Legislature(2015 - 2016)BELTZ 105 (TSBldg)
03/29/2016 01:30 PM Senate LABOR & COMMERCE
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| Audio | Topic |
|---|---|
| Start | |
| Confirmation Hearings | |
| SB206 | |
| SB55 | |
| Adjourn |
* first hearing in first committee of referral
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
| + | TELECONFERENCED | ||
| *+ | SB 206 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| += | SB 55 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| + | TELECONFERENCED | ||
ALASKA STATE LEGISLATURE
SENATE LABOR AND COMMERCE STANDING COMMITTEE
March 29, 2016
1:32 p.m.
MEMBERS PRESENT
Senator Mia Costello, Chair
Senator Cathy Giessel, Vice Chair
Senator Kevin Meyer
Senator Gary Stevens
Senator Johnny Ellis
MEMBERS ABSENT
All members present
COMMITTEE CALENDAR
CONFIRMATION HEARINGS
Alaska Gasline Development Corporation Board of Directors
DAVID CRUZ - Palmer, Alaska
LUKE THOMAS HOPKINS - Fairbanks, Alaska
- HEARD AND HELD
SENATE BILL NO. 206
"An Act relating to a reinsurance program for residents who are
high risks and insurer assessments to cover the costs of the
reinsurance program; relating to application for state
innovation waivers for health care insurance; relating to
definitions of 'residents who are high risks' and 'covered
lives'; and providing for an effective date."
- HEARD & HELD
SENATE BILL NO. 55
"An Act relating to the practice of optometry."
- HEARD & HELD
PREVIOUS COMMITTEE ACTION
BILL: SB 206
SHORT TITLE: REINSURANCE PROGRAM; HEALTH INS. WAIVERS
SPONSOR(s): RULES BY REQUEST OF THE GOVERNOR
03/25/16 (S) READ THE FIRST TIME - REFERRALS
03/25/16 (S) L&C, FIN
03/29/16 (S) L&C AT 1:30 PM BELTZ 105 (TSBldg)
BILL: SB 55
SHORT TITLE: OPTOMETRY & OPTOMETRISTS
SPONSOR(s): GIESSEL BY REQUEST
02/18/15 (S) READ THE FIRST TIME - REFERRALS
02/18/15 (S) HSS, L&C
03/18/15 (S) HSS AT 1:30 PM BUTROVICH 205
03/18/15 (S) Heard & Held
03/18/15 (S) MINUTE (HSS)
02/01/16 (S) HSS AT 1:30 PM BUTROVICH 205
02/01/16 (S) Moved SB 55 Out of Committee
02/01/16 (S) MINUTE (HSS)
02/08/16 (S) HSS RPT 3DP 1NR
02/08/16 (S) DP: STEDMAN, STOLTZE, GIESSEL
02/08/16 (S) NR: ELLIS
03/10/16 (S) L&C AT 1:30 PM BELTZ 105 (TSBldg)
03/10/16 (S) Heard & Held
03/10/16 (S) MINUTE (L&C)
03/29/16 (S) L&C AT 1:30 PM BELTZ 105 (TSBldg)
WITNESS REGISTER
DAVID CRUZ, Appointee
Alaska Gasline Development Corporation Board of Directors
Palmer, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified as appointee to the Alaska Gasline
Development Corporation Board of Directors.
LUKE THOMAS HOPKINS, Appointee
Alaska Gasline Development Corporation Board of Directors
Fairbanks, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified as appointee to the Alaska Gasline
Development Corporation Board of Directors.
LORI WING-HEIER Director
Division of Insurance
Department of Commerce, Community and Economic Development
Anchorage, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Discussed the two parts of SB 206.
SHEELA TALLMAN, Legislative Policy Manager
Premera Blue Cross Blue Shield of Alaska
Seattle, Washington
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of SB 206.
ALBERT FOGLE
Alaska Association of Health Underwriters
Anchorage, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of SB 206.
KRAIG ANDERSON, Senior Vice President and Actuary
Moda Health
Portland, Oregon
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of SB 206.
MIKE BENNETT, OD
Alaska Optometric Association
Juneau, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of SB 55.
BOB PALMER, State Affairs Policy Director
American Academy of Ophthalmology
Washington, D.C.
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in opposition to SB 55.
PAUL MARKS, representing himself
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in opposition to SB 55.
GRIFFITH STEINER, MD, representing himself
Anchorage, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in opposition to SB 55.
MICHEAL GUZMAN, representing himself
Anchorage, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in opposition to SB 55.
MATTHEW GLYNN, representing himself
Anchorage, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in opposition to SB 55.
TIM SMITH, representing himself
Anchorage, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in opposition to SB 55.
EDDY IVIZARY, representing himself
Anchorage, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in opposition to SB 55.
MICHAEL BRENNAN, MD - Ophthalmologist
Alaska Ophthalmology Society
North Carolina
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in opposition to SB 55.
LUCRETIA ANN DEMIS, representing herself
Anchorage, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in opposition to SB 55.
ALFRED DERAMUS, MD - Ophthalmologist representing himself
Fairbanks, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in opposition to SB 55.
PAUL BARNEY, Chair
Alaska Board of Optometry Examiners
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of SB 55.
DAVID ZUMBRO, MD - Ophthalmologist representing himself
Anchorage, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in opposition to SB 55.
ROBERT ARNOLD, Ophthalmologist representing himself
Anchorage, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in opposition to SB 55.
STEVE DOBSON, President
Alaska Optometric Association
Anchorage, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of SB 55.
ACTION NARRATIVE
1:32:43 PM
CHAIR MIA COSTELLO called the Senate Labor and Commerce Standing
Committee meeting to order at 1:32 p.m. Present at the call to
order were Senators Giessel, Ellis, Stevens, and Chair Costello.
^Confirmation Hearings
Confirmation Hearings
Alaska Gasline Development Corporation Board of Directors
1:33:51 PM
CHAIR COSTELLO announced the first order of business would be
confirmation hearings of governor appointments to the Alaska
Gasline Development Corporation Board of Directors.
1:33:50 PM
At ease
1:35:27 PM
CHAIR COSTELLO reconvened the hearing and asked Mr. Cruz to tell
the committee his interest in continuing to serve on the Alaska
Gasline Development Corporation (AGDC) Board of Directors.
1:36:17 PM
DAVID CRUZ, Appointee, Alaska Gasline Development Corporation
(AGDC) Board of Directors, said he has been on the AGDC Board
since its inception. He is engaged in the industry on a daily
basis and he owns and operates several companies involved with
pipeline construction. He has served on the board in a number of
capacities and is willing to continue to serve. He believes the
projects are essential for Alaska going forward.
CHAIR COSTELLO asked how progress currently is going with AKLNG.
MR. CRUZ said the project is going well and good working
relationships with the producers continues. All participants are
willing to help the project move forward. His overall experience
is that this is a large endeavor to make either project
successful and economic. It is important that Alaska is an equal
partner with the producers
CHAIR COSTELLO asked what he sees as the largest challenge and
how the board can facilitate it.
MR. CRUZ said it is advantageous that the state is an equal
partner to facilitate the project. Getting three producers
together and working on the terms is the tough part; the
technical side is the easy part.
1:40:57 PM
SENATOR GIESSEL asked if he has signed a confidentiality
agreement.
MR. CRUZ said yes.
SENATOR GIESSEL asked how many have signed such agreements.
MR. CRUZ said he's the only one.
SENATOR GIESSEL asked if the previous chair has a role with
AGDC.
MR. CRUZ replied he is general counsel.
SENATOR GIESSEL asked how the search for a president is going.
MR. CRUZ said it's going well and the board is interviewing the
top two candidates. The legislature will have a say prior to the
hire.
1:42:51 PM
SENATOR STEVENS asked when gas will flow.
MR. CRUZ said the target has always been 2025. Both projects
have had steady progress and AGDC will hold the permits this
year, which is monumental. The rights-of-way permits can be
handed over to AKLNG to facilitate the project.
1:44:38 PM
CHAIR COSTELLO asked if the board has any concerns about the
progress of the AKLNG project or current state policies
regarding it.
MR. CRUZ said no; AGDC is well engaged with the state gasline
team and has good working relationships with all the entities.
CHAIR COSTELLO asked if the board has a diverse enough
membership to tackle this project.
MR. CRUZ said yes; the board works well together.
SENATOR GIESSEL asked if he feels the board has the right
qualifications.
MR. CRUZ said he does at this point.
1:47:56 PM
SENATOR MEYER joined the committee.
SENATOR GIESSEL noted he is distinguishing between the current
board and the previous board.
MR. CRUZ said that's correct. Today's requirements differ from
those of previous boards.
CHAIR COSTELLO thanked Mr. Cruz for his dedication to the state.
She noted that she will forward all the names in one batch.
1:50:40 PM
At ease
1:51:08 PM
CHAIR COSTELLO reconvened the meeting and asked Mr. Hopkins to
tell the committee his interest in serving on the Alaska Gasline
Development Corporation Board of Directors.
1:51:47 PM
LUKE THOMAS HOPKINS, Appointee, Alaska Gasline Development
Corporation Board of Directors, reviewed his personal and
professional history in Alaska. Most recently he has been
involved with organizing and moving forward on building a new
gas utility in Fairbanks. He is pleased to be part of the AGDC
board and chair of the Communications Committee and a member of
the Governance Committee.
CHAIR COSTELLO asked what he is doing to ensure the success of
AKLNG.
MR. HOPKINS mentioned approving actions on receiving funding for
the buyout of TransCanada that included acquiring all of
TransCanada's data. Also, he helped with the work plan and
budget to get to a decisional point.
CHAIR COSTELLO asked if his role is reactive or proactive.
MR. HOPKINS said he sees his role as proactive. He discussed the
board meetings and interactions to keep on a timeline.
CHAIR COSTELLO asked if he had signed a confidentiality
agreement.
MR. HOPKINS said he has never been presented with a document to
sign, but is aware of the process and procedure.
CHAIR COSTELLO asked if he would sign one if presented.
MR. HOPKINS said he'd need to read it before signing, but he has
no problem with confidentiality.
2:00:47 PM
SENATOR MEYER asked who the legal counsel is for AGDC.
MR. HOPKINS said it's John Burns.
SENATOR MEYER asked if Mr. Burns was a previous board member.
MR. HOPKINS answered yes; he was on the board until mid-
November.
SENATOR MEYER asked Mr. Hopkins for examples of his gas pipeline
experience.
MR. HOPKINS mentioned working with the Alaska Gasline Port
Authority projects as a board member from 2006 to 2010. He said
he also worked on the AGIA project as one of the options for the
APP project. He expanded on his work with the buildout of the
Fairbanks Gas Authority. He also worked on the size of
transmission lines for the Fairbanks municipal utility.
SENATOR MEYER asked if he supports having two legislative
members on the AGDC board.
MR. HOPKINS said what's important is that everyone works
together and communication is open.
SENATOR MEYER said he hopes he understands the legislature's
frustration being asked to appropriate money when they aren't
part of the executive discussion.
2:07:44 PM
MR. HOPKINS said having the two funds already appropriated is
important to people outside of the board, such as producers. He
voiced appreciation for legislative funding.
SENATOR GIESSEL asked what undergraduate degree he received at
the University of Alaska - Fairbanks.
MR. HOPKINS said he doesn't have a degree, just four years' work
starting in wildlife management and ending in physical
anthropology. From there he started a small manufacturing
business.
CHAIR COSTELLO thanked Mr. Hopkins for coming before the
committee.
2:10:15 PM
At ease
SB 206-REINSURANCE PROGRAM; HEALTH INS. WAIVERS
2:11:18 PM
CHAIR COSTELLO reconvened the meeting and announced the
consideration of SB 206.
2:12:00 PM
LORI WING-HEIER Director, Division of Insurance, Department of
Commerce, Community and Economic Development (DCCED), discussed
the two parts of SB 206. The bill is designed to allow the
director of insurance to establish a reinsurance program to
address the high-cost claims that were once part, or considered
part, of the Alaska Comprehensive Health Insurance Association
(ACHIA). This was prior to the Affordable Care Act (ACA) being
implemented. The bill expressly establishes a reinsurance pool
for high-risk claims to go into ACHIA and be reinsured through
ACHIA - Chapter 55 of Title 21. It will operate much like the
Children's Reinsurance Pool of 2013.
MS. WING-HEIER continued to say that SB 206 also says that the
50 percent tax credit would no longer be allowed for this
particular insurance program.
The other part of the bill allows the director of insurance to
apply to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid (CMS) for an
innovation waiver. This is a Section 1332 waiver to provide
insurance under ACA in individual, small group, and,
potentially, the large group markets in Alaska. Enabling
legislation is required to begin the process.
She provided background on why this is needed. She stressed the
high cost of the individual market in Alaska which has seen a 40
percent increase in the past two years from Premera and Moda.
Early indications are that rate increases will be more than 25
percent. In addition, the risk assessment and the risk corridor
will sunset in 2016 under the federal program. Reinsurance alone
paid over $19 million to Premera and $13 million to Moda. Those
costs need to be reabsorbed somehow.
She provided examples of the 40 percent rate increases to
consumers. In 2014, a 45-year-old was paying about $486 a month
for a gold plan; the same membership in 2017 will be about
$1,300 a month.
2:16:36 PM
CHAIR COSTELLO asked if the federal reinsurance program expires
or sunsets.
MS. WING-HEIER said it expires at the end of 2016. ACHIA will
replace it in some way. It won't reduce rates, but will provide
stability. Provider losses are substantial and the rates must be
adequate.
CHAIR COSTELLO asked her to explain the higher-risk medical
conditions.
MS. WING-HEIER said they would take the most costly conditions
out of the individual market and spread them out to ACHIA. It
will be a reinsurance pool.
2:19:09 PM
SENATOR ELLIS asked, should this legislation pass, will it be a
negotiation point, or will the state just hope that private
insurers don't increase rates as much as 25 percent. He asked
what the terms of negotiation might be.
MS. WING-HEIER said she could not make commitments regarding
rates, but the state will always negotiate and the rates will
still not be enough to cover all the claims in the pool. There
is a lot of uncertainty in the markets.
SENATOR ELLIS commented that he doesn't know what the state is
getting for this kind of cost, even though he understands the
administration's need to take action to protect consumers.
MS. WING-HEIER explained if the state continues on the current
path, the rates will likely increase and the individual market
will go into a death spiral. The intent of the ACA was for
people to be able to afford insurance. Alaska is faced with
incredibly high costs for health care resulting in high costs
for insurance. The idea is to spread the top 10 percent of high-
cost claims over the reinsurance pool.
She pointed out that the state could also consider the Chapter
1332 waiver for a long-term solution. The reinsurance plan is an
immediate answer.
SENATOR ELLIS said "or a portion thereof."
CHAIR COSTELLO said her understanding is this bill would make
the rate increase less egregious.
MS. WING-HEIER said that's correct.
CHAIR COSTELLO offered her understanding that the second part of
the bill provides a longer-term solution. She asked if the
division would return to the legislature in order to pursue the
waiver.
MS. WING-HEIER said yes.
2:23:18 PM
CHAIR COSTELLO opened public testimony.
2:23:30 PM
SHEELA TALLMAN, Legislative Policy Manager, Premera Blue Cross
Blue Shield of Alaska, testified in support of SB 206. She
provided the history of Premera in Alaska since 1952 and its
coverage. She commented on the changes in the market that are
impacting Premera's individual plan premiums. She noted that
Premera has experienced a number of new high-cost enrollees
after the health reform in 2014. In 2014, Premera had losses of
about $13 million in the individual market and sought rate
increases of almost 40 percent for 2015 and 2016 to account for
the high risk individuals.
Premera is taking in, on average, $713 per member per month in
premium and paying out $913 per member per month. There aren't
enough ratepayers to offset the high costs, nor are the
subsidies some receive.
MS. TALLMAN stated that Premera supports the reinsurance program
and the innovation waiver. The program helps address premium
increases, but also helps provide some stability to the market
and may attract new competitors.
2:29:27 PM
SENATOR ELLIS asked about the timeframe on the waiver going
forward.
MS. TALLMAN said the states can begin applying for the waiver in
2017.
SENATOR ELLIS asked what other states have a similar issue of
rising healthcare costs and setting up a reinsurance approach.
MS. TALLMAN said Oregon has addressed the matter and other
states will follow.
SENATOR ELLIS asked if Premera will commit to an amount of a
less-than-40-percent increase in premiums if this legislation
passes.
MS. TALLMAN said she can't make a specific commitment regarding
rates, but would be committed to working on rule making for a
balanced assessment across the market.
2:32:57 PM
SENATOR ELLIS said the state is being asked in a relatively
short timeframe to take an affirmative action. He is willing to
entertain the request, but would like insurance companies to
commit as well and form a partnership.
CHAIR COSTELLO said she appreciates the remarks and is aware of
the situation that it brings.
MS. TALLMAN said Premera is committed to working with the
division on the actual program that would be implemented via the
rule making and has been doing so for the last year. There is a
lot of uncertainty now regarding the market.
2:35:16 PM
ALBERT FOGLE, Alaska Association of Health Underwriters,
testified in support of SB 206. He described the bill as a tool
to help with the survival of the individual marketplace. It will
help stabilize the market and smooth out premiums for
individuals and families going forward. It isn't the fault of
the carriers, but the geography of Alaska and its unique market.
He highlighted that ACA limits premiums a health insurance
carrier can charge. They are allowed just 20 percent for
administrative costs.
2:38:27 PM
KRAIG ANDERSON, Senior Vice President and Actuary, Moda Health,
testified in support of SB 206. He described Moda's business in
Alaska since 2007. Moda offers policies both on and off the
exchanges and is one of two providers. They are committed to
policyholders in Alaska. He echoed comments made by Ms. Tallman
regarding the market and how the bill would help. He noted they
have submitted detailed claims data to model the impact of the
ACHIA program.
CHAIR COSTELLO closed public testimony and held SB 206 in
committee.
SB 55-OPTOMETRY & OPTOMETRISTS
2:42:01 PM
CHAIR COSTELLO announced the consideration of SB 55. She noted
this is the second hearing and the intent is to continue public
testimony.
2:42:55 PM
DR. MIKE BENNETT, OD, Alaska Optometric Association (AOA),
testified in support of SB 55. He provided his education and
work history. He said there have been a lot of fairy tales about
what the bill would do and they are not accurate. He countered
the notion that the AOA board would authorize untrained
procedures should the bill pass. He pointed out that self-
regulating boards have a long history of success and their
primary charge is to protect the public. There is no hidden
agenda.
2:45:46 PM
BOB PALMER, State Affairs Policy Director, American Academy of
Ophthalmology, testified in opposition to SB 55. He focused on
policy issues, especially the language in the bill regarding
surgery, which leaves open what is acceptable. He believes
optometrists would be able to perform several hundred additional
surgical procedures, which is unacceptable. He suggested
defining what constitutes surgery and then back out what should
not be included.
He discussed how other states have addressed this issue. He
concluded that defining surgery protects the patient.
2:50:27 PM
SENATOR GIESSEL asked where he is from.
MR. PALMER said Washington D.C.
SENATOR GIESSEL asked if his organization paid for movie, radio,
and TV ads, robocalls, and mailings.
MR. PALMER said no. They gave the Alaska Society of Eye
Physicians and Surgeons a grant of about $50,000.
CHAIR COSTELLO asked him to provide the specific information to
the committee.
2:51:55 PM
PAUL MARKS, representing himself, testified in opposition to SB
55. He shared a personal experience with optometrists and said
he doesn't support an optometrist doing surgery when he isn't
qualified to do so.
SENATOR GIESSEL asked if an optometrist did surgery on his eye.
MR. MARKS answered no; he went to Anchorage.
SENATOR GIESSEL restated that the optometrist did not perform
surgery.
2:55:53 PM
DR. GRIFFITH STEINER, MD, testified in opposition to SB 55. He
provided his professional education and practice as an eye
surgeon. He described this bill as specifically designed to
expand the scope of practice for optometrists. It allows for
injections around the eye and the right to do laser surgery. He
maintained that they will not have enough training to do those
procedures.
SENATOR GIESSEL asked if the State Medical Board has a list of
surgeries that he can perform.
DR. STEINER said no, because physicians have medical training.
SENATOR GIESSEL emphasized that the bill does not contain a list
that defines what the Board of Medicine can authorize. She asked
if his authorization is based on his education, which is
determined by the board.
DR. STEINER said yes; however, a medical board is different than
an optometry board, because the medical board represents people
that are trained in medicine and surgery, with many more years
of training.
SENATOR GIESSEL said optometrists are not asking for an
expansion of practice.
DR. STEINER disagreed.
2:59:55 PM
MICHEAL GUZMAN, representing himself, testified in opposition to
SB 55. He offered his understanding that the bill would allow an
optometrist to perform eye surgery and prescribe narcotics and
he does not support that.
SENATOR GIESSEL asked who told him those things.
MR. GUZMAN said he read it online and heard it on the radio. He
said he also researched the bill.
SENATOR GIESSEL asked if he is aware that optometrists have been
allowed to prescribe narcotics for nine years.
MR. GUZMAN said he wasn't aware of that. He asked if they can
prescribe to the same degree.
SENATOR GIESSEL said it may help if he was aware that many of
the courses optometrists take are taught by the same instructors
as ophthalmologists and they both obtain the same DEA
authorization.
3:02:41 PM
MATTHEW GLYNN, representing himself, testified in opposition to
SB 55. He shared his story of wanting laser surgery and only
finding he wasn't a candidate when he visited an
ophthalmologist.
SENATOR GIESSEL asked if any of the optometrists performed
surgery.
MR. GLYNN answered no.
3:04:36 PM
TIM SMITH, representing himself, testified in opposition to SB
55. He spoke as a medical professional who was not in favor of
cross training in different modalities for licensure.
3:05:38 PM
EDDY IVIZARY, representing himself, testified in opposition to
SB 55. He said that he feels that only a qualified surgeon
should be able to operate on eyes. He shared his personal story.
SENATOR GIESSEL asked who told him that optometrists would be
doing eye surgery.
MR. IVIZARY restated his personal story and the importance of
being able to see.
SENATOR GIESSEL asked if an optometrist had ever done surgery or
put a needle in his eye.
MR. IVIZARY said yes and he told him to stop.
3:08:28 PM
DR. MICHAEL BRENNAN, Ophthalmologist, Alaska Ophthalmology
Society, testified in opposition to SB 55. He shared his
professional background. He maintained that the bill endangers
the health of the citizens of Alaska. The bill has two inherent
flaws; the brevity in the education and training required to
manage complex medical and surgical conditions, and second, the
vague language regarding penetrative surgery. He also addressed
the over-prescribing of potent pharmaceuticals.
SENATOR GIESSEL asked how much money the society has invested in
ads opposing the bill.
DR. BRENNAN said the organization invests in a wide variety of
advocacy activities in order to provide patient safety. He said
he has not made a direct contribution to those ads. He did not
know how much the organization spent.
SENATOR GIESSEL asked if he is aware that optometry has been
prescribing controlled substances for nine years.
DR. BRENNAN said they don't for for schedule IA and schedule IIA
drugs. He said the bill expands the pharmaceutical array.
SENATOR GIESSEL said the bill doesn't say that.
3:15:28 PM
At ease
3:16:08 PM
CHAIR COSTELLO reconvened the meeting.
3:16:49 PM
LUCRETIA ANN DEMIS, representing herself, testified in
opposition to SB 55. She doesn't think that optometrists should
be authorized to do the same surgical procedures as an
ophthalmologist. She said they don't have enough training or
background.
SENATOR GIESSEL pointed out that an optometrist refers people
when they need surgery.
3:20:29 PM
DR. ALFRED DERAMUS, Ophthalmologist, testified in opposition to
SB 55. He shared his professional background. He said the
legislation is poorly written and will not gather consensus on
either side of the issue because of its content. Some of the
language such as "invasive surgery" and "injections" are
inflammatory and don't adequately address what is and is not
surgical.
3:23:25 PM
PAUL BARNEY, Chair, Alaska Board of Optometry Examiners,
testified in support of SB 55. He said his primary concern is
the safety of the public. In his four years on the board there
have not been complaints that rose to the level of an
investigation. In general, optometrists are conservative and
cautious providers. The bill will not allow the board to write
regulations outside of optometrists' training. He mentioned the
board has oversight by the attorney general, the same as other
healthcare providers. They have no intention of lifting the
four-day limit on prescribing narcotics. SB 55 would modernized
the definition of optometry and reflect what is currently taught
in schools of optometry.
3:27:21 PM
DR. DAVID ZUMBRO, Ophthalmologist, testified in opposition to SB
55. He said his primary issue with SB 55 is that it attempts to
define invasive surgery. As written, the definition is
incomplete and wide open to interpretation. He suggested that be
changed.
SENATOR GIESSEL asked if he has had optometrists do surgery and
had the patient referred to him afterwards.
DR. ZUMBRO said no.
3:29:12 PM
DR. ROBERT ARNOLD, representing himself, testified in opposition
to SB 55. He said, as a pediatric ophthalmologist, he performs
two complex procedures that are not described in the bill. His
concern is that the definition of surgery is loose and may be
open to interpretation. He noted oversight of safety for surgery
in Alaska occurs via licensure and hospital privilege surgical
review.
SENATOR GIESSEL asked if he's had problems with optometrists
performing rash interventions.
DR. ARNOLD said he has not experienced surgical care by
optometrists, but he has experienced excellent care by them. His
partners have been optometrists. He said his concern is, as an
educator, that surgical oversight is not afforded to
optometrists.
3:32:09 PM
STEVE DOBSON, President, Alaska Optometric Association,
testified in support of SB 55. He shared his professional
background. He said Alaskans have benefitted tremendously from
the increase in access to quality medical optometric eye care
due to past legislation. The goal of the association is to
ensure the best practice of care and to attract the best
graduates from the colleges of optometry. SB 55 is not about
allowing eye surgery, but rather about board autonomy. To date
the board has demonstrated superb confidence, integrity, and
professionalism protecting the interest of the public and
passage of the bill would allow continuation of that.
CHAIR COSTELLO closed public testimony and held SB 55 in
committee.
3:36:06 PM
There being no further business to come before the committee,
Chair Costello adjourned the Senate Labor and Commerce Standing
Committee meeting at 3:36 p.m.