02/05/2004 03:03 PM House HES
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+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
ALASKA STATE LEGISLATURE
HOUSE HEALTH, EDUCATION AND SOCIAL SERVICES
STANDING COMMITTEE
February 5, 2004
3:03 p.m.
MEMBERS PRESENT
Representative Peggy Wilson, Chair
Representative Carl Gatto, Vice Chair
Representative John Coghill
Representative Paul Seaton
Representative Kelly Wolf
Representative Sharon Cissna (via teleconference)
MEMBERS ABSENT
Representative Mary Kapsner
COMMITTEE CALENDAR
HOUSE BILL NO. 378
"An Act relating to the Alaska Food, Drug, and Cosmetic
Act, including sales, advertising, certain devices, food
donors, and food banks; making certain violations of
organic food provisions and of the Alaska Food, Drug, and
Cosmetic Act unfair methods of competition and unfair or
deceptive acts or practices under certain of the state's
unfair trade practices and consumer protection laws; and
providing for an effective date."
- MOVED CSHB 378 OUT OF COMMITTEE
CS FOR HOUSE BILL NO. 337(STA)
"An Act relating to anatomical donor registries, to an
anatomical gift awareness fund, to an anatomical gift
awareness program, to motor vehicle licenses and
registrations, and to state identification cards."
- MOVED CS 337(HES) OUT OF COMMITTEE
PREVIOUS COMMITTEE ACTION
BILL: HB 378
SHORT TITLE: FOOD, DRUGS, COSMETICS, CERTAIN DEVICES
REPRESENTATIVE(S):
01/12/04 (H) READ THE FIRST TIME - REFERRALS
01/12/04 (H) HES, JUD
02/05/04 (H) HES AT 3:00 PM CAPITOL 106
BILL: HB 337
SHORT TITLE: ANATOMICAL GIFTS REGISTRY
REPRESENTATIVE(S): MCGUIRE
01/12/04 (H) PREFILE RELEASED 1/2/04
01/12/04 (H) READ THE FIRST TIME - REFERRALS
01/12/04 (H) STA, HES, FIN
01/20/04 (H) STA AT 8:00 AM CAPITOL 102
01/20/04 (H) Heard & Held
01/20/04 (H) MINUTE(STA)
01/27/04 (H) STA AT 8:00 AM CAPITOL 102
01/27/04 (H) Moved CSHB 337(STA) Out of
Committee
01/27/04 (H) MINUTE(STA)
01/27/04 (H) HES AT 3:00 PM CAPITOL 106
01/27/04 (H) -- Meeting Canceled --
01/28/04 (H) STA RPT CS(STA) NT 6DP 1NR
01/28/04 (H) DP: GRUENBERG, SEATON, HOLM, LYNN,
01/28/04 (H) BERKOWITZ, WEYHRAUCH; NR: COGHILL
02/03/04 (H) HES AT 3:00 PM CAPITOL 106
02/03/04 (H) Heard & Held
02/03/04 (H) MINUTE(HES)
02/05/04 (H) HES AT 3:00 PM CAPITOL 106
WITNESS REGISTER
REPRESENTATIVE BILL WILLIAMS
Alaska State Legislature
Juneau, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Spoke as sponsor of HB 378.
GERALDINE MCINTOSH, Staff
to Representative Bill Williams
Alaska State Legislature
Juneau, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified on HB 378 and answered
questions from the members.
ELISE HSIEH, Assistant Attorney General
Environmental Section
Department of Law
Anchorage, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified on HB 378 and answered
questions from the members.
ROBIN NORTHSEYER, Owner
Northern Hospitality Training
Anchorage, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of HB 378.
HEATH HILYARD, Staff
to Representative Lesil McGuire
Alaska State Legislature
Juneau, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Presented an amendment to CSHB
337(STA) for Representative McGuire, sponsor, and answered
questions from the members.
RAY VIDIC
Juneau, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of HB 337.
ACTION NARRATIVE
TAPE 04-09, SIDE A
Number 0001
CHAIR PEGGY WILSON called the House Health, Education and
Social Services Standing Committee meeting to order at 3:03
p.m. Representatives Wilson, Wolf, Coghill, and Seaton
were present at the call to order. Representatives Gatto
and Cissna (via teleconference) joined the committee as the
meeting was in progress.
HB 378-FOOD, DRUGS, COSMETICS, CERTAIN DEVICES
Number 0091
CHAIR WILSON announced that the first order of business
would be HOUSE BILL NO. 378, "An Act relating to the Alaska
Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act, including sales, advertising,
certain devices, food donors, and food banks; making
certain violations of organic food provisions and of the
Alaska Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act unfair methods of
competition and unfair or deceptive acts or practices under
certain of the state's unfair trade practices and consumer
protection laws; and providing for an effective date."
REPRESENTATIVE BILL WILLIAMS, Alaska State Legislature,
testified as sponsor of HB 337, spoke to the merits of the
bill. He explained that he has been the House Finance
Subcommittee Chair for the Department of Environmental
Conservation (DEC) for several years. During that time
there have been complaints concerning the food safety
program, particularly in Ketchikan where [businesses] have
paid a lot, but have not had the inspections necessary to
ensure food safety. Representative Williams told members
that some businesses have gone 18 months to 24 months
without inspections. He said that last year he asked the
Commissioner of Environmental Conservation to come up with
a program that would address this issue, and the bill
before them today does just that.
Number 0325
GERALDINE McINTOSH, Staff to Representative Bill Williams,
Alaska State Legislature, testified on HB 378 and answered
questions from the members. She read the sponsor statement
into the record as follows [original punctuation provided]:
HB 378 amends provisions in Title 17 relating to
the powers of the Commissioner of the Department
of Environmental Conservation (DEC) relating to
food offered or sold to the public. The bill
makes it possible for DEC to require food-
handling operators to become trained and
certified and assess fines. Both of these
capacities are needed as part of the new food
safety paradigm - Active Managerial Control. In
addition, the bill defines a violation of
labeling or advertising as a violation of the
unfair trade and consumer protection provisions.
Currently, AS 17.20.005 allows the Commissioner
of DEC to issue orders, regulations, permits,
embargoes, and quarantines. This includes
inspection, sanitation standards, food handling
methods, and labeling. Under this bill, the
Commissioner of DEC will have additional
authority to ensure knowledge of food safety and
sanitation by individuals who handle or prepare
food for the public, and persons who supervise or
employ those individuals. This bill also
authorizes DEC to impose a civil fine for a
violation of the Alaska Food, Drug, and Cosmetic
Act.
HB 378 also clarifies that a violation of the
label or advertisement provisions in AS 17.20, or
a violation of the representation requirement in
AS 17.06 is an unfair or deceptive trade practice
under Alaska's Statutes. This will allow the
Attorney General's office to investigate labeling
violations that are not food safety or sanitation
concerns.
Number 0481
KRISTIN RYAN, Director, Division of Environmental Health,
Department of Environmental Conservation, testified in
support of HB 378. In response to Chair Wilson's comments
that this program appears to be a case of the "fox guarding
the chicken house", Ms. Ryan explained that in the past the
Division of Environmental Health has relied entirely on
inspections to ensure that restaurants and food processors
were practicing safe food handling techniques.
Unfortunately, by only relying on inspections, the division
was only in the high-risk facilities 60 percent of the
time, once per year. One day out of 365 days per year is
not enough to ensure [that these businesses] were using the
same techniques when [inspectors] were not there.
Number 0586
MS. RYAN told the members that the division researched what
other jurisdictions have done [who have similar limitations
in manpower], and that is how the Active Managerial Control
plan came about. She said that this plan puts more
responsibility on the owners and operators of
establishments to take responsibility for safe food
handling. This would be a more comprehensive program that
would allow the division more time to concentrate on
inspections, she commented. Ms. Ryan explained that the
businesses will be asked to train and certify staff in
basic food handling practices and to develop standard
operating procedures for very simplistic practices such as,
hand washing after handling money or how to handle a sick
employee. Those procedures will have to be in writing and
available to the division for review when doing inspections
and paper audits, she said.
CHAIR WILSON asked who will be paying for the training.
MS. RYAN replied that there are multiple levels of
certification. For example, she said, there are
certifications for managers, and every food facility must
have one manager employed by the company that has gone
through a national food safety certification program. Ms.
Ryan added that many restaurants already have trained
staff. She summarized that the division will work to make
it easier for businesses to get their employees certified.
MS. RYAN told the members that another level of
certification is for food handlers. Handler certification
will be undertaken by the state through an on-line data
base system, whereby [the food handler] would log onto a
computer and get the training on-line. This [training and
certification] will be available to anyone and is really
fundamental [information], she said. Ms. Ryan commented
that this [plan] is something that 41 states already do.
Number
MS. RYAN said the third training that DEC will provide
concerns the development of standard operating procedures
that the department will be requiring [of businesses]. The
inspectors will not only be out inspecting [businesses],
but will also be helping them come into compliance with the
new requirements, she said. Ms. Ryan told the members that
the department got a grant from the Food and Drug
Administration (FDA) to create a CD that will give
[businesses] all the forms that will be necessary to create
their own [standard operating procedures].
Number 0733
CHAIR WILSON commented that her concern is for small
businesses [and the burden this plan may have on them].
She asked if, for example, a group of people holding a
fundraiser where hotdogs are being cooked will be required
to have this training [and certification] too.
MS. RYAN replied that the temporary food service permit
will continue as it currently is. Those who provide food
for fairs, church socials, etc. have to come in and go
through the temporary food service permit process which is
currently in place. That [temporary food service] permit
does require participants to sit through a two-hour course,
she said. The permit is good for 2 years.
CHAIR WILSON asked how the example she provided fits into
this program.
MS. RYAN responded that individuals in Chair Wilson's
example would not fit into the new paradigm.
CHAIR WILSON asked for clarification that it would not be
necessary to take the two-hour course.
MS. RYAN replied that those doing fundraisers fall under
the temporary food service permitting system which requires
that a two-hour course be completed.
Number 0811
CHAIR WILSON asked how someone in Wrangell would get this
temporary food service permit.
MS. RYAN responded that the food inspector would come to
the [permittees].
Number 0835
REPRESENTATIVE WOLF expressed concern about establishing a
new standard for food handlers. He asked if this
legislation would apply to slaughterhouses, canneries, or
processors like smoke houses, and sausage makers.
MS. RYAN said that food processors do not fall under this
paradigm because [these businesses] are already required to
meet very stringent standards through the Hazard Analysis
Critical Control Point program [HACCP] which is much more
complex than what is being suggested here. Ms. Ryan
explained that the program DEC is recommending is much
simpler than the HACCP program. She commented that meat
processors are regulated by the U.S. Department of
Agriculture.
REPRESENTATIVE WOLF asked if high school students who work
part time in McDonalds will be required to be tested.
MS. RYAN responded that is correct. She told the members
that when she was in high school in Oregon she had to go to
the Division of Motor Vehicles to obtain her food handler's
card. Ms. Ryan pointed out that these people are serving
the public food 365 days per year so it seems realistic
that these workers would know how to serve food safely.
Number 0954
REPRESENTATIVE SEATON asked how different the program she
is proposing is from HACCP. He explained that he has been
through HACCP and would not want to wish it on any one.
Representative Seaton asked what the regulations are.
MS. RYAN replied that the DEC regulations will be much
different from HACCP. She explained that the division
borrowed the HACCP model when developing the new program.
The division took the concept that written operating
procedures for some fundamental safety issues like hand
washing and employee health, are a good idea. She
clarified that DEC is not going to require food operators
to analyze their entire system and develop critical control
sections where risks are controlled.
Number 1016
REPRESENTATIVE SEATON asked if the certification for the
managerial position is close to HACCP.
MS. RYAN responded that [managerial position] certification
requires a training course that is already offered in the
state by multiple providers. It requires sitting through a
course and taking a test at the end, she added. She
acknowledged that it is more information than the food
handlers are expected to learn.
REPRESENTATIVE SEATON asked Ms. Ryan to provide the
committee with a written specification on hand washing.
MS. RYAN responded that it would be something like "if you
were handling money, you must wash your hands before you
handle food." She commented that a lot of the food chains
have already implemented many of these requirements and
have standard operating procedures that employees can refer
to. There are simple things included like "wear gloves if
you are handling food", she said. Some standards require
that employees wash their hands every hour. Ms. Ryan
explained that there will be a vetting process as the
regulations are drafted, where the division will conduct
workshops in various communities to discuss proposals with
the regulated industry. Active Managerial Control is the
proposal DEC believes is the best model to use, she said,
but she emphasized that there will be variations as the
regulation drafting process continues.
REPRESENTATIVE SEATON asked if he understands Ms. Ryan's
response to mean that hand washing regulations would not be
something like an individual is required to hold their
hands under warm water for 35 seconds and use a certain
kind of soap. Will those details be determined by the
managerial staff.
MS. RYAN replied that there could be that level of detail
in the operating procedures; however, DEC will be providing
blank forms for [businesses].
Number 1199
REPRESENTATIVE COGHILL said that he is troubled that a
civic event with the Moose Club, for example, would be
"targeted." He added that he is involved with many church
potlucks and is not very interested in DEC coming into the
church to tell the members that they cannot handle food.
Representative Coghill asked if Ms. Ryan could provide some
comfort that this is not the road DEC is going down.
Number 1252
MS. RYAN emphasized that DEC is not increasing their
oversight. A church event is an exempt activity, she said.
Ms. Ryan explained that temporary service permits are for
larger events where 200 or more people will be served, for
instance at the [state] fair. She reiterated that if DEC
is not presently [inspecting and regulating an event], it
will not be [inspecting and regulating] it under this new
system.
REPRESENTATIVE SEATON asked what kind of a tracking system
DEC will be using to assure that the individual who is
taking the test is actually the person he/she says he/she
is.
MS. RYAN explained that DEC is proposing purchasing an on-
line database from another state that already has this
program in place. A card would be printed out at the end
of the 5-minute test that the [food service workers] take,
she said. When DEC does inspections there would be a check
to see that workers have been certified. There will also
be a list generated by the database saying who has taken
the test and from what facilities, she added.
REPRESENTATIVE SEATON asked if there are any checks to
assure that the individual taking the test is who he/she
says he/she is or whether this test is given on the honor
system with the expectation that the managerial staff will
verify [with the employee that he/she took the test].
MS. RYAN responded that there is a lot of trust involved in
this program. The primary goal is that food handlers get
educated and the test is the mechanism to see that the book
or on-line information was read, she added. It is
essential to food safety to know about the importance of
hand washing, cross contamination, cooling [food] quickly,
and heating [food] quickly. She emphasized that the [test]
will not be that difficult. Managers will be held
accountable to ensure that their workers have that
understanding, Ms. Ryan said.
REPRESENTATIVE COGHILL asked if facilities [that will fall
under this program] have expressed a need for this.
MS. RYAN replied that the Division of Environmental Health
did do an on-line survey and mailed the survey to all the
permit holders and asked what would be necessary to provide
a safe food handling system. She said that of the 321 that
replied, 89 percent stated that having a mandatory food
manager certification would be necessary, and 82 percent
stated that a food handler training would also be
necessary. Ms. Ryan told the members that there is also an
advisory board who have been involved in the process and
who have been advising the division throughout the process.
Number 1503
REPRESENTATIVE COGHILL commented that the larger food
service businesses are already involved in this process;
however, what he sees will happen is that this regulation
will land on the "mom and pop" businesses. He said he
believes this will be difficult for businesses that are
already struggling because they are already jumping through
bureaucratic hoops. Representative Coghill asked what Ms.
Ryan envisions as the fine for a business who does not have
a [certified food service] manager.
MS. RYAN responded that the division's option in dealing
with recalcitrant businesses is to close the facility. It
is not the intent of this legislation to impact people's
livelihood, but that may be the division's only recourse.
The fining capacity in the bill is $1,000. She said it is
important to note that it rarely gets that high. If a
business did not have a certified food service manager,
that would not qualify for a serious violation; however, if
[inspectors] went back there every year for five years and
there still was not a certified food service manager, then
that might qualify for a high fine, she said. Fines are
one more tool to encourage compliance, Ms. Ryan added.
REPRESENTATIVE COGHILL asked if he was correct in surmising
that [actions against businesses] vary in a spectrum from a
friendly reminder to closing the business. He asked how
the division would deal with a business that has certified
staff, but is not operating appropriately.
MS. RYAN told the members that the fine mechanisms will be
clearly written in regulation so that businesses know what
would merit a fine and what would not. She said it is
important to note that the industry will have an
opportunity to state what it believes is appropriate. The
division has been thinking that continued disregard of the
requirements would merit a fine of $100. Ms. Ryan
emphasized that the division's goal is to make sure
businesses do its job correctly, and does not [seek to]
close businesses down unless there is a serious threat that
the public could be harmed.
Number 1695
CHAIR WILSON posed a question concerning a community event
that occurs every June during the salmon derby in Wrangell.
Teenagers competing for the role of queen by competing to
raise the most funds. So every day for a month there are
booths with food for sale, she explained. Each of these
booths [could] raise $30,000 each. Chair Wilson asked how
the certification process would work in this case.
MS. RYAN emphasized that if the division was not inspecting
and requiring temporary food service permits before, then
there will not be any now. The intent of this bill is not
to increase oversight of events, she said. It sounds like
this event has probably been an exempt activity. Ms. Ryan
explained that when the division is aware of an event that
will generate a lot of food booths, an inspector has gone
to that community the week before and done the two-hour
course with participants so there is a fundamental
understanding [of food safety standards]. She added that
the determination [of exemption] is based on how many
people will be eating the product. Ms. Ryan offered to get
back to Chair Wilson on the event she mentioned.
REPRESENTATIVE SEATON posed a hypothetical question on
fines. He said, for example, if an inspector found a
business was unsanitary, and that it also had food handlers
that were not [certified], would the fine be doubled.
MS. RYAN responded that the division does not have the
regulation paradigm fine-tuned on that issue yet. She
emphasized that as the division reviews the regulation
process those details will be discussed. She said she sees
only one fine [during one inspection].
REPRESENTATIVE SEATON referred to Ms. Ryan's comments about
the number of people served determining the necessity for
certified staff. Would bed and breakfast establishments
that serve people over a longer period of time, but fewer
in number, be regulated.
MS. RYAN responded that bed and breakfasts are currently
exempt from food safety and sanitation regulations.
REPRESENTATIVE WOLF stated that he does not believe the
numbers are correct with respect to the testimony
[Testimony HB 378, 2/3/2004, Kristin Ryan, Director,
Division of Environmental Health, page 1] provided to the
committee on the restaurant in Kenai which reportedly was
involved in an E. Coli outbreak.
Number 1992
MS. RYAN responded that she will provide Representative
Wolf with the epidemiology report on that case.
REPRESENTATIVE WOLF said he sees this program as a way of
growing government programs. Representative Wolf cited
incidences in the past where there were efforts to prevent
children from getting alcohol and cigarettes through the
issuing of a card, which did not work. In the case of the
state regulating contractors, the only result he said he
ever saw was a state certified trainer making money. He
summarized his comments by saying that with all of these
programs there are still kids getting alcohol and
cigarettes, there are still "fly-by-night" contractors, and
when this is passed, there will still be people getting
sick.
MS. RYAN responded that DEC has 18 inspectors, and that
[number] is not sufficient to regulate 5,000 facilities by
relying on inspections.
CHAIR WILSON asked if more inspectors would be hired.
MS. RYAN answered that there will be 2 new positions to
manage training and certification.
CHAIR WILSON asked the members to look at page 3, lines 23
and 24, which read as follows:
The use of this section for a violation does not
prevent imposition of a penalty under as
45.50.561 for the same violation.
CHAIR WILSON said she believes if the bill is adopted with
this language it appears the division will be allowed [to
fine] for more than one penalty.
Number 2079
ELISE HSIEH, Assistant Attorney General, Environmental
Section, Department of Law, testified on HB 378 and
answered questions from the members. She responded that
she did not draft the phrase Chair Wilson is referring to;
however, she did review it with Assistant Attorney General,
Ed Sniffen, who does enforcement of the Unfair Trade
Practices Act violations. Ms. Hsieh admitted that the
wording could be better. She explained that what this
[language] is actually saying is that if a [business]
violates a provision of [AS] 17.20, for example, in a
regulation or an order it could have two aspects. There
could be a health and safety aspect. For example,
lingering food which represents certain things that are
unsafe or unfit for consumers to eat. At the same time,
she said, that mislabeling could also be a violation of the
Unfair Trade Practices Act as being deceptive. The
assistant attorney general in charge of [Unfair Trade
Practices Act] could enforce that aspect, Ms. Hsieh
commented. She emphasized that this [language] is really
not about civil fines.
CHAIR WILSON clarified that her question is really about
how many times a [business] could be penalized for
[violations].
MS. HSIEH said that she recalls someone asking if there
were several violations [in an inspection] would one fine
be implemented, or several [fines] that would be stacked on
top [of each other]. She told the members that this point
would have to be addressed in the regulations. Ms. Hsieh
referred that question to Kristin Ryan. She pointed to
page 3, lines 23 and 23 which read:
The use of this section for a violation does not
prevent imposition of a penalty under AS
45.50.471 - 45.50.561 for the same violation.
MS. HSIEH reiterated that this language only applies to the
Unfair Trade Practices Act. A [business] could be fined
[separately] under that act if the violation fell within
that context, she added.
Number 2166
MS. RYAN explained that the reason this reference is
included in the bill is due to situations where the DEC has
been asked to hold a business accountable for a label that
is misleading. When a label is misleading in a harmful way
[that jeopardizes] health safety, then the department
agreed that it is appropriate [to handle these violations],
she said. However, when a label is misleading because it
leads someone to believe something was made in Alaska, and
it was not, DEC does not believe it should be involved in
enforcing labeling issues. Ms. Ryan told the members that
this [language] was added with the intent that the fair
trade and commerce attorney in the Department of Law could
take on those cases.
REPRESENTATIVE SEATON posed a hypothetical question
regarding an inspection which revealed an unsanitary
condition or a condition where people who are not properly
licensed are handling food. During this inspection it was
also discovered that farmed fish were being labeled as
Alaska wild fish. He asked if he is correct in assuming
that both violations could be prosecuted [with this
language in the bill].
MS. RYAN replied that is correct.
CHAIR WILSON noted that many of the questions the members
are asking cannot be answered until the regulations are
drawn up. She asked Ms. Ryan if the process used in
developing the regulations will include an opportunity for
interested parties to comment on them.
MS. RYAN told the members that if the bill passes, the
division plans to hold workshops beginning in May or
whenever the bill becomes law. The division would go to
larger communities, discuss what is being proposed, and get
feedback from people. She added that regulation drafting
would be based on the [results] of those workshops.
CHAIR WILSON asked how the division would address the
problems that face smaller communities. She pointed out
that there are many more small communities [that should be
considered].
Number 2265
MS. RYAN explained that through the regulation drafting
process a packet is sent out to every permit holder, so it
will be possible for everyone to comment on the regulations
and give their input.
CHAIR WILSON pointed out that interested [parties] could
also call into the public meetings.
REPRESENTATIVE COGHILL explained that the reason he
struggles with this bill is due to the fact that it is
increasing fines and asking DEC to look over someone's
shoulder. It is also true that public health is something
this committee is very concerned about, he said. There is
a question of balance, he said. Representative Coghill
added that Ms. Ryan did a good job of answering questions
from the committee, but he really wants to have some
comfort that DEC is not going to be at his church social
with fines for violations. This bill will create another
layer of bureaucracy that eating establishments will have
to deal with; however, inspections are something
[businesses] are familiar with. Since there are not many
inspections, he said, this is probably a good compromise
solution. He added that he is still struggling with the
bill, but would like to see it come to a vote before he
leaves the meeting.
Number 2339
ROBIN NORTHSEYER, Owner, Northern Hospitality Training,
testified in support of HB 378. She told the members that
she comes from the restaurant industry both as a food
handler and a manager for the last 30 years. Ms.
Northseyer explained that training is a big issue when
talking about keeping the public safe from food borne
illness. She said it is so easy to make people sick
through food borne illness that it is positively scary.
TAPE 04-9, SIDE B
Number 2341
MS. NORTHSEYER told the members that she has trained over
300 food handlers and she is always amazed at what little
knowledge the [food handlers] have about very basic food
safety procedures such as, how and when to wash hands and
how easy it is to transmit disease from hands to food. Ms.
Northseyer pointed out that food safety is very important
in a state like Alaska that relies heavily on tourism. In
her seven years of work in the tourism industry she became
aware of the age group of the tourists who come to Alaska.
Many of them are elderly and are susceptible to food
poisoning. Ms. Northseyer summarized her comments by
saying that from the trainers' and managers' standpoint,
training is key to keeping food safe.
CHAIR WILSON commented that her main concern is that
training is as accessible as possible. She urged the
division to make it available on-line because it will be
difficult for small communities [to access the training].
She urged that the wording on page [3, line 23 and 24] be
worked on between committees.
REPRESENTATIVE SEATON asked Ms. Ryan if the training
material will be available as mail out materials as well as
on the Internet.
MS. RYAN replied that the division is still working out the
details, but anticipates being able to provide the testing
materials in writing for those that will need it. It would
require the manager of the establishment to proctor the
exam, she said.
Number 2261
REPRESENTATIVE SEATON moved to report HB 378 out of
committee with individual recommendations and the
accompanying fiscal notes. There being no objection, HB
378 was reported from the House Health, Education and
Social Services Standing Committee.
The committee took an at-ease from 3:58 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
HB 337-ANATOMICAL GIFTS REGISTRY
Number 2154
CHAIR WILSON announced that the final order of business
would be CS FOR HOUSE BILL NO. 337(STA), "An Act relating
to anatomical donor registries, to an anatomical gift
awareness fund, to an anatomical gift awareness program, to
motor vehicle licenses and registrations, and to state
identification cards." Chair Wilson reminded the members
that the committee had a hearing on this bill last week and
there was agreement that there needed [to be some changes
in the language]. The sponsor of the bill has drafted an
amendment to address the concerns of the committee, she
said. Chair Wilson asked Mr. Hilyard to present Amendment
1.
Number 2110
HEATH HILYARD, Staff to Representative Lesil McGuire,
Alaska State Legislature, presented an amendment to CSHB
337(STA) for Representative McGuire, sponsor, and answered
questions from the members. He told the committee he
believes [Amendment 1] will clarify [and correct] any
questions the members had during the last meeting.
CHAIR WILSON told Mr. Hilyard that she would like the three
portions of Amendment 1 to be handled as part A, B, and C.
MR. HILYARD began discussion of Amendment 1, which read
[original punctuation provided]:
TECHNICAL AMENDMENT
(Page 3, Lines 30-31)
(b) The purposes of the fund [IS] are to promote
gifts under AS 13.50.010 - 13.50.090 and to
administer the donation program established under
AS 13.50.150.
CONCEPTUAL AMENDMENT
(Page 4, Lines 12-14)
(4) "motor vehicle document" means a motor
vehicle registration, a driver's license, an
instruction permit, or state identification, or a
renewal of the registration, license, or permit;
CONCEPTUAL AMENDMENT
(Page 4, Lines 15-17)
(5) "procurement organization" [MEANS A PERSON
LICENSED, ACCREDITED, OR APPROVED UNDER THE LAWS
OF A STATE FOR THE PROCUREMENT, DISTRIBUTION, OR
STORAGE OF BODY PARTS] means an organization that
has been designated by the United States
Department of Health and Human Services to
coordinate activities for the procurement of body
parts, for any portion of this state;
MR. HILYARD pointed out that [part A] which is a technical
amendment is intended to correct a grammatical error on
page 3, lines 30 and 31. He said Terry Bannister,
Legislative Legal and Research Services, pointed out the
necessity for the change. The wording is changed from the
"purpose" of the fund "is" to the "purposes" of the fund
"are", Mr. Hilyard said.
CHAIR WILSON said in response to Representative Seaton's
question as to the handling of the amendment, that it is
her intention to handle these changes as one amendment
unless the members have a problem with a portion of it.
Number 2068
MR. HILYARD told the members that the next change [part B]
is a conceptual [change] because it may need to be
rephrased once the bill goes to Legislative Legal and
Research Services for a revision. This change refers to
page 4, lines 12 through 14, where motor vehicle document
[adds] "or state identification." He said that language
had been accidentally omitted and Terry Bannister pointed
that out and suggested it be included to ensure the bill
included all forms of motor vehicle documents.
Number 2047
MR. HILYARD commented that [part C] is also a conceptual
amendment which goes to the heart of the questions members
discussed at the last meeting. On page 4, lines 15 through
17 which reads as follows:
(5) "procurement organization" means a person
licensed, accredited, or approved under the laws
of a state for the procurement, distribution, or
storage of body parts;
MR. HILYARD explained that [part C] deletes the language
currently in CSHB 337(STA), Version U, and replaces it and
returns it to the original language that was in Version I.
He added that Version I was the first version that was read
across the House. What the bill will says is that
[procurement organization] "means an organization that has
been designated by the United States Department of Health
and Human Services to coordinate activities for the
procurement of body parts, for any portion of this state."
He told the members that this wording has been cleared
through Legislative Legal and Research Services, LifeCenter
Northwest, and the [Department of Administration], Division
of Motor Vehicles.
Number 2012
REPRESENTATIVE SEATON moved Amendment 1. There being no
objection, Amendment 1 was adopted.
Number 1985
RAY VIDIC testified in support of HB 337. He told the
committee that he has a friend who has been on dialysis for
ten years. This bill is important because anytime there is
an increase in donations, there is a reduction of
suffering, and whoever receives an organ has their quality
of life improved, he said. There are many people in the
state of Alaska and the nation who are suffering because
they are in need of an organ.
MR. VIDIC gave a glimpse of his friend John's life. He has
been on dialysis for ten years, has had last rites
pronounced on him twice. He receives dialysis at home
three times per week because he chooses to live in Juneau
with his family, rather than [moving] somewhere where it
can be done for free. Since the dialysis is done Monday,
Wednesday, and Friday, there is a longer period of time
between Friday and Monday and during that time he gains 20
pounds, he explained. He has a special insert in his arm
for drawing the blood in and out. That insert has had to
be moved twice, he said.
Number 1940
MR. VIDIC told of two months of John's life. He was up in
Anchorage and had to have seven-eighths of his thyroid
removed because of a condition that results from being on
dialysis. He was also bleeding rectally so he also had to
have a colonoscopy. Because of his weakened state the
doctor punctured his colon and had to have an emergency
surgery where he had to have an [incision] from his
breastplate down past his navel. On his way home in the
Anchorage airport his stitches burst and had to return to
the hospital. His son, who is 14 years old, had to handle
the 911 call.
MR. VIDIC told the members that this guy is a fighter. In
ten years he hasn't complained. His life is good and he
has his son, something to live for, Mr. Vidic said. He
said that the committee's work will decrease the suffering
of so many people like him.
MR. VIDIC told the members that in his conversation with
his friend, he found that while John has been on a list for
10 years; he has no idea who manages the list or where he
is on the list. He is too busy trying to stay alive. Mr.
Vidic summarized his comments by saying that if one life is
saved because of this legislation, then the members have
done a wonderful thing.
Number 1846
REPRESENTATIVE WOLF commented that Mr. Vidic's testimony
hits home to him because his wife's cousin needs a liver
transplant. He added that she has been on a list for over
12 years. This is a good bill, he said.
CHAIR WILSON encouraged [the members and public] to have
their blood drawn and to register to be a donor.
Number 1799
REPRESENTATIVE GATTO asked if there are age or disease
limitations on being a donor.
Number 1752
MR. VIDIC replied that he understands the limitations are
set by the organ procurement providers. Hospitals will do
a battery of tests both on the individual's physical and
psychological health to see if the donation would be
acceptable.
Number 1752
CHAIR WILSON announced for the record that Representative
Cissna is on-line.
Number 1742
REPRESENTATIVE CISSNA commented that her late husband,
Stan, had the kidney of a nine year old girl and it was the
healthiest part of his body. It gave him nine years of
life that was very rich, she said. She asked for
clarification on the two ways in which a person gets on the
[organ donor] registry. One is getting a blood test and
signing up, and the other is to register through the DMV.
She asked if one is more binding than the other.
Number 1677
CHAIR WILSON explained that a person can get a blood test
and when the registry is looking for a match, then that
individual would be contacted. This [procedure] is with
respect to live donation of a kidney, for instance. Chair
Wilson clarified that this bill is really dealing with the
situation where there has been a death [through an
accident] and the troopers could identify that the
[deceased] person is a donor because of the notation on the
person's driver's license.
REPRESENTATIVE CISSNA asked if the notation on the driver's
license is as binding as the donor who has gone through the
blood test and has gone to the registry.
Number 1609
MR. HILYARD responded that in conversations with LifeCenter
Northwest and DMV he found that the standard is that if
there are two next of kin that will swear an affidavit that
there had been a change in the individual's willingness to
be an organ donor, then that would be grounds to contest
the organ donation. Mr. Hilyard said he was told by
LifeCenter Northwest that that situation does not occur
that frequently. Many times once the organ procurement
organization, such as LifeCenter Northwest, has had the
ability to counsel with the family that frequently the
organ donation intent is upheld and the organs are
harvested. Mr. Hilyard pointed out that the information
from the DMV is just being listed in the registry. The
registry does not list their physical qualifications or any
medical history.
Number 1555
CHAIR WILSON pointed out that it is important to know as
soon as possible if there will be an organ donation because
there is a difference in how the body is taken care of.
Number 1542
REPRESENTATIVE SEATON moved to report CSHB 337(HES) out of
committee with individual recommendations and the
accompanying fiscal notes. There being no objection, CSHB
337(HES) was reported from House Health, Education and
Social Services Standing Committee.
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business before the committee, the
House Health, Education and Social Services Standing
Committee meeting was adjourned at 4:36 p.m.
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