Legislature(2019 - 2020)BUTROVICH 205
03/20/2020 01:30 PM Senate HEALTH & SOCIAL SERVICES
Note: the audio ![]()
and video ![]()
recordings are distinct records and are obtained from different sources. As such there may be key differences between the two. The audio recordings are captured by our records offices as the official record of the meeting and will have more accurate timestamps. Use the icons to switch between them.
| Audio | Topic |
|---|---|
| Start | |
| HB133 | |
| Confirmation Hearing(s) | |
| Adjourn |
* first hearing in first committee of referral
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
| + | TELECONFERENCED | ||
| += | HB 133 | TELECONFERENCED | |
ALASKA STATE LEGISLATURE
SENATE HEALTH AND SOCIAL SERVICES STANDING COMMITTEE
March 20, 2020
1:40 p.m.
MEMBERS PRESENT
Senator David Wilson, Chair
Senator Mike Shower
Senator Tom Begich
MEMBERS ABSENT
Senator Natasha von Imhof, Vice Chair
Senator Cathy Giessel
COMMITTEE CALENDAR
CONFIRMATION HEARING(S)
Alaska Mental Health Trust Board of Trustees
Anita Halterman Eagle River
Rhonda Boyles - Anchorage
- CONFIRMATIONS ADVANCED
State Medical Board
Lydia Mielke - Big Lake
Sarah Bigelow-Hood - Anchorage
- CONFIRMATIONS ADVANCED
HOUSE BILL NO. 133
"An Act relating to care of juveniles and to juvenile justice;
relating to employment of juvenile probation officers by the
Department of Health and Social Services; relating to terms used
in juvenile justice; relating to mandatory reporters of child
abuse or neglect; relating to sexual assault in the third
degree; relating to sexual assault in the fourth degree;
repealing a requirement for administrative revocation of a
minor's driver's license, permit, privilege to drive, or
privilege to obtain a license for consumption or possession of
alcohol or drugs; and providing for an effective date."
- MOVED HB 133 OUT OF COMMITTEE
PREVIOUS COMMITTEE ACTION
BILL: HB 133
SHORT TITLE: JUVENILES: JUSTICE,FACILITES,TREATMENT
SPONSOR(s): REPRESENTATIVE(s) SPOHNHOLZ
04/15/19 (H) READ THE FIRST TIME - REFERRALS
04/15/19 (H) HSS, JUD
04/23/19 (H) HSS AT 3:00 PM CAPITOL 106
04/23/19 (H) Heard & Held
04/23/19 (H) MINUTE(HSS)
04/25/19 (H) HSS AT 3:00 PM CAPITOL 106
04/25/19 (H) Moved HB 133 Out of Committee
04/25/19 (H) MINUTE(HSS)
04/26/19 (H) HSS RPT 4DP
04/26/19 (H) DP: TARR, DRUMMOND, ZULKOSKY, SPOHNHOLZ
02/05/20 (H) JUD AT 1:45 PM GRUENBERG 120
02/05/20 (H) Heard & Held
02/05/20 (H) MINUTE(JUD)
02/07/20 (H) JUD AT 1:45 PM GRUENBERG 120
02/07/20 (H) -- MEETING CANCELED --
02/10/20 (H) JUD AT 1:00 PM GRUENBERG 120
02/10/20 (H) Moved HB 133 Out of Committee
02/10/20 (H) MINUTE(JUD)
02/12/20 (H) JUD RPT 3DP 2NR
02/12/20 (H) DP: DRUMMOND, STUTES, CLAMAN
02/12/20 (H) NR: SHAW, EASTMAN
02/28/20 (H) TRANSMITTED TO (S)
02/28/20 (H) VERSION: HB 133
03/02/20 (S) READ THE FIRST TIME - REFERRALS
03/02/20 (S) HSS, JUD
03/18/20 (S) HSS AT 1:30 PM BUTROVICH 205
03/18/20 (S) -- Rescheduled to 3/20/20 --
03/20/20 (S) HSS AT 1:30 PM BUTROVICH 205
WITNESS REGISTER
REPRESENTATIVE IVY SPOHNHOLZ
Alaska State Legislature
Juneau, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Sponsor of HB 133.
MEGAN HOLLAND, Staff
Representative Ivy Spohnholz
Alaska State Legislature
POSITION STATEMENT: Presented HB 133 on behalf of the sponsor.
MATT DAVIDSON, Social Services Program Officer
Division of Juvenile Justice
Department of Health and Social Services
Juneau, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Provided information on HB 133.
ANITA HALTERMAN, Appointee
Alaska Mental Health Trust Authority Board of Trustees
Eagle River, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified as appointee to the Alaska Mental
Health Trust Authority Board of Trustees.
RHONDA BOYLES, Appointee
Alaska Mental Health Trust Authority Board of Trustees
Anchorage, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified as appointee to the Alaska Mental
Health Trust Authority Board of Trustees.
SARAH BIGELOW-HOOD, Appointee
State Medical Board
Department of Commerce, Community and Economic Development
Anchorage, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified as appointee to the State Medical
Board.
LYDIA MIELKE, Appointee
State Medical Board
Department of Commerce, Community and Economic Development
Big Lake, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified as appointee to the State Medical
Board.
ACTION NARRATIVE
1:40:31 PM
CHAIR DAVID WILSON called the Senate Health and Social Services
Standing Committee meeting to order at 1:40 p.m. Present at the
call to order were Senators Begich and Chair Wilson. Senator
Shower arrived shortly thereafter.
HB 133-JUVENILES: JUSTICE,FACILITES,TREATMENT
1:41:03 PM
CHAIR WILSON announced the consideration of HOUSE BILL NO. 133,
"An Act relating to care of juveniles and to juvenile justice;
relating to employment of juvenile probation officers by the
Department of Health and Social Services; relating to terms used
in juvenile justice; relating to mandatory reporters of child
abuse or neglect; relating to sexual assault in the third
degree; relating to sexual assault in the fourth degree;
repealing a requirement for administrative revocation of a
minor's driver's license, permit, privilege to drive, or
privilege to obtain a license for consumption or possession of
alcohol or drugs; and providing for an effective date."
1:42:02 PM
REPRESENTATIVE IVY SPOHNHOLZ, Alaska State Legislature, Juneau,
Alaska, sponsor of HB 133, said this bill does three things.
First, it will close a loophole related to sexual abuse of a
minor that was discovered a few years ago; second, it will
update terminology that defines and references Division of
Juvenile Justice (DJJ) facilities and staff; and finally, it
will codify some of the division's best practices.
REPRESENTATIVE SPOHNHOLZ said a loophole related to the crime of
sexual abuse of a minor came to light in 2017 when a DJJ staff
member was acquitted after sustaining an inappropriate sexual
relationship with a minor previously under his supervision. HB
133 would close this loophole by adding DJJ staff to the list of
individuals who are defined as being in a position of authority
over DJJ-affected youth.
REPRESENTATIVE SPOHNHOLZ said HB 133 makes important
clarifications in the language used to describe DJJ facilities
and staff and updates the statutes to reflect the authority and
responsibilities of the division. Some of the current statutory
language is outdated, inaccurate, and obsolete. For example, HB
133 would eliminate the term juvenile work camps from statute
because they have never existed in Alaska. She described 133 as
largely a cleanup bill.
REPRESENTATIVE SPOHNHOLZ said HB 133 will codify best practices
and clarify the division's authority. These changes resolve
issues that reflect the standard operations of the division. For
example, it will add DJJ staff and probation officers to the
list of mandatory reporters of child abuse and neglect. The
division does this in practice, but it should be in statute. HB
133 clarifies that DJJ probation officers have the authority to
file amended petitions. In the past, some petitions have been
denied, inhibiting DJJ probation officers from advocating for
youth when new information comes to light in their cases. It
will also add secure residential psychiatric treatment centers
to the list of facilities for which victims will be notified
when a juvenile is released. It will amend language authorizing
the department to disclose confidential information relating to
the offense when a minor has received adjudication, rather than
the offense the minor was alleged to have committed.
REPRESENTATIVE SPOHNHOLZ said modest but important updates will
ensure that the division, law enforcement, and the courts have
essential clarity.
1:45:39 PM
MEGAN HOLLAND, Staff, Representative Ivy Spohnholz, Alaska State
Legislature, began a PowerPoint presentation on HB 133. She
reviewed slide 2:
Closes a loophole for sexual abuse of minors.
Daniel Carey case in 2013DJJ staff sustained an
inappropriate sexual relationship with a juvenile
under DJJ supervision. They were acquitted because a
judge found that sexual abuse of a minor statute does
not explicitly list DJJ staff as being in a position
of authority over DJJ youth.
Section 6Clarifies that DJJ staff are in a position
of authority over minors in their custody
MS. HOLLAND reviewed slide 3:
Updates and definitions
Repeals
youth counselors, juvenile detention home, youth
detention facility, correctional school, juvenile work
camp, juvenile probation officers, correctional school
Amends
juvenile detention facility, minor
New Definitions
juvenile treatment facility, temporary secure juvenile
holding area, juvenile probation officers
MS. HOLLAND reviewed slide 4:
Repeals
Youth Counselors," Section 24
"Youth Counselors" have not been used in the division
since 2003, the duties described under this section do
not apply to facility staff but to probation officers.
"Juvenile Probation Officers," Section 3
Inaccurate definition, corrected with new definition
in Section 24.
"Juvenile Detention Home," "Youth Detention Facility,"
"Correctional School," and "Juvenile Work Camp,"
Sections 1, 10, 11, 12, 13, 18, 20, 21, 30, 31 and 32
All are repealed and replaced with "juvenile detention
facility" and "juvenile treatment facility" for
accuracy and consistency.
MS. HOLLAND reviewed slide 5:
Amended Definitions
"Minor," Section 28, referenced in section36
Amends the definition of minor to include a person who
was under 18 at the time they committed an offense and
is subject to the jurisdiction of DJJ.
If a minor commits an offense then turns 18 after,
they will remain in DJJ's custody.
"Juvenile Detention Facility," Sections 27 and 35,
referenced in sections 1, 2, 9, 10, 13, 15, 16, 19,
20, 21, 30, 32
Corrects the definition to be a secure facility for
the detention of delinquent minors under DJJ custody.
The current definition limits it to separate quarters
within a city jail, some communities do not have such
a jail suitable for juveniles and use other
facilities.
1:50:01 PM
SENATOR SHOWER read from slide 5, If a minor commits an offense
then turns 18 after, they will remain in DJJ's custody.and
asked how long someone can be detained.
MS. HOLLAND deferred to Matt Davidson.
1:50:42 PM
MATT DAVIDSON, Social Services Program Officer, Division of
Juvenile Justice, Department of Health and Social Services,
Juneau, Alaska, stated that youth can remain in the division's
custody up until their 18th birthday. Under court order, if the
youth is an adjudicated delinquent and has been convicted of a
crime under the juvenile court statutes, the person can stay in
custody an additional year. In some circumstances and with the
minor's permission, youth can say in DJJ custody to continue
services up until the age of 20, but this is relatively rare.
SENATOR SHOWER asked if youth would be remanded to the adult
system the day they turn 20 years of age.
MR. DAVIDSON replied that only happens in rare instances. As a
general rule, youth remain in the juvenile system until their
court order ends and then they are out of the justice system.
SENATOR SHOWER said he wants to prevent housing a 25-year-old
with a 15-year-old.
1:52:38 PM
SENATOR BEGICH pointed out that a juvenile who has committed a
crime that it is so severe that the juvenile is tried as an
adult is not left in the juvenile justice system. He agreed with
Mr. Davidson that it is rare that DJJ jurisdiction would be
extended for an extra two years, but there are some instances
where it will help rehabilitate or improve the youth's chance of
success.
MR. DAVIDSON confirmed that youth whose crimes are waived into
the adult system are not considered juveniles and proceed
through the adult court.
MS. HOLLAND reviewed slide 6:
New Definitions
"Juvenile Treatment Facility," Section 29, referenced
in sections 1, 2, 5, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 16, 19, 30 and
31.
Current statute refers to "juvenile treatment
institutions", however DJJ feels that this terminology
is not reflective of the facilities they operate.
Temporary Secure Juvenile Holding Area," Section 29,
referenced in sections 13, 14, 16, 21, 23 and 32
DJJ already operates with a list of temporary secure
holding areas in various communities throughout the
state.
"Juvenile Probation Officers," Section 24, referenced
in sections 4, 5, 6, 16, 22, 23, 29, 37 and 38.
There is no accurate definition for "juvenile
probation officers" under current statute. Section 24
repeals the definition for "youth counselors" and
replaces it with an updated definition for "juvenile
probation officers", affording them powers of a
probation officer and describing their duties.
REPRESENTATIVE SPOHNHOLZ said this slide highlights three
definitions that the bill seeks to streamline.
SENATOR BEGICH expressed concern about the temporary secure
juvenile holding area change and asked for assurance that this
will not remove the requirement that the state has to adhere to
the reporting requirements of the Federal Juvenile Justice and
Delinquency Prevention Act that provides protections for youth.
He specifically asked for assurance that the new definition of
"temporary secure" does not remove these facilities from
reporting requirements. He noted the state has previously had
difficulty with compliance and it cost the state hundreds of
thousands of dollars.
1:57:53 PM
MR. DAVIDSON assured Senator Begich that the definition will not
negatively impact reporting. The intent of adding a definition
of temporary secure juvenile holding area is to give a term of
reference for part of the federal reporting requirements. The
division has improved its reporting of holding juveniles in
secure locations other than juvenile facilities. Although these
facilities were described in statute, the facilities were not
defined. The division seeks to continue to comply with the
federal law, he said.
SENATOR BEGICH expressed appreciation for the assurance and
acknowledged that the division has worked in the last decade to
bring Alaska fully into compliance.
MS. HOLLAND reviewed slide 7:
Policy Updates: codifying best practices
Section 5: Clarifies that employees of juvenile
treatment institutions and juvenile and adult
probation officers qualify as legal guardians.
Section 8: Clarifies that secure juvenile treatment
facilities are excluded from the definition of
"private exposure."
Section 9: Includes DJJ facilities in the list of
places where public education must be provided.
Sections 16 and 17: Provides juvenile probation
officers with the authority to file amended and
supplemental petitions, and clarifies that for
juveniles this duty falls upon juvenile probation
officers, not adult probation officers.
Sections 22 and 23: Clarifies that the authority to
arrest and detain minors rests with juvenile, not
adult, probation officers.
SENATOR SHOWER asked for an explanation of Section 8.
MS. HOLLAND deferred to Mr. Davidson.
2:01:11 PM
MR. DAVIDSON responded that Section 8 addresses laws relating to
taking images or exposure of people's private parts. There is an
existing exclusion for correctional facilities, detention
facilities, hospitals, and psychiatric centers. This is updating
the terms used to describe juvenile justice facilities in that
section. There is no change in the practice. The division works
to give youth privacy, but there are times when youth are
exposed accidentally. This protects the division against any
litigation or criminal when this happens.
SENATOR SHOWER asked how youth are accidentally exposed and if
this could create a loophole.
MR. DAVIDSON answered that examples include youth exposing
themselves intentionally and photos taken in a hospital setting
to an area that might be considered sensitive. There are times
when youth are potentially exposed, and the bill is attempting
to protect against criminal action.
SENATOR SHOWER asked for the intent of Section 9 and if it
codifies any changes to current practice regarding providing
public education in DJJ facilities.
REPRESENTATIVE SPOHNHOLZ explained that DJJ facilities are
already required to provide education and this clarifies that
obligation in statute.
SENATOR BEGICH added that the bill is modernizing definitions.
Section 9 clarifies what is meant by juvenile detention
facilities as it relates to providing education for children in
such facilities. The language provides coherence and clarity for
the public in this area. He said he is pleased that Senator
Shower is asking questions because people need to hear the
intent on the record and know that nothing nefarious is going
on.
2:06:05 PM
MS. HOLLAND reviewed slide 8:
Policy Updates: codifying best practices
Section 25: Adds "secure residential psychiatric
treatment centers" to the list of facilities from
which, when a juvenile is released, victims will
receive notification.
Section 26: Corrects language authorizing the
department to disclose confidential information
related to an adjudicated offense, rather than the
offense the minor was "alleged to have committed."
Section 38: Adds juvenile probation officers, DJJ
office staff, and staff of juvenile facilities to the
list of mandatory reporters of child abuse or neglect.
Section 39: Repeals revocation of juvenile driver
licenses for offenses involving a controlled substance
that were handled informally by the division.
CHAIR WILSON asked whether Section 25, secure residential
psychiatric treatment centers, was in lieu of going to a
different type of secure facility. Someone convicted of a crime
may be sentenced to a residential psychiatric treatment center
and the state may not have the proper level of care. Many kids
in Alaska are sent to a rehab center in Texas. If someone is
released from the center in Texas, he asked who has the
responsibility to make the notification, DJJ or the entity in
Texas.
REPRESENTATIVE SPOHNHOLZ replied DJJ is responsible for victim
notification but that is not clear right now for youth sent to
secure psychiatric treatment centers. The bill seeks to ensure
that victims are notified when someone who is alleged to have
committed or has been convicted of a dangerous crime is
released.
SENATOR BEGICH said notification currently is limited, and might
abrogate the victim's right to know, because the statute only
identifies a juvenile justice facility. This provides better
protection.
REPRESENTATIVE SPOHNHOLZ added that this is about clarity for
victim notification and ensuring that it can happen. Now it is
essentially prohibited.
CHAIR WILSON summarized that the victim would only know that the
person was released from custody, but the notification would not
break HIPAA rights by stating that someone was released from a
psychiatric center.
REPRESENTATIVE SPOHNHOLZ agreed.
SENATOR SHOWER asked if Section 38 codifies current practice.
REPRESENTATIVE SPOHNHOLZ answered yes; this is happening in
practice, but identifying DJJ personnel as mandatory reporters
should be law because it is so important. The department
supports this provision.
SENATOR SHOWER asked for a plain English explanation of Section
39.
2:10:16 PM
REPRESENTATIVE SPOHNHOLZ said Section 39 relates to substance
use abuse issues. She explained that it is technically legal for
the department to negotiate an informal agreement to take away a
juvenile's driver's license in such a case instead of going to
court, but that is not allowed in cases that have gone to trial.
She said the system should be equitable and punishment for a
less serious case being resolved informally should be the same
as for a more serious case being resolved formally.
SENATOR SHOWER asked if this might tie the department's hands by
requiring it not enforce something or moving it to the
appropriate place for adjudication.
MS. HOLLAND advised that in 2016, DJJ's authority to petition
for revocation of driver licenses for adjudicated cases was
repealed, but the court's authority to revoke driver's licenses
for the same offenses was not repealed. The courts still have
this discretionary tool under AS 28.15.185(k).
SENATOR BEGICH added that it is an automatic revocation under AS
47.12.06(b)(5). He said this still allows discretion, depending
on the nature of the crime, but it eliminates an automatic
revocation that makes no sense in many diverted cases. With
diversion, the attempt is to keep a kid out of the system and
there should be as many tools as possible for the kid to
succeed, he said.
SENATOR SHOWER asked for confirmation that with this bill the
department retains the ability to do this.
SENATOR BEGICH said yes; all sorts of conditions can be in a
probation agreement or diversion agreement or informal
agreement. In an adjudicated case, those decisions would be in
the hands of a judge and out of the probation officer's hands.
MS. HOLLAND summarized that HB 133 closes a loophole regarding
sexual abuse of minors, updates terms and definitions pertaining
to DJJ facilities and staff, and codifies best practices to
improve the division's ability to complete its mission.
2:15:43 PM
CHAIR WILSON thanked the sponsor for carrying the bill and
solicited a motion.
2:16:12 PM
SENATOR SHOWER moved to report HB 133, version M, from committee
with individual recommendations and attached fiscal note.
There being no objection, HB 133 was reported from the Senate
Health and Social Services Standing Committee.
2:16:24 PM
At ease
^CONFIRMATION HEARING(S)
CONFIRMATION HEARING(S)
Alaska Mental Health Trust Board of Trustees
State Medical Board
2:18:40 PM
CHAIR WILSON reconvened the meeting and announced the
consideration of the governor's appointees for the Alaska Mental
Health Trust Authority Board of Trustees and the State Medical
Board. He called on the appointees for the Mental Health Trust
Authority.
2:19:01 PM
ANITA HALTERMAN, Appointee, Alaska Mental Health Trust Authority
Board of Trustees, Eagle River, Alaska, said she took on the
role of a trustee in August 2019. She said she just became the
chair of the audit and risk committee. Serving on the board has
expanded her knowledge and given her more opportunities to pay
back society. She said she is learning about strategies and
funding opportunities that can help shape meaningful reform for
programs.
MS. HALTERMAN said she arrived in Alaska in the 80s after being
discharged from the U.S. Army. She and her family have lived in
Eagle River for over 25 years. She earned an MBA and has an
extensive background working for the Department of Health and
Social Services (DHSS) in both Iowa and Alaska. She worked in
the Alaska State Legislature for 10 years.
MS. HALTERMAN said she worked with welfare reform initiatives in
two states and helped kick off Alaska's first food stamp
reinvestment plan after the department was sanctioned for high
error rates in the 90s. She has trained staff on regulations,
programs, and policies in welfare offices throughout Alaska. Her
life's work has been devoted to working with underserved
populations. She finds it rewarding to improve programs and
services in order to better provide services for the programs'
beneficiaries. After she left the legislature, she started a
consulting business. She obtained licenses as an insurance
producer with lines of authority in Alaska for accidents, health
and life and lines of authority in Washington for life and
disability. She began working for an information technology
company as an account executive. This has given her new
perspective about the health care needs for privately insured
individuals.
MS. HALTERMAN said she wants to use her experience to reform
programs so they can be sustained for populations that need them
the most. She looks forward to working to improve the lives of
trust beneficiaries and to work in partnership with DHSS and
other stakeholders to help build an integrated, comprehensive
mental health program that better meets the needs of the
beneficiaries.
2:23:31 PM
SENATOR BEGICH asked how she feels AMHTA is working and her
level of confidence with the current leadership, both in terms
of the director and the board.
MS. HALTERMAN answered that she is learning as much as she can
about AMHTA in a short period of time. She is impressed by the
staff, who were very accommodating while she was working full
time. She has been studying AMHTA's issues and is impressed by
the opportunities the board has put forth and the thoughtfulness
with which staff seeks future services for beneficiaries. She
wants to be part of maintaining that progress, finding new
opportunities, and introducing some technology. She acknowledged
the AMHTA faces challenges for the Trust and its beneficiaries
as its health care systems are modernized. The coronavirus has
forced the board to look at things differently than in the past.
It has a strong leadership team that is open to reforming its
programs in a meaningful manner. She looks forward to working
with them and sharing her insights.
2:25:44 PM
RHONDA BOYLES, Appointee, Alaska Mental Health Trust Authority
Board of Trustees, Anchorage, Alaska, said she has lived in
Alaska since 1975. Until just three years she lived full-time in
the Interior. For the last three years she has been in Phoenix
with her husband but returned to Anchorage after his death. The
governor's staff called and asked if she would serve. She said
she had limited knowledge about the AMHTA but she did her
homework and was impressed by what it has accomplished and how
it has served its beneficiaries.
MS. BOYLES said she has attended one AMHTA Board of Trustee's
meeting. She said she is impressed with the caliber and
diversification of the staff. It is a land management trust and
financial management trust, all for the beneficiaries. She has
served on many boards and commissions in Alaska. She previously
served as the mayor of the Fairbanks North Star Borough.
MS. BOYLES said that as mayor she was involved in land
management. She has had trust and financial management with a
number of businesses. She said she understands that when a trust
is established for beneficiaries, the management of that trust
is a legal and fiduciary responsibility of the trustees. It has
to be managed for the beneficiaries within the established
parameters. She said she understands the role of a director or
trustee and not an administrator.
SENATOR BEGICH commented on the importance for board members to
be residents of the state and asked if her townhome purchase was
before or after the governor called about her appointment.
MS. BOYLES answered that it was before the governor called her
to be on the board. She sold her house in Fairbanks because she
wanted to be closer to her son in Anchorage. She bought a
townhome in Anchorage so she can spend eight or nine months of
the year near her son in a state that she loves. She said she is
attracted to the Alaska Mental Health Trust Authority because
the board does substantive work. She looks forward to the
opportunity to serve beneficiaries.
SENATOR BEGICH asked how she feels about how AMHTA is working
and the current management.
MS. BOYLES replied she chaired the Commission of Agriculture for
Governor Murkowski, so that is her point of comparison. She said
she is impressed by the level of expertise of AMHTA's staff and
administration. She enjoyed the structure of the work session
she attended. She said AMHTA will have to carefully evaluate
some future opportunities.
CHAIR WILSON moved to the confirmation hearings for appointees
to the State Medical Board.
2:35:30 PM
SARAH BIGELOW-HOOD, Physician Assistant; Appointee, State
Medical Board Appointee, Department of Commerce, Community and
Economic Development (DCCED), Anchorage, Alaska, said she grew
up in Juneau and works in family medicine in Anchorage. She
applied to the board to work alongside other providers to make
sure Alaskans have competent medical providers. She works as a
Physician Assistant, licensed by the State Medical Board. She
has 17 years of experience in family medicine and pain
management. She has a strong understanding of the relationships
between PAs and MDs and their roles in the medical field. She
previously worked for the state in human resources and labor
relations, which gave her a strong understanding of
investigations leading to accurate and fair conclusions. The
combination of her state experience and experience in the
medical field will make her an asset to the board.
SENATOR BEGICH observed that there has been a complete turnover
of the State Medical Board. He asked if she had any ideas about
stepping into a completely new board and getting a full
understanding of it.
MS. BIGELOW-HOOD responded that she has been working with the
State Medical Board staff who have provided numerous resources.
She has attended one board meeting. She offered her belief that
she will be able to step into the position and get a strong
understanding of how the medical board functions.
CHAIR WILSON asked if the board had elected a chair.
MS. BIGELOW-HOOD replied the board elected Dr. Richard Wein, who
is from Sitka, as Chair.
CHAIR WILSON thanked the appointees for their willingness to
serve the state.
2:38:51 PM
LYDIA MIELKE, Appointee, State Medical Board, Department of
Commerce, Community and Economic Development (DCCED) Big Lake,
Alaska, said she is seeking confirmation as a public member of
the board. She was born and raised in Big Lake, where she
currently lives. Six months ago, she graduated with a bachelor's
degree in business management. She is re-evaluating her plans
because of the impact of the coronavirus. She worked in the
legislature for several sessions. She did research, found
solutions, and communicated effectively with others. She brings
a younger voice to the board to balance out a group of well-
established physicians, which is valuable, especially in today's
fast-paced world with continuously advancing technologies such
as telehealth and telemedicine. She expressed interest in
learning more about the State Medical Board's work on regulating
and licensing to protect the public.
SENATOR BEGICH observed that she is appointed to the public
seat, which is not supposed to have a direct financial interest
in the medical industry, but no financial disclosure is
required. He asked if she could verify that she has no financial
interest in the medical industry.
MS. MIELKE answered that she has no financial interest in the
health care industry.
SENATOR BEGICH asked what she has been doing since May 2019.
MS. MIELKE replied after she left the legislature last spring,
she worked in tourism and finished her degree. Then she took a
gap year to travel and spend time with family.
SENATOR BEGICH asked how she feels about the investigative
process she would have to engage in with the board.
MS. MIELKE answered that she will use evidence and facts, ask
questions, and deliberate with other board members to learn all
she can about the situation. She will use precedent and weigh
what others are saying. She wants to make sure the board makes
the best decisions that protect consumers and to make sure the
punishment matches the crime. She said her concern is about
public safety.
SENATOR BEGICH commented that he was impressed with her
preparation.
2:43:43 PM
CHAIR WILSON opened public testimony and after first determining
no one wished to testify, closed public testimony on the
confirmation hearings. He solicited a motion.
2:43:57 PM
SENATOR BEGICH stated that in accordance with AS 39.05.080, the
Senate Health and Social Services Standing Committee reviewed
the following and recommends the appointments be forwarded to a
joint session for consideration:
Alaska Mental Health Trust Board of Trustees
Anita Halterman Eagle River
Rhonda Boyles - Anchorage
State Medical Board
Lydia Mielke - Big Lake
Sarah Bigelow-Hood - Anchorage
[Signing the reports regarding appointments to boards and
commissions in no way reflects individual members' approval or
disapproval of the appointees; the nominations are merely
forwarded to the full legislature for confirmation or
rejection].
2:45:05 PM
There being no further business to come before the committee,
Chair Wilson adjourned the Senate Health and Social Services
Standing Committee at 2:45 p.m.
| Document Name | Date/Time | Subjects |
|---|---|---|
| HSS Mental Health Trust Boyles #1.pdf |
SHSS 3/20/2020 1:30:00 PM |
Governor's Appointee to AMHT BOT |
| HSS Mental Health Trust Halterman#1.pdf |
SHSS 3/20/2020 1:30:00 PM |
Governor's Appointees to AMHT BOT |
| HSS Medical Board Bigelow #6.pdf |
SHSS 3/20/2020 1:30:00 PM |
Governor's Appointees to State Medical Board |
| HSS Medical Board Mielke #6.pdf |
SHSS 3/20/2020 1:30:00 PM |
Governor's Appointee to State Medical Board |
| HB 133 ver M 2.3.2020.PDF |
SHSS 3/20/2020 1:30:00 PM |
HB 133 |
| HB 133 Sponsor Statement 2.19.20.pdf |
SHSS 3/20/2020 1:30:00 PM |
HB 133 |
| HB 133 Sectional Analysis v. M 2.3.2020.pdf |
SHSS 3/20/2020 1:30:00 PM |
HB 133 |
| HB 133 Fiscal Note 4.18.19 DHSS-PS 2.3.2020.pdf |
SHSS 3/20/2020 1:30:00 PM |
HB 133 |
| HB 133 FAQ's 3.4.20.pdf |
SHSS 3/20/2020 1:30:00 PM |
HB 133 |
| HB 133 Letter of Support, APEA 3.5.20.pdf |
SHSS 3/20/2020 1:30:00 PM |
HB 133 |
| HB 133 Letter of Support, CDVSA 3.9.20.pdf |
SHSS 3/20/2020 1:30:00 PM |
HB 133 |
| HB 133 Letters of Support 3.3.20.pdf |
SHSS 3/20/2020 1:30:00 PM |
HB 133 |
| HB 133 Carey Case 4.22.2019.pdf |
SHSS 3/20/2020 1:30:00 PM |
HB 133 |
| HB 133 One-Sheeter 2.19.20.pdf |
SHSS 3/20/2020 1:30:00 PM |
HB 133 |
| HB 133 LOS Carpeneti 3.16.20.pdf |
SHSS 3/20/2020 1:30:00 PM |
HB 133 |
| HB 133 Temporary Secure Juvenile Holding Areas 2.3.2020.pdf |
SHSS 3/20/2020 1:30:00 PM |
HB 133 |
| HB 133 Fiscal Note DHSS 2.12.20.pdf |
SHSS 3/20/2020 1:30:00 PM |
HB 133 |
| HB 133 PPT 3.20.20.pdf |
SHSS 3/20/2020 1:30:00 PM |
HB 133 |