision to use
it to protect their home. In that process, they would open
themselves up to prosecution for possession.
3:10:04 PM
Vice Chair Stoltze reiterated, is the bill as effective
with the changes made in previous committees. Mr. Stancliff
responded that it is impossible to cover all hypothetical
situations and that the sponsor is "comfortable" with the
current form.
3:11:04 PM
Representative Weyhrauch indicated concern that if an
individual used an illegal weapon, they no longer could
claim self-defense.
3:11:38 PM
Representative Hawker asked for the Sponsor's response to a
proposed change on Page 2, adding a period after the word
"possess", eliminating "conviction for a felony". Mr.
Stancliff thought the change could make the justification
"unusable".
3:13:02 PM
Representative Hawker thought that loophole, provides an
opportunity for a misdemeanor domestic violence perpetrator,
to use the clause. Mr. Stancliff said it could be
considered a friendly amendment.
3:14:10 PM
Vice Chair Stoltze commented that technical matters should
not be dealt with "hastily". He suggested taking the time
necessary to work it out, since House Finance is the last
committee of referral.
Co-Chair Meyer agreed that if the bill were held, it would
provide the time for needed discussion.
3:15:59 PM
SB 200 was HELD in Committee for further consideration.
3:17:05 PM
SENATE BILL NO. 253
An Act extending the termination date for the Board of
Chiropractic Examiners; and providing for an effective
date.
TOM MAHER, STAFF, SENATOR GENE THERRIAULT, provided a brief
background on the sunset process that produced SB 253.
Sunset reviews were conducted under revisions made last
session to statutes that govern the sunset process. The
standard sunset period for occupational boards and non-
occupational boards was changed from "not to exceed four
years" to "not to exceed eight years". Increasing the
standard sunset period allows for better use of audit staff,
committee time, and makes the sunset process less consuming
for boards and regulatory agencies.
Mr. Maher added that Alaska's sunset process has matured,
most of the sunset reviews are less about eliminating boards
and commissions, and more about operational performance. To
better measure operational performance, last session, two
new criteria were added to statute that must be considered
in the course of a sunset review by the auditors:
· The extent to which the board, commission, or agency
has effectively attained its objectives and the
efficiency with which it has operated
· The extent to which the board, commission, or agency
duplicates the activities of another governmental
agency or the private sector.
Mr. Maher continued, expanding criteria assures auditors
will measure the efficiency and effectiveness of boards,
commissions or agencies under review. SB 253 stems from
recommendations contained in the Legislative Audit Sunset
Report dated September 26, 2005. They concluded that the
Board of Chiropractic Examiners is operating in the public's
best interest and should continue to regulate chiropractors.
SB 253 follows the auditor's recommendation that extends the
sunset to June 30, 2014 for an eight-year extension.
There is a fiscal note and that extending the Board would
not incur any additional costs over the amounts proposed in
the FY07 Governor's operating budget request. The Board is
self-supporting.
3:119:53 PM
Representative Kelly referenced Page 5 of the audit.
PAT DAVIDSON, LEGISLATIVE AUDITOR, LEGISLATIVE AUDIT
DIVISION, explained that the Board seemed to get "caught up"
in a couple issues such as independent medical examinations
(IME). The Department of Law warned them, they had no
statutory authority to provide school sport examinations or
MIE's, which tied into LBA's first recommendation to improve
efficiency of the meeting process.
Representative Kelly asked if there was a cost to the State
for those inefficiencies. Ms. Davidson replied that the
license fees support the Board's activities.
3:22:03 PM
Representative Foster referenced the attorney general's
recommendations listed on Page 18 of the audit. Ms.
Davidson echoed previous comments regarding the independent
medical examiners.
PUBLIC TESTIMONY CLOSED
3:23:29 PM
Representative Foster MOVED to REPORT SB 253 out of
Committee with individual recommendations and with the
accompanying fiscal note.
Representative Weyhrauch OBJECTED noting the number of
boards of commissions statewide. Representative Weyhrauch
WITHDREW his OBJECTION.
Representative Foster pointed out that in 1989, there were
114 Boards and Commissions. After Governor Hickel's term,
there were 142.
There being NO further OBJECTION, it was so ordered.
SB 253 was reported out of Committee with a "no
recommendation and with fiscal note #1 by the Department of
Commerce, Community & Economic Development.
3:25:29 PM
SENATE BILL NO. 254
An Act extending the termination date for the State
Physical Therapy and Occupational Therapy Board; and
providing for an effective date.
TOM MAHER, STAFF, SENATOR GENE THERRIAULT, explained that SB
254 stems from recommendations contained in the Legislative
Audit Sunset Report dated September 17, 2005. Legislative
Audit concluded that the State Physical Therapy and
Occupational Therapy Board is operating in the public's best
interest and should continue to regulate physical and
occupational therapists. The Board safeguards the public
interest by promoting the competence and integrity of those
who practice in the field and continues to improve the
effectiveness and ensure therapists are licensed in the
State of Alaska. Accordingly, given the Auditor's
recommendation, SB 254 extends the sunset date of the Board
to June 30, 2014, for an eight-year extension.
There is a fiscal note associated with extending the Board;
it will not incur additional costs over the amounts already
contained in the FY07 Governor's operating budget request.
The Board is self-supporting.
3:26:35 PM
SUNDI HONDEL, (TESTIFIED VIA TELECONFERENCE), PRESIDENT,
ALASKA PHYSICAL THERAPY BOARD, ANCHORAGE, voiced support for
the legislation and offered to answer questions of the
Committee.
3:27:52 PM
Representative Foster MOVED to REPORT SB 254 out of
Committee with individual recommendations and with the
accompanying fiscal notes. There being NO OBJECTION, it was
so ordered.
SB 254 was reported out of Committee with a "no"
recommendation and with fiscal note #1 by the Department of
Commerce, Community & Economic Development.
CS FOR SENATE BILL NO. 255(FIN)
An Act extending the termination date and duties for
the Board of Examiners in Optometry; amending the
licensing, endorsement, and renewal provisions for
optometrists; and providing for an effective date.
3:28:48 PM
TOM MAHER, STAFF, SENATOR GENE THERRIAULT, explained that SB
255 relates to the termination date and duties for the Board
of Examiners in Optometry; amending the licensing,
endorsement, and renewal provisions for optometrists and
providing for an effective date.
Sec. 1 of extends the sunset date of the Board of Examiners
in Optometry from June 30, 2006 to June 30, 2014 per the
audit conclusions contained in the report. Legislative
Audit concluded that the Board of Examiners in Optometry
continues to serve a public need and is operating in the
public interest. The regulation and licensing of qualified
optometrists is necessary to protect the public's health,
safety and welfare. The Board of Examiners in Optometry has
operated effectively, adopted regulatory changes and
supported legislation that improved its oversight process
and promoted more effective regulation of licensed
optometrists. The Auditor's recommendation provides for an
eight-year sunset extension to June 30, 2014.
Sections 5, 6, 9, 10, & 12 incorporate the recommendations
by the Legislative Auditor concerning a problem on
licensing. The Auditor recommended the Legislature amend
the optometry statutes to ensure current license
endorsements for the diagnostic use of pharmaceutical
agents. Currently, statutory language provides for a single
endorsement to both prescribe and use. However, the Board
of Examiners in Optometry is now issuing two types of
endorsements:
· The first allows a practitioner to both prescribe and
use pharmaceutical agents, and
· The second allows a practitioner "use" only.
Current law does not authorize the use only endorsement. SB
255 corrects that situation by adding sections authorizing
the use only endorsement and "grandfathers" in the
practitioners that were given the endorsement over the
years.
Mr. Maher continued, the legislation changes law to make
current practices legal, grandfather's license holders in,
and makes sure no practitioners are left out, which could
have an impact on the number of providers serving the
public, maximizing the number of practitioners that can
practice in Alaska.
The rest of the legislation contains "housekeeping"
recommendations that were approved by the Board and
supported by the Department. Section 2 deletes the word
"President" as the Board actually has a "Chair".
Mr. Maher discussed, Sections 3 & 4, allowing the Board to
better protect the public by improving the handling of
disciplinary actions.
Section 7 deletes the statutory cite requiring 24 hours of
continuing education instruction, allowing the Board to
establish through regulation, the number of hours without
amending statute. The amendment was requested in response
to the audit and is similar to other boards.
Section 8 removes the "branch office" reference as it no
longer exists.
Mr. Maher pointed out the fiscal note by the Division of
Occupation Licensing; the legislation will incur no
additional costs beyond those already contained in the FY07
Governor's operating budget request. The Board is self-
supporting thru the receipt of member fees.
3:32:51 PM
Representative Weyhrauch asked if an effort had ever been
made to combine some of the boards.
PAT DAVIDSON, LEGISLATIVE AUDITOR, LEGISLATIVE AUDIT
DIVISION, replied that they have not looked at that per se;
they had attempted to combine the Mental Health
professionals, which did not go well.
3:34:36 PM
Representative Kerttula referenced Section 10, regarding the
use of drugs applied topically by an optometrist, recalling
past issues. Ms. Davidson said that area was not being
discussed as it is "systemic versus topical drugs". The
bill addresses optometrist's authority to prescribe drugs &
use them; however, the statute does not allow the Board to
license for use only. There is a small segment of the
population that is looking for a "use only" and the proposed
language allows that endorsement.
3:36:51 PM
PUBLIC TESTIMONY CLOSED
3:37:02 PM
Vice Chair Stoltze MOVED to REPORT CS SB 255(FIN) out of
Committee with individual recommendations and with the
accompanying fiscal notes. There being NO OBJECTION, it was
so ordered.
CS SB 255 (FIN) was reported out of Committee with a "no"
recommendation and with fiscal note #1 by the Department of
Commerce, Community & Economic Development.
ADJOURNMENT
The meeting was adjourned at 3:37 P.M.
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