03/21/2024 03:00 PM House HEALTH & SOCIAL SERVICES
| Audio | Topic |
|---|---|
| Start | |
| HB309 | |
| Alaska State Medical Board | |
| HB298 | |
| HCR15 | |
| Adjourn |
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
| + | TELECONFERENCED | ||
| += | HB 187 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| *+ | HB 309 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| += | HB 298 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| *+ | HCR 15 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| + | TELECONFERENCED | ||
| += | HCR 9 | TELECONFERENCED | |
ALASKA STATE LEGISLATURE
HOUSE HEALTH AND SOCIAL SERVICES STANDING COMMITTEE
March 21, 2024
3:05 p.m.
DRAFT
MEMBERS PRESENT
Representative Mike Prax, Chair
Representative Justin Ruffridge, Vice Chair
Representative CJ McCormick
Representative Dan Saddler
Representative Jesse Sumner
Representative Zack Fields
Representative Genevieve Mina
MEMBERS ABSENT
All members present
COMMITTEE CALENDAR
HOUSE BILL NO. 309
"An Act relating to the practice of optometry; and relating to
the delegation of routine services of optometry."
- HEARD & HELD
CONFIRMATION HEARING(S):
Alaska State Medical Board
David Paulson- Anchorage
- CONFIRMATION(S) ADVANCED
SPONSOR SUBSTITUTE FOR HOUSE BILL NO. 298
"An Act relating to the posting of warning signs for alcoholic
beverages."
- MOVED CSSSHB 298(HSS) OUT OF COMMITTEE
HOUSE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION NO. 15
Designating May 2024 as Mental Health Awareness Month; and
designating May 5 - 11, 2024, as Tardive Dyskinesia Awareness
Week.
- MOVED HCR 15 OUT OF COMMITTEE
HOUSE BILL NO. 187
"An Act relating to utilization review entities; exempting
certain health care providers from making preauthorization
requests for certain services; and providing for an effective
date."
- BILL HEARING CANCELED
PREVIOUS COMMITTEE ACTION
BILL: HB 309
SHORT TITLE: DELEGATION OF ROUTINE OPTOMETRY SERVICES
SPONSOR(s): REPRESENTATIVE(s) RUFFRIDGE
02/07/24 (H) READ THE FIRST TIME - REFERRALS
02/07/24 (H) HSS, L&C
03/21/24 (H) HSS AT 3:00 PM DAVIS 106
BILL: HB 298
SHORT TITLE: ALCOHOL WARNING SIGNS ON LIC. PREMISES
SPONSOR(s): REPRESENTATIVE(s) GRAY
01/29/24 (H) READ THE FIRST TIME - REFERRALS
01/29/24 (H) HSS, L&C
01/31/24 (H) SPONSOR SUBSTITUTE INTRODUCED
01/31/24 (H) READ THE FIRST TIME - REFERRALS
01/31/24 (H) HSS, L&C
03/12/24 (H) HSS AT 3:00 PM DAVIS 106
03/12/24 (H) Heard & Held
03/12/24 (H) MINUTE(HSS)
03/21/24 (H) HSS AT 3:00 PM DAVIS 106
BILL: HCR 15
SHORT TITLE: MENTAL HEALTH MONTH; TARDIVE DYSK WEEK
SPONSOR(s): HEALTH & SOCIAL SERVICES
03/13/24 (H) READ THE FIRST TIME - REFERRALS
03/13/24 (H) HSS
03/21/24 (H) HSS AT 3:00 PM DAVIS 106
WITNESS REGISTER
REPRESENTATIVE JUSTIN RUFFRIDGE
Alaska State Legislature
Juneau, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: As prime sponsor, Introduced HB 309.
JAMES SEXTON, Staff
Representative Justin Ruffridge
Alaska State Legislature
Juneau, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: On behalf of Representative Ruffridge,
prime sponsor, Gave a sectional analysis and a presentation on
HB 309.
DAMIEN DELZER, O.D. President-Elect
Alaska Optometric Association
Fairbanks, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Gave invited testimony on HB 309.
ELIZABETH STEVENS, Executive Director
Alaska Optometric Association
Anchorage, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support HB 309.
KATHLEEN RICE, representing self
Kenai, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of HB 309.
BRADLEY CROSS, Optometrist
Soldotna, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Gave testimony on HB 309.
DAVID PAULSON, M.D. Appointee
State Medical Board
Anchorage, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified as appointee to the Alaska State
Medical Board.
REPRESENTATIVE ANDREW GRAY
Alaska State Legislature
Juneau, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: As prime sponsor, offered comment during
the heading on HB 298.
SHAWN VAIMO, MD, Self/Board Member
Alaska Academy of Family Physicians
Girdwood, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of HB 298.
TIFFANY HALL, Executive Director
Recover Alaska
Anchorage, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of HB 298.
NOELLE LOCONTE, representing self
Madison, Wisconsin
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of HB 298.
JOYCE SONG, representing self
Durham, North Carolina
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of HB 298.
JOAN WILSON, Director
Alcohol & Marijuana Control Office
Anchorage, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Answered a question from Representative
Fields.
RILEY NYE, Staff
Representative Mike Prax
Alaska State Legislature
Juneau, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Introduced HCR 15.
ANN RINGSTAD, Executive Director
National Alliance on Mental Illness Alaska
Anchorage, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of HCR 15.
ACTION NARRATIVE
3:05:15 PM
CHAIR PRAX called the House Health and Social Services Standing
Committee meeting to order at 3:05 p.m. Representatives
McCormick, Saddler, Sumner, Fields, Mina, Ruffridge, and Chair
Prax were present at the call to order.
HB 309-DELEGATION OF ROUTINE OPTOMETRY SERVICES
3:08:05 PM
CHAIR PRAX announced that the first order of business would be
HOUSE BILL NO. 309 "An Act relating to the practice of
optometry; and relating to the delegation of routine services of
optometry."
3:08:51 PM
REPRESENTATIVE JUSTIN RUFFRIDGE, Alaska State Legislature, as
prime sponsor, introduced HB 309, saying that passage of HB 309
would remedy the exclusion of optometrists in the state, and
that it would bring the request to the Board of Optometrists.
3:10:21 PM
JAMES SEXTON, Staff, Representative Justin Ruffridge, Alaska
State Legislature, on behalf of Representative Ruffridge, prime
sponsor, gave a PowerPoint presentation on HB 309 [hardcopy
included in the committee packet]. He began on slide one of his
presentation, explaining that optometric practices do note have
current statute language defining their authority. He compared
other healthcare professions in Alaska that do have statutory
definitions of their authority and gave examples of the tasks
and medical duties of an optometrist. He said the current
challenges faced by optometrists are rising patient load,
absence of assistance, and financial burden. He explained the
impacts of HB 309, saying there is great support for this bill
and what the goal of the bill would be.
MR. SEXTON gave a sectional analysis on HB 309[included in
committee packet], which read as follows [original punctuation
provided]:
Section 1
(7) authorizes an optometrist licensed under the
chapter to delegate routine services and ensures
regulations must (A) require that an agent not
licensed under the chapter must meet standards
established by the Board.
(B) prohibits an optometrist from delegating duties
related to pain management and opiod use and addiction
(C) Defines the phrase "routine services of
optometry".
Section 2
(a) and (b) refers to section 1 services that are
delegated by the Optometry Board.
Section 3
Allows for the practice of routine services of
optometry as delegated by the Board established in
Section 1.
3:15:21 PM
DAMIEN DELZER, O.D. President-Elect, Alaska Optometric
Association, He explained that HB 309 is legislation requested
by the Board of Optometry, saying that it addresses many issues
raised by the board. He said that while many states recognize
optometry as a medical authority, Alaska does not. He said that
assistance improves access to nearly all types of medical care.
He said that HB 309 would help to decrease patient cost and
improve access. He gave examples of what optometrists do beside
eye care and explained that HB 309 would allow for specific
language to create regulation on optometry.
3:19:14 PM
REPRESENTATIVE SUMNER asked what routine services are in an
optometrist's office.
DR. DELZER said the assessment of vision, taking a photograph of
the eyes for interpretation, performing scans for the
interpretation of the doctor, and performance of vision tests,
are some of the duties performed by a technician or assistant.
3:20:26 PM
ELIZABETH STEVENS, Executive Director, Alaska Optometric
Association, explained what the bill would do to ease workload
in optometrists' offices. She stated the association's strong
support of HB 309.
3:21:35 PM
KATHLEEN RICE, representing self, voiced her support for HB 309.
She said that Alaska optometrists have had a long-time authority
to delegate tasks to technicians and assistants, and that this
bill would allow an optometrist to delegate tasks to a
technician or assistant. She said it would update statute to
match what optometrists across Alaska are already doing. She
said it would relieve optometrists of many duties that may take
away from their work as optometrists.
3:24:49 PM
REPRESENTATIVE FIELDS asked Representative Ruffridge what the
clean-up of statute would look like.
3:25:13 PM
REPRESENTATIVE RUFFRIDGE said there is none that he is aware of,
and that he would have to look into it. He said that is not
something he looked at in preparation for this bill.
3:25:52 PM
CHAIR PRAX opened public testimony. After ascertaining that
there was no one who wished to testify, he closed public
testimony.
3:26:36 PM
BRADLEY CROSS, Optometrist, said that optometry is responsible
for primary eye care in Alaska. He said that optometry has shown
itself to be safe, sustainable, and economically beneficial. He
said that HB 309 would correct the current statute to allow
optometrists to delegate tasks to technicians and assistants, as
they are allowed to in other places of the country. He said that
as Alaska's population ages, optometrists will be more important
than ever, and that this bill would help solve that problem.
3:30:54 PM
CHAIR PRAX announced that HB 309 was held over.
3:31:21 PM
The committee took an at-ease from 3:31 p.m. to 3:33. p.m.
3:33:36 PM
^CONFIRMATION HEARING(S):
CONFIRMATION HEARING(S):
^Alaska State Medical Board
Alaska State Medical Board
DAVID PAULSON, M.D. Appointee, State Medical Board, explained
his history in the medical field and medical politics, as well
as explained his focus as a board appointee.
3:34:50 PM
REPRESENTATIVE MINA said that there isn't much geographic
diversity on the state medical board and asked how Dr. Paulson
would address rural issues with the whole board being from
Anchorage.
DR. PAULSON said he doesn't specifically have a solution for it,
but it should be brought up in a board meeting to bring more
attention to the issue.
3:36:03 PM
REPRESENTATIVE FIELDS mentioned Dr. Paulson's history with anti-
masking during the COVID-19 Pandemic and his history taking
different sides on medical issues.
DR. PAULSON answered that he isn't an anti-masker, that his
opinions aren't contrary to those of the medical community.
3:36:54 PM
CHAIR PRAX asked if Dr. Paulson came across anything during his
time on the board that is of particular interest.
DR. PAULSON said that there are some areas in virtual care and
telemedicine and Artificial Intelligence (AI) that need to be
addressed.
3:38:12 PM
CHAIR PRAX opened public testimony on the confirmation hearing.
After ascertaining that there was no one in the room who wished
to testify, he closed public testimony.
3:38:45 PM
DR. PAULSON, in response to committee questions, indicated he
would send additional biographical information to Representative
Saddler and responded to Representative Fields that he had not
been the one to redact information from [his resume].
3:41:19 PM
The committee took an at-ease from 3:41 p.m. to 3:43 p.m.
HB 298-ALCOHOL WARNING SIGNS ON LIC. PREMISES
3:43:05 PM
CHAIR PRAX announced that the next order of business would be
HOUSE BILL NO. 298 "An Act relating to the posting of warning
signs for alcoholic beverages."
3:43:41 PM
REPRESENTATIVE ANDREW GRAY, Alaska State Legislature, as prime
sponsor of HB 298, said that the purpose of this bill was for
the public to be more informed of the risks of what they are
consuming.
3:44:44 PM
CHAIR PRAX opened public testimony on HB 298.
3:45:24 PM
SHAWN VAIMO, MD, Self/Board Member, Alaska Academy of Family
Physicians, Testified on behalf of himself and the academy board
in support of HB 298. He reiterated Representative Gray's point
that the majority of the public does not know that Alcohol is a
carcinogen. He said that this bill is important to make the
public aware.
3:46:23 PM
DR. VAIMO, in response to a question from Representative Saddler
as to which other substances beside tobacco could be considered
for warning labels, listed per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances
(PFAS), among other carcinogenic substances.
3:48:41 PM
REPRESENTATIVE SADDLER emphasized his question.
3:49:02 PM
TIFFANY HALL, Executive Director, Recover Alaska, gave her full
support for HB 298, explaining that alcohol is the deadliest
drug in Alaska, and that it is a medical fact that alcohol
causes cancer. She said knowledge is power, and public awareness
is critical. She said that alcohol is addictive, and people know
more about other risks of alcohol beside cancer. She emphasized
the need for a long-term medical campaign from the state. She
said any reduction in consumption will lower rates of harms of
alcohol.
3:51:58 PM
NOELLE LOCONTE, representing self, gave her endorsement of HB
298. She said that it is uncontested in the medical community
that alcohol causes cancer. She said that only 30 percent of the
public knows that alcohol causes cancer, compared to 60 percent
for UV light and 80 percent for tobacco. She expressed hope that
this bill would reduce consumption. She gave examples of what
types of cancer alcohol could cause.
3:54:19 PM
JOYCE SONG, representing self, testified in support of HB 298.
She emphasized the connection between alcohol use and cancer.
3:55:40 PM
CHAIR PRAX closed public testimony on HB 298.
3:55:50 PM
REPRESENTATIVE SUMNER asked if Representative Gray could provide
animal studies that find that ethanol alcohol causes cancer.
3:56:38 PM
REPRESENTATIVE GRAY said that his staff would provide the
committee with any studies needed.
3:56:57 PM
The committee took an at-ease from 3:56 p.m. to 3:59. p.m.
3:59:47 PM
REPRESENTATIVE MINA moved to adopt Amendment 1 to HB 298,
labeled 33-LS1074\S.1, C. Radford, 3/19/24, which read as
follows:
Page 1, line 9, following "defects":
Insert ", including fetal alcohol spectrum
disorder"
CHAIR PRAX objected for the purpose of discussion
REPRESENTATIVE MINA explained that the amendment would add five
words to the bill, and how it would bring awareness of fetal
alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD). She said that this bill would
add five words to the proposed sign change at alcohol sale
stores. She said that FASD is an important issue for the state
to address, and that the warning label proposed by the amendment
would make a good change.
4:02:31 PM
REPRESENTATIVE RUFFRIDGE said that he generally supports
Amendment 1 but worries about cluttering up the new proposed
sign. He mentioned that the current sign is "very easy to
ignore."
4:03:43 PM
REPRESENTATIVE FIELDS asked if there would still be a net word
reduction from the current sign if Amendment 1 were adopted.
REPRESENTATIVE MINA said that she would do the math on the spot.
4:04:33 PM
REPRESENTATIVE MCCORMICK asked for input from the bill sponsor.
REPRESENTATIVE GRAY offered his understanding that with
Amendment 1, the word count would remain the same. He said he
feels neutral about the word increase, as the original goal of
the bill was to make the new signs more noticeable with fewer
words.
4:05:46 PM
REPRESENTATIVE SADDLER opined that brevity is more effective in
communicating the dangers of FASD.
4:06:34 PM
REPRESENTATIVE FIELDS deferred his question to Ms. Wilson and
asked if the sign displayed could include a picture.
4:06:59 PM
JOAN WILSON, Director, Alcohol & Marijuana Control Office,
Answered a question from Representative Fields. She said that
she believes there is the flexibility to put a sign with
pictures up.
REPRESENTATIVE FIELDS said that he sees an opportunity to
communicate more clearly and thinks a simpler sign is better.
4:07:47 PM
REPRESENTATIVE SUMNER said that he opposes Amendment 1 in the
name of keeping the sign as concise as possible.
4:08:20 PM
REPRESENTATIVE MINA echoed that Amendment 1 would result in a
sign with the same number of words. Nevertheless, after
listening to discussion, she would be withdrawing Amendment 1.
She added that a QR code idea is a good way to educate people on
the effects of birth defects.
4:09:27 PM
The committee took an at-ease from 4:09 p.m. to 4:09 p.m.
4:09:53 PM
REPRESENTATIVE MINA withdrew Amendment 1.
4:10:07 PM
REPRESENTATIVE FIELDS moved to adopt Amendment 2 to HB 298,
labeled 33-LS1074\S.2, C. Radford, 3/20/24, which read as
follows:
Page 1, following line 2:
Insert a new bill section to read:
"* Section 1. AS 04.21.065(a) is amended to read:
(a) A holder of one of the following types of
licenses or permits shall post on the licensed or
designated premises two [THREE] separate warning signs
as described in (b) of this section:
(1) brewery manufacturer license under
AS 04.09.020 with a manufacturer sampling endorsement
under AS 04.09.410;
(2) winery manufacturer license under
AS 04.09.030 with a manufacturer sampling endorsement
under AS 04.09.410;
(3) distillery manufacturer license under
AS 04.09.040 with a manufacturer sampling endorsement
under AS 04.09.410;
(4) beverage dispensary license under
AS 04.09.200;
(5) restaurant or eating place license
under AS 04.09.210;
(6) club license under AS 04.09.220;
(7) package store license under
AS 04.09.230;
(8) pub license under AS 04.09.240;
(9) theater license under AS 04.09.250;
(10) common carrier dispensary license
under AS 04.09.260;
(11) sporting activity or event license
under AS 04.09.270;
(12) outdoor recreation lodge license under
AS 04.09.280;
(13) fair license under AS 04.09.290;
(14) golf course license under
AS 04.09.300;
(15) destination resort license under
AS 04.09.310;
(16) brewery retail license under
AS 04.09.320;
(17) winery retail license under
AS 04.09.330;
(18) distillery retail license under
AS 04.09.340;
(19) beverage dispensary tourism license
under AS 04.09.350;
(20) seasonal restaurant or eating place
tourism license under AS 04.09.360;
(21) beverage dispensary caterer's permit
under AS 04.09.610;
(22) restaurant caterer's dining permit
under AS 04.09.620;
(23) club caterer's permit under
AS 04.09.630;
(24) art exhibit event permit under
AS 04.09.640;
(25) music festival permit under
AS 04.09.650;
(26) nonprofit organization event permit
under AS 04.09.660;
(27) package store tasting event permit
under AS 04.09.680;
(28) conditional contractor's permit under
AS 04.09.710;
(29) another license or permit issued by
the board authorizing consumption of alcoholic
beverages."
Page 1, line 3:
Delete "Section 1"
Insert "Sec. 2"
Page 1, line 8:
Delete "OR SMOKING CIGARETTES]"
Insert "] or smoking cigarettes"
Page 1, line 10, following "WARNING:":
Insert "An unaccompanied person under 21 years of
age who enters these premises in violation of law may,
under AS 04.16.049(e), be civilly liable for damages
of $1,500."
Page 1, lines 12 - 15:
Delete "The third sign must read, "WARNING: An
unaccompanied person under 21 years of age who enters
these premises in violation of law may, under
AS 04.16.049(e), be civilly liable for damages of
$1,500."
Insert "[THE THIRD SIGN MUST READ, "WARNING: AN
UNACCOMPANIED PERSON UNDER 21 YEARS OF AGE WHO ENTERS
THESE PREMISES IN VIOLATION OF LAW MAY, UNDER
AS 04.16.049(e), BE CIVILLY LIABLE FOR DAMAGES OF
$1,500."]"
Page 1, line 15:
Delete "and second signs"
Insert "sign [AND SECOND SIGNS]"
Page 2, line 1:
Delete "them"
Insert "it [THEM]"
Page 2, line 3:
Delete "third"
Insert "second [THIRD]"
REPRESENTATIVE SADDLER objected for the purpose of discussion.
REPRESENTATIVE FIELDS said that Amendment 2 presents an
opportunity to communicate more clearly with small businesses
and make the application of this bill easier. He explained that
the amendment decreases the number of signs that must be
displayed inside an establishment from three to two. He said if
Amendment 2 is adopted, it would delegate the design of the new
sign to the Department of Commerce. He said he believes that
there could be a consolidation of information to one sign inside
the establishment for brevity.
4:12:36 PM
REPRESENTATIVE SADDLER asked what the purpose of the individual
citations in Amendment 2 was.
REPRESENTATIVE FIELDS said he is questioning existing statutory
language and is only proposing a change in the number of signs
from three to two.
4:13:18 PM
MS. WILSON said that is accurate, the only thing being changed
are certain lines and displaying two signs instead of three.
REPRESENTATIVE SADDLER cited Alaska Statute, explaining a
perceived conflict.
MS. WILSON said to talk to someone who knows more and explained
her thoughts on the Statute. She said that the section being
referred to doesn't require that a sign display all statutory
references for all related entities.
REPRESENTATIVE SADDLER said that Amendment 2 does not have
specific language related to beverage dispensary licenses.
REPRESENTAIVE FIELDS asked if leg legal was online, as he
thought that the questions were to do with a rewrite of a
current title under Alaska statute. He emphasized Amendment 2
would not change existing statute.
4:15:09 PM
The committee took an at-ease from 4:15 p.m. to 4:15 p.m.
4:15:39 PM
REPRESENTATIVE SADDLER said that he would need to look at
section laws instead. He asked if this is a lot of language to
put on a sign.
REPRESENTATIVE FIELDS said he is not changing the language
around minors entering a serving establishment, rather the
amendment is adding information about health risks surrounding
alcohol consumption inside the establishment.
4:16:34 PM
MS. WILSON said that Amendment 2 is meant to take two 11x17-inch
signs and combine them into one sign. She said it would be a
good way to reduce clutter inside the businesses.
4:17:19 PM
REPRESENTATIVE SADDLER clarified his earlier remarks and said he
stands corrected.
4:17:37 PM
REPRESENTATIVE RUFFRIDGE asked Representative Fields if the
intention of Amendment 2 was to add back in language relating to
the risks of cigarettes.
REPRESENTATIVE FIELDS said he doesn't have a position on that,
and that the goal of the amendment was consolidation.
REPRESENTATIVE RUFFRIDGE asked for clarification on page 2, line
23 of Amendment 2, saying it aims to reintroduce the cigarette
language to warning signs in establishments.
REPRESENTATIVE FIELDS asked Representative Gray for
clarification.
4:18:51 PM
REPRESENTATIVE GRAY said that it was obsolete language because
smoking is no longer allowed indoors.
REPRESENTATIVE RUFFRIDGE asked if the committee could eliminate
certain lines in a conceptual amendment to Amendment 2.
4:19:58 PM
REPRESENTATIVE SUMNER moved to adopt Conceptual Amendment 1 to
Amendment 2 to strike lines 23-26 [as numbered in Amendment 2].
There being no objection, Conceptual Amendment 1 to Amendment 2
was adopted.
4:20:41 PM
REPRESENTATIVE MINA asked if Representative Fields could walk
through the differences between the current and proposed signs.
4:20:55 PM
REPRESENTATIVE FIELDS said that it is based on consultation with
Ms. Wilson.
4:21:11 PM
MS. WILSON explained the differences between the current sign
and the proposed one, mainly the age warning and the restaurant
warning sign.
REPRESENTATIVE MINA asked if the language would include the
information that says a minor cannot be in an establishment nor
furnish alcohol to a minor.
MS. WILSON said the sign outside should warn the minor, and the
sign inside should warn of furnishing alcohol to a minor.
4:22:58 PM
REPRESENTATIVE SUMNER explained his understanding of Amendment 2
that it is combining language warning minors of being on the
establishment's premises with the language that no one may
furnish alcohol to a minor.
4:23:17 PM
REPRESENTATIVE FIELDS said he believes that is correct.
REPRESENTATIVE SUMNER clarified he said that because he saw
certain language on a different line.
4:23:52 PM
REPRESENTATIVE RUFFRIDGE said "The scary sign outside will be a
lot scarier with a lot more words and a lot more dollars."
REPRESENTATIVE MINA said she supports Amendment 2 [as amended].
She gave a comment that the removal of the cigarette language on
the sign is appropriate in the context of the bill, but she
worries because tobacco use is on the rise.
4:25:12 PM
REPRESENTATIVE SADDLER asked for clarification on a motion.
4:25:36 PM
REPRESENTATIVE SADDLER withdrew his objection to Amendment 2, as
amended.
There being no further objection, Amendment 2, as amended by
conceptual amendment 1, was adopted.
4:26:35 PM
The committee took an at-ease from 4:26 p.m. to 4:27. p.m.
4:28:03 PM
REPRESENTATIVE RUFFRIDGE moved to report HB 298, as amended, out
of committee with individual recommendations and the
accompanying fiscal notes. There being no objection, CSHB
298(HSS) was reported out of the House Health and Social
Services Standing Committee.
4:28:42 PM
The committee took an at-ease from 4:28 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.
HCR 15-MENTAL HEALTH MONTH; TARDIVE DYSK WEEK
4:31:57 PM
CHAIR PRAX announced that the final order of business would be
HOUSE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION NO. 15 Designating May 2024 as
Mental Health Awareness Month; and designating May 5 - 11, 2024,
as Tardive Dyskinesia Awareness Week.
4:32:23 PM
RILEY NYE, Staff, Representative Mike Prax, Alaska State
Legislature, explaining that HCR 15 would shine a light on
mental health awareness and said that a large portion of
Alaskans have a mental health condition. He explained that HCR
15 would designate may as mental Health awareness month, and
this would allow for mental health to become a priority in
Alaska.
4:34:12 PM
CHAIR PRAX opened public testimony on HCR 15.
4:35:33 PM
ANN RINGSTAD, Executive Director, National Alliance on Mental
Illness Alaska, Testified in support of HCR 15. She said that
NAMI's mission is to eliminate stigma with mental illness, and
complimented Mr. Nye's analysis. She said that more than half of
the people in the United States Affected by Mental health issues
didn't seek out treatment. She said anyone is susceptible to
mental health issues, and that NAMI provides this resolution to
increase awareness and treatment of mental health issues. She
said this resolution is important for mental health awareness.
4:38:00 PM
CHAIR PRAX asked about the statistics of anti-psychotic drugs.
MS. RINGSTAD said there are many physiological effects of
medication, and that many under prescription don't seek out
help.
CHAIR PRAX asked if there are alternative treatments to
medication.
MS. RINGSTAD said she is not a physician, but recommended people
go to a provider to discuss alternative treatments.
4:39:14 PM
REPRESENTATIVE SADDLER asked if there is an understanding for
the cause of the high rate of serious mental illness in Alaska.
MS. RINGSTAD responded, "Who knows?" She said that all anyone
can do is focus on awareness and direct resources towards
treatment of those affected.
REPRESENTATIVE SADDLER said there are several different
observance months and weeks, and asked how making May mental
health awareness month would impact mental health awareness and
treatment.
MS. RINGSTAD answered that it would give legislators an
opportunity to bring to light the issue.
4:42:02 PM
CHAIR PRAX closed public testimony on HCR 15.
The committee took an at-ease from 4:42 p.m. to 4:43. p.m.
4:43:01 PM
REPRESENTATIVE RUFFRIDGE moved to report HCR 15 out of committee
with individual recommendations and the accompanying fiscal
notes. There being no objection, HCR 15 was reported out of the
House Health and Social Services Standing Committee.
4:43:44 PM
The committee took an at-ease from 4:43 p.m. to 4:45 p.m.
4:46:06 PM
CHAIR PRAX announced that the final order of business would be
HOUSE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION NO. 9, Recognizing the need for
parity in the provision of mental health and substance use
disorder medical assistance benefits in the state; and urging
the Department of Health to adopt regulations that ensure parity
in the provision of mental health and substance use disorder
medical assistance benefits in the state.
REPRESENTATIVE RUFFRIDGE moved to adopt and attach Fiscal Note
LEG-SESSOMB Component #0 to HCR 9.
There being no objection, the fiscal note was adopted and
attached to HCR 9, [previously moved out of committee on
03/19/24].
[HCR 9 was held over.]
4:47:26 PM
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business before the committee, the House
Health and Social Services Standing Committee meeting was
adjourned at 4:47 p.m.
| Document Name | Date/Time | Subjects |
|---|---|---|
| David Paulson Medical Board App_Redacted.pdf |
HHSS 3/21/2024 3:00:00 PM |
Governor's Appointee |
| HB 309 Sectional Analysis.pdf |
HHSS 3/21/2024 3:00:00 PM |
HB 309 |
| HB 309 Sponsor Statement.pdf |
HHSS 3/21/2024 3:00:00 PM |
HB 309 |
| HB 309 Version A.pdf |
HHSS 3/21/2024 3:00:00 PM |
HB 309 |
| HCR 15 Version A.pdf |
HHSS 3/21/2024 3:00:00 PM |
HCR 15 |
| HB 309 Fiscal Note DCCED-CBPL.pdf |
HHSS 3/21/2024 3:00:00 PM |
HB 309 |
| HB 309 presentation.pdf |
HHSS 3/21/2024 3:00:00 PM |
HB 309 |
| HB 309 Support AKOA.pdf |
HHSS 3/21/2024 3:00:00 PM |
HB 309 |
| HB 298 Amendment S.2 #2.pdf |
HHSS 3/21/2024 3:00:00 PM |
HB 298 |
| HB 298 Amendment S.1 #1.pdf |
HHSS 3/21/2024 3:00:00 PM |
HB 298 |
| HB 309- Memo Regarding Delegation Authority.pdf |
HHSS 3/21/2024 3:00:00 PM |
HB 309 |
| HCR 9 Fiscal Note LEG-SESS.pdf |
HHSS 3/21/2024 3:00:00 PM |
HCR 9 |
| HCR 15 Mental Health and TD Factsheet.pdf |
HHSS 3/21/2024 3:00:00 PM |
HCR 15 |
| HCR 15 TDAW 2024 Infographic_2024.pdf |
HHSS 3/21/2024 3:00:00 PM |
HCR 15 |
| HCR 15 Fiscal Note LEG-SESS.pdf |
HHSS 3/21/2024 3:00:00 PM |
HCR 15 |
| HB 298-Letter of Support FASD.pdf |
HHSS 3/21/2024 3:00:00 PM |
HB 298 |
| HCR 15 Sponsor Statement 3.22.24.pdf |
HHSS 3/21/2024 3:00:00 PM |
HCR 15 |
| HCR 9 AHHA Support.pdf |
HHSS 3/21/2024 3:00:00 PM |
HCR 9 |
| HCR 9 ANHB Support.pdf |
HHSS 3/21/2024 3:00:00 PM |
HCR 9 |