Legislature(2021 - 2022)BELTZ 105 (TSBldg)
03/31/2021 01:30 PM Senate LABOR & COMMERCE
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| Audio | Topic |
|---|---|
| Start | |
| Confirmation Hearing(s) | |
| SB86 | |
| Adjourn |
* first hearing in first committee of referral
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
| + | TELECONFERENCED | ||
| + | TELECONFERENCED | ||
| += | SB 86 | TELECONFERENCED | |
ALASKA STATE LEGISLATURE
SENATE LABOR AND COMMERCE STANDING COMMITTEE
March 31, 2021
1:29 p.m.
MEMBERS PRESENT
Senator Mia Costello, Chair
Senator Roger Holland, Vice Chair
Senator Joshua Revak
Senator Elvi Gray-Jackson (via teleconference)
MEMBERS ABSENT
Senator Gary Stevens
COMMITTEE CALENDAR
CONFIRMATION HEARING(S)
Board of Certified Real Estate Appraisers
William "Leon" McKean - Anchorage
- CONFIRMATION ADVANCED
Real Estate Commission
Traci Heaton - Juneau
- CONFIRMATION ADVANCED
Board of Marital & Family Therapy
Kayla Green - Eagle River
- CONFIRMATION ADVANCED
Board of Certified Direct-Entry Midwives
Rachel Pugh - Eagle River
- CONFIRMATION ADVANCED
Board of Chiropractic Examiners
John Lloyd - Anchorage
- CONFIRMATION ADVANCED
Board of Pharmacy
Richard Holt - Eagle River
- CONFIRMATION ADVANCED
Fishermen's Fund Advisory and Appeals Council
Renee Weddle Alward - Homer
Occupational Safety & Health Review Board
Thomas Trosvig - Kodiak
- CONFIRMATIONS ADVANCED
State Physical Therapy & Occupational Therapy Board
Jodi Pfeiffer - Wasilla
- CONFIRMATION ADVANCED
SENATE BILL NO. 86
"An Act relating to occupational licensing; relating to
temporary licenses, permits, and certificates; and providing for
an effective date."
- MOVED CSSB 86(L&C) OUT OF COMMITTEE
PREVIOUS COMMITTEE ACTION
BILL: SB 86
SHORT TITLE: TEMPORARY PERMITS & LICENSES
SPONSOR(s): LABOR & COMMERCE
02/15/21 (S) READ THE FIRST TIME - REFERRALS
02/15/21 (S) L&C, FIN
02/24/21 (S) L&C AT 1:30 PM BELTZ 105 (TSBldg)
02/24/21 (S) Heard & Held
02/24/21 (S) MINUTE(L&C)
03/26/21 (S) L&C AT 1:30 PM BELTZ 105 (TSBldg)
03/26/21 (S) Heard & Held
03/26/21 (S) MINUTE(L&C)
03/31/21 (S) L&C AT 1:30 PM BELTZ 105 (TSBldg)
WITNESS REGISTER
WILLIAM "LEON" MCKEAN, Appointee
Board of Certified Real Estate Appraisers
Department of Commerce, Community and Economic Development
Anchorage, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified as appointee to the Board of
Certified Real Estate Appraisers.
TRACI HEATON, Appointee
Real Estate Commission
Department of Commerce, Community and Economic Development
Juneau, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified as appointee to the Real Estate
Commission.
KAYLA GREEN, Appointee
Board of Marital and Family Therapy
Department of Commerce, Community and Economic Development
Eagle River
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified as appointee to the Board of
Marital & Family Therapy.
RACHEL PUGH, Appointee
Board of Certified Direct-Entry Midwives
Department of Commerce, Community and Economic Development
Eagle River
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified as appointee to the Board of
Certified Direct-Entry Midwives.
JOHN LLOYD, Appointee
Board of Chiropractic Examiners
Department of Commerce, Community and Economic Development
Anchorage, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified as appointee to the Board of
Chiropractic Examiners.
RICHARD HOLT, PharmD; MBA; Appointee
Board of Pharmacy
Department of Commerce, Community and Economic Development
Eagle River, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified for reappointment to the Board of
Pharmacy.
RENEE WEDDLE ALWARD, Appointee
Fishermen's Fund Advisory and Appeals Council
Department of Labor and Workforce Development (DOLWD)
Homer, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified for reappointment to the
Fishermen's Fund Advisory and Appeals Council.
THOMAS TROSVIG, Appointee
Occupational Safety & Health Review Board
Department of Labor and Workforce Development (DOLWD)
Kodiak, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified for reappointment to the
Occupational Safety & Health Review Board.
JODI PFEIFFER, MPT; Appointee
State Physical Therapy & Occupational Therapy Board
Department of Commerce, Community and Economic Development
Wasilla, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified as appointee to the State Physical
Therapy & Occupational Therapy Board.
DAVID NIELSEN, Chair representing self
Board of Dental Examiners
Anchorage, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: During the hearing on SB 86, discussed board
concerns with similar legislation introduced last session.
SARA CHAMBERS, Director
Division of Corporations, Business and Professional Licensing
Department of Commerce, Community and Economic Development
Juneau, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Answered questions and provided information
on SB 86.
TAMMIE L. PERREAULT, Northwest Regional Liaison
Defense-State Liaison Office
Office of the Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense
Joint Base Lewis McCord, Washington
POSITION STATEMENT: Stated support for SB 86.
ACTION NARRATIVE
1:29:32 PM
CHAIR MIA COSTELLO called the Senate Labor and Commerce Standing
Committee meeting to order at 1:29 p.m. Present at the call to
order were Senators Revak, Gray-Jackson (via teleconference),
Holland, and Chair Costello.
^CONFIRMATION HEARING(S)
CONFIRMATION HEARING(S)
Board of Certified Real Estate Appraisers
Real Estate Commission
Board of Marital & Family Therapy
Board of Certified Direct-Entry Midwives
Board of Chiropractic Examiners
Board of Pharmacy
Fishermen's Fund Advisory and Appeals Council
Occupational Safety & Health Review Board
State Physical Therapy & Occupational Therapy Board
1:31:00 PM
CHAIR COSTELLO announced the consideration of Governor
Appointees to Boards and Commissions. She explained the process
to the nominees.
CHAIR COSTELLO asked William "Leon" McKean to introduce himself,
provide a brief background, and share his interest in serving on
the Board of Certified Real Estate Appraisers.
1:31:23 PM
WILLIAM "LEON" MCKEAN, Appointee, Board of Certified Real Estate
Appraisers, Department of Commerce, Community and Economic
Development, Anchorage, Alaska, stated that he is a licensed
mortgage lender who has been in the industry for more than 13
years. He started his career with Wells Fargo and joined Academy
Mortgage in 2011. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree and a
Master of Business Administration degree. He related that he and
his family have lived in Alaska for more than 50 years. For nine
years he volunteered on both the Armed Services YMCA Board of
Directors and for the Special Olympics. He believes that his
education, background, and professional experience will bring a
unique and well-rounded perspective to the board. He said he
wants to serve on this board because he believes the industry
will undergo substantial change in the next 10 years and he
would like to be part of the process. He pointed out that
consumers face delays and higher costs because there is a
shortage of appraisers and that this will be exacerbated as
appraisers retire and depart and are not replaced by new
appraisers. He said there is need for a system that supports and
encourages the recruiting, training, and licensing of new and
existing appraisers.
1:34:48 PM
CHAIR COSTELLO opened public testimony on the appointment of
William "Leon" McKean to the Board of Certified Real Estate
Appraisers; finding none, she closed public testimony. She
expressed appreciation that he was willing to serve and for his
volunteer work. She agreed that he is well-rounded.
CHAIR COSTELLO asked Traci Heaton to introduce herself, provide
a brief background, and share her interest in serving on the
Real Estate Commission.
1:35:40 PM
TRACI HEATON, Appointee, Real Estate Commission, Department of
Commerce, Community and Economic Development, Juneau, Alaska,
reported that she followed her father's example and selected
real estate as a career. She received her associate broker
license five years after entering the field. Years later, she
joined forces with her marriage and family counselor husband to
co-author a parenting book and develop a company called
Accountable Kids. Through this business, they attended an annual
Alaska homeschool fair and in 2012 relocated to Juneau. In 2015,
she received her Alaska real estate license and subsequently
served five years on the Southeast Board of Realtors and
simultaneously one year on the Alaska Association of Realtors.
She is currently an associate broker and partner at Latitude 58,
working fulltime as a realtor.
MS. HEATON said she is interested in serving on the Alaska Real
Estate Commission to continue learning about the profession, to
serve the public, and to grow both personally and
professionally. She said she would fill PeggyAnn McConnochie's
seat if confirmed and she would strive to continue PeggyAnn's
dedication to real estate professionals and protection of the
public.
CHAIR COSTELLO commented that striving to fill PeggyAnn's shoes
is laudable; she is amazing both personally and professionally.
She thanked Ms. Heaton for being willing to serve and bringing
her talents to the commission.
SENATOR HOLLAND thanked her for being willing to serve and
commended her for thinking outside the box to find solutions.
1:41:04 PM
CHAIR COSTELLO opened public testimony on the appointment of
Traci Heaton to the Real Estate Commission; finding none, she
closed public testimony.
CHAIR COSTELLO asked Kayla Green to introduce herself, provide a
brief background, and share her interest in serving on the Board
of Marital and Family Therapy.
1:41:40 PM
KAYLA GREEN, Appointee, Board of Marital and Family Therapy,
Department of Commerce, Community and Economic Development,
Eagle River, stated that she is a life-long Alaskan who holds a
bachelor's degree in psychology and a master's degree in human
resources management. She said she has worked in healthcare in
various positions and is currently working in the real estate
field. She has been serving on this board for over a year and
she looks forward to continuing this service and building on the
progress the board has made over the last year.
1:43:04 PM
CHAIR COSTELLO opened public testimony on the appointment of
Kayla Green to the Board of Marital and Family Therapy; finding
none, she closed public testimony. She thanked Ms. Green for her
service, particularly during COVID-19.
CHAIR COSTELLO asked Rachel Pugh to introduce herself, provide a
brief background, and share her interest in serving on the Board
of Certified Direct-Entry Midwives.
1:43:33 PM
RACHEL PUGH, Appointee, Board of Certified Direct-Entry
Midwives, Department of Commerce, Community and Economic
Development, Eagle River, stated that she has been a
professional in birth work since 2009. This includes being a
certified childbirth educator, a certified birth doula and doula
trainer, and a state licensed and nationally certified direct-
entry midwife. Since 2015, she has worked in a number of birth
centers and currently she works in her own home-birth midwifery
practice. She advised that she also travels to serve women in
rural communities that have no local midwives. She stated that
her reason for wanting to serve on this board is to work to
ensure that women in Alaska have all the same birthing rights as
women in the Lower 48. She highlighted that the first
recommendation of both the 2016 and the 2020 legislative audit
of this board was for statutory changes to benefit the public.
She said the current statutes and regulations are outdated. They
severely limit women's out-of-hospital birth choices and the
ability for midwives to practice according to national standards
and skills. She said the executive director and credentialing
specialist at the North American Registry of Midwives supports
the proposed statutory changes to align with national standards
and skills. She said she looks forward to serving and helping to
reduce board costs and increasing public safety to make Alaska
one of the safest states for midwives to practice and moms to
birth.
CHAIR COSTELLO asked what it entails to receive national
certification as a direct-entry midwife.
MS. PUGH explained that it is first necessary to become a
direct-entry midwife in the state. Then additional training and
education is required to receive a midwifery bridge certificate
to become a nationally certified professional midwife (CPM). She
holds both state and national certificates. She said being able
to practice according to CPM standards allows more options for
moms in Alaska.
1:47:25 PM
CHAIR COSTELLO opened public testimony on the appointment of
Rachel Pugh to the Board of Certified Direct-Entry Midwives;
finding none, she closed public testimony. She thanked Ms. Pugh
for being willing to serve in this capacity.
CHAIR COSTELLO asked John Lloyd to introduce himself, provide a
brief background, and share his interest in serving on the Board
of Chiropractic Examiners.
1:47:54 PM
JOHN LLOYD, Appointee, Board of Chiropractic Examiners,
Department of Commerce, Community and Economic Development,
Anchorage, Alaska, stated that he has been in chiropractic
practice for 22 years. He looks forward to serving on this board
to help with the regulations, ensure the profession serves the
public in all areas of the state, and to advance the profession.
1:49:02 PM
CHAIR COSTELLO opened public testimony on the appointment of
John Lloyd to the Board of Chiropractic Examiners; finding none,
she closed public testimony. She thanked him for being willing
to serve on this board.
CHAIR COSTELLO asked Richard Holt to introduce himself, provide
a brief background, and share his interest in serving on the
Board of Pharmacy.
1:49:35 PM
RICHARD HOLT, PharmD; MBA; Appointee, Board of Pharmacy,
Department of Commerce, Community and Economic Development,
Eagle River, Alaska, stated that he has been a licensed and
practicing pharmacist for more than 20 years and has been
practicing in Alaska since 2011. He holds a Bachelor of Science
degree in pharmacy and a Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) degree as
well as a Master of Business Administration degree. He said he
was appointed to this board in 2016 and is seeking reappointment
to continue to advance the practice of pharmacy in Alaska and to
serve Alaskans. He said the board worked to ensure that the
regulations met the needs of both pharmacies and patients during
the COVID-19 pandemic. This included many emergency regulations.
He recounted his activities as a board member. This includes
testifying about bills affecting the Board of Pharmacy, helping
to write questions for the jurisprudence exam, collaborating
with other boards on mutually related topics, presenting
continuing education to licensees on behalf of the board,
serving as vice-chair and chair of the board, participating in
regulatory reviews to ensure simplicity and public protection,
working with state investigators, and collaborating with other
boards on the Prescription Monitoring Program.
CHAIR COSTELLO thanked him for his service and being willing to
continue. She noted the technical difficulties with the audio.
1:52:39 PM
CHAIR COSTELLO opened public testimony on the appointment of
Richard Holt to the Board of Pharmacy; finding none, she closed
public testimony.
CHAIR COSTELLO asked Renee Weddle Alward to introduce herself,
provide a brief background, and share her interest in serving on
the Fishermen's Fund Advisory and Appeals Council.
1:53:16 PM
RENEE WEDDLE ALWARD, Appointee, Fishermen's Fund Advisory and
Appeals Council, Department of Labor and Workforce Development
(DOLWD), Homer, Alaska, advised that she is seeking
reappointment to this board. She comes from a fishing family and
also has experience in the family medical field. She said she
would like to continue to serve on this board that works in the
best interest of the commercial fishing fleet to keep
individuals healthy and to assist with medical expenses that
exceed a fisher's ability to pay. She noted the change in the
last five years that increased the reimbursement of the
deductible for protection and indemnity (P&I) insurance. This
encouraged vessel owners to get and maintain crew coverage
because they know that the fund can help them recover the
deductible from their carriers. She highlighted the proposed
regulation change to extend the date for the first treatment of
an injury on a vessel from 60 days to 120 days. Fishermen who
don't need treatment immediately could wait until the end of the
season. She expressed appreciation for the other board members
and hope that she would be confirmed for another term.
CHAIR COSTELLO asked her to explain the purpose of the fund and
what the board spends the most time doing.
MS. ALWARD explained that a portion of the fees collected for
commercial fishing licenses and permit cards is dedicated to the
fishermen's fund. When a fisher's injury or illness is validated
as fishing related, they can be reimbursed up to $10,000 of
their medical expenses. When a fisher's medical expenses exceed
$10,000, they can appeal to the council for an extension of
benefits. The council meets twice a year to review cases that
have been appealed to extend treatment beyond the $10,000 limit.
CHAIR COSTELLO asked for the current balance in the account.
MS. ALWARD said she did not have the total, but it is healthy.
2:00:28 PM
CHAIR COSTELLO opened public testimony on the appointment of
Renee Weddle Alward to the Fishermen's Fund Advisory and Appeals
Council; finding none, she closed public testimony. She
expressed appreciation for her passion and her service.
CHAIR COSTELLO asked Thomas Trosvig to introduce himself,
provide a brief background, and share his interest in serving on
the Occupational Safety & Health Review Board.
2:01:07 PM
THOMAS TROSVIG, Appointee, Occupational Safety & Health Review
Board, Department of Labor and Workforce Development (DOLWD),
Kodiak, Alaska, advised that he has served on this board
continuously for 15 years and he is seeking another term. He
related that he served 30 years in the US Coast Guard and is a
trained USCG Marine casualty investigator and marine inspector.
He served 12 years sea duty, mostly in the Bering Sea, Aleutian
Islands, and the North Pacific. His last assignment was as
commander of the 213 foot Alaska patrol vessel, Yocona,
homeported in Kodiak. He said his shoreside specialty was marine
safety and his last shore assignment was as the commanding
officer and captain of the port in Sault Sainte Marie Michigan.
He was also in charge of ice breaking operations on the northern
Great Lakes. He also holds a 2,000 ton Master Oceans license.
After retirement and for the past 15 years he has been employed
as the safety security officer for Matson Navigation container
shipping terminal in Kodiak where he deals daily with OSHA
regulations. He said he serves on this board because his work
experience, knowledge of OSHA, wealth of life experience, and
common sense help in the interpretation of fair resolutions of
both state and federal regulations. Further, he wishes to
contribute to the health and safety of the Alaska workforce.
SENATOR HOLLAND thanked him for his interest and extensive
service.
2:04:08 PM
CHAIR COSTELLO opened public testimony on the appointment of
Thomas Trosvig to the Occupational Safety & Health Review Board;
finding none, she closed public testimony. She echoed Senator
Holland's comments.
CHAIR COSTELLO asked Jody Pfeiffer to introduce herself, provide
a brief background, and share her interest in serving on the
State Physical Therapy & Occupational Therapy Board.
2:05:07 PM
JODI PFEIFFER, MPT; Appointee, State Physical Therapy &
Occupational Therapy Board, Department of Commerce, Community
and Economic Development, Wasilla, Alaska, stated that she
graduated as a physical therapist assistant (PTA) in 1994. For
the past 27 years she has worked in various states and a variety
of settings, including acute care, outpatient, skilled nursing
facilities, long-term care, school district, and a wound care
clinic. She has worked in Alaska since 2006. She holds both a
bachelor's degree and a master's degree. She related that she
has served in various elected and appointed positions in the
state and national physical therapy associations. She currently
is the PTA program director at UAA. She said that serving on
this board will provide an opportunity to serve her profession
and the public and be part of the regulatory process. She said
she believes her service will give the board a more diverse
perspective on issues and more reflective of the community it
serves.
2:07:03 PM
CHAIR COSTELLO opened public testimony on the appointment of
Jodi Pfeiffer to the State Physical Therapy & Occupational
Therapy Board; finding none, she closed public testimony. She
thanked her for her passion and providing diversity to the
board.
2:07:19 PM
SENATOR HOLLAND stated that in accordance with AS 39.05.080, the
Senate Labor and Commerce Standing Committee reviewed the
following and recommends the appointments be forwarded to a
joint session for consideration:
Board of Certified Real Estate Appraisers
William "Leon" McKean - Anchorage
Real Estate Commission
Traci Heaton - Juneau
Board of Marital & Family Therapy
Kayla Green - Eagle River
Board of Certified Direct-Entry Midwives
Rachel Pugh - Eagle River
Board of Chiropractic Examiners
John Lloyd - Anchorage
Board of Pharmacy
Richard Holt - Eagle River
Fishermen's Fund Advisory and Appeals Council
Renee Weddle Alward - Homer
Occupational Safety & Health Review Board
Thomas Trosvig - Kodiak
State Physical Therapy & Occupational Therapy Board
Jodi Pfeiffer - Wasilla
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.
CHAIR COSTELLO thanked Senator Holland and Senator Gray-Jackson
who was listening online.
SB 86-TEMPORARY PERMITS & LICENSES
2:08:34 PM
CHAIR COSTELLO announced the consideration of SENATE BILL NO. 86
"An Act relating to occupational licensing; relating to
temporary licenses, permits, and certificates; and providing for
an effective date."
She listed the individuals available to answer questions.
CHAIR COSTELLO solicited a motion to adopt Amendment 1.
2:09:26 PM
SENATOR HOLLAND moved Amendment 1, work order 32-LS0531\B.1.
32-LS0531\B.1
Fisher
3/31/21
AMENDMENT 1
OFFERED IN THE SENATE
TO: CSSB 86(L&C), Draft Version "B"
Page 2, line 4, following "10":
Insert "business"
2:09:36 PM
SENATOR REVAK objected for discussion purposes.
CHAIR COSTELLO explained that the Division of Corporations,
Business, and Professional Licensing requested the amendment. On
page 2, line 4 it adds the word "business" after the number "10"
to clarify that the division would provide a military spouse
with a temporary license 10 business days after receipt of the
application.
2:10:20 PM
SENATOR REVAK removed his objection.
CHAIR COSTELLO found no further objection and Amendment 1 was
adopted.
2:10:32 PM
CHAIR COSTELLO opened public testimony on SB 86.
2:10:45 PM
DR. DAVID NIELSEN, Chair, Board of Dental Examiners, Anchorage,
Alaska, stated that the board had not discussed SB 86 so he was
not relaying the Board's official position. However, it is
similar to a temporary license bill that was part of an omnibus
bill last session that the board raised concerns about. The
first concern was that the term "other jurisdiction" in Section
1 was too general. At least for the field of dentistry, he said
it would need to specify jurisdictions within the US. This would
make it clear that licensees from other countries would not
qualify for a temporary license under that provision. The board
also felt it was important that the board had control over the
boxes the department had to check when it was issuing a
temporary permit.
He said he believes the bottleneck in issuing timely licenses
and permits relates directly to the fact that the licensing
examiner has an overwhelming workload. He noted that he was
working with the fifth licensing examiner since his appointment
to the board and that has not helped with expediency. Adding
this temporary license might add to the workload, he said.
DR. NIELSEN stated support for the concept of the temporary
license option as long as the board had control over the
qualifications for who receives the temporary license and the
power to revoke the license if something was uncovered that was
disqualifying.
2:14:32 PM
CHAIR COSTELLO said she shares the concern about the workload,
and it was her intention to add three positions and the
budgetary increase so the department would be able to fulfill
the requirements of the bill. The Finance Committee would look
at that addition in more detail.
CHAIR COSTELLO asked Ms. Chambers to talk about whether the
applicants would go through the different licensure boards and
whether the boards would control which applicants received a
license.
2:16:16 PM
SARA CHAMBERS, Director, Division of Corporations, Business and
Professional Licensing, Department of Commerce, Community and
Economic Development (DCCED), Juneau, Alaska, speaking to the
issue of board control, said the bill places the streamlining
requirement and mandated timeline for issuing the license on the
department's shoulders. The division's intent would be to work
with each of the boards to ensure that the regulations address
appropriate side-rails and interpretations. For example, a
licensure requirement for Alaska engineers is to take an Arctic
engineering course. To prevent a significant delay in licensure,
the division could issue the temporary license with the side-
rail that the individual could not build structures in Fairbanks
and north until they had fulfilled that Arctic course
requirement. They would not qualify for a permanent license
until they met that requirement. She acknowledged that while
that was her intent, it was not mandated. It was a policy
decision the division was willing to work on with the committee,
she said.
CHAIR COSTELLO highlighted that the bill takes effect January 1,
2022 and asked if the division could work with the licensure
boards to draft the regulations so a board that wanted to
address a particular issue through regulation would have that
opportunity. She asked Ms. Chambers if she was willing to state
publicly that she would work with the boards.
MS. CHAMBERS confirmed that her intent was to work directly with
the boards to develop regulations that comply with the statute
while maintaining public safety. She said this is particularly
important in the areas where Alaska is a little different and
has requirements that other states do not have.
CHAIR COSTELLO asked if the regulations would address all the
boards or if some regulations would be unique to specific
boards.
2:19:46 PM
MS. CHAMBERS replied, the department will have the authority to
issue the license and they will develop the regulations, but the
intention is to work with the individual boards on those
regulations. She added, "Whether it's written to cover everybody
or written specifically, we're going to have to find a way to
put some reasonable limitations of practice that speak to those
unusual, carveout sort of circumstances like the Arctic
engineering example."
CHAIR COSTELLO referenced Dr. Nielsen's concern about
jurisdiction and asked if she reads to bill to mean that the
jurisdiction is within the US.
2:21:28 PM
MS. CHAMBERS replied she agrees with Dr. Nielsen that the
language in the bill could be interpreted to apply to any
jurisdiction. Nothing in the bill requires the license to be
substantially equivalent to an Alaska license and if the
department were to deny a temporary license because the
individual held a foreign license, the case could be appealed to
the Office of Administrative Hearings. If the intent is to limit
the jurisdiction to the US, an amendment would clarify that, she
said.
CHAIR COSTELLO asked her to restate the suggested language.
MS. CHAMBERS replied the department requested the term
"substantial equivalency" for the similar proposal in a
governor's bill last year. She noted that foreign standards can
vary widely from American standards and may not stipulate the
education was conducted in English. Absent the suggested term,
she said she agrees with Dr. Nielsen that the bill should
clarify it is talking about a jurisdiction within the US.
CHAIR COSTELLO highlighted that certain boards oversee
professions, such as dentistry or medicine, where the potential
risk to the public is much greater than others if the licensee
isn't adequately trained. She asked Ms. Chambers if she believes
that temporary licenses should be available for every profession
or if some should be exempted from this or similar legislation.
MS. CHAMBERS advised that many states have looked at that
question and found no substantial difference between dentistry,
medicine, or nursing across all US jurisdictions. She said most
of the backlog in licensure is in those fields but having a tool
like this bill offers would be helpful for all professions. She
clarified that she would not give the same endorsement for a
permanent license that could be renewed but a lot of safeguards
are built into the process to allow temporary, nonrenewable
licenses as a reasonable pathway for all licenses.
CHAIR COSTELLO asked Ms. Perreault if she had public testimony
to offer on SB 86.
2:26:58 PM
TAMMIE L. PERREAULT, Northwest Regional Liaison, Defense-State
Liaison Office, Office of the Deputy Assistant Secretary of
Defense, Joint Base Lewis McCord, Washington, stated that SB 86
is a great opportunity for military spouses and her office
appreciates the work that the department has done on the
legislation. She said 16 states have enacted this type of
legislation and people are realizing that for most professions
the requirements are very similar from one state to another. She
said that is why the Council of State Governments and the
National Council of State Legislatures have been working to
support this type of licensure reform. She reiterated support
for SB 86.
2:28:42 PM
CHAIR COSTELLO closed public testimony on SB 86.
2:28:50 PM
At ease
2:31:51 PM
CHAIR COSTELLO reconvened the meeting and explained that the
offline discussion was about conceptually amending the bill to
reflect that the jurisdiction where someone is licensed should
be substantially equivalent to Alaska licensure requirements.
2:32:39 PM
SENATOR HOLLAND moved conceptual Amendment 2 to add "substantial
equivalency" in Section 1, page 1, line 8, following the word
"jurisdiction" with the understanding that Legislative Legal
Services has authority to make technical changes.
CHAIR COSTELLO objected for questions or comments.
SENATOR REVAK said he appreciates the committee's effort on this
bill because licensure is a big issue for the military
community.
2:33:43 PM
CHAIR COSTELLO removed her objection; finding no further
objection, conceptual Amendment 2 was adopted.
CHAIR COSTELLO solicited the will of the committee.
2:34:15 PM
SENATOR HOLLAND moved to report the CS for SB 86, work order 32-
LS0531\B as amended, from committee with individual
recommendations and attached fiscal note(s).
CHAIR COSTELLO found no objection and CSSB 86(L&C), was reported
from the Senate Labor and Commerce Standing Committee.
CHAIR COSTELLO thanked Dr. Nielson for his testimony and
Director Chambers for stating her willingness to work with the
boards to draft regulations that accommodate the particular
boards. She noted that the bill would pick up a fiscal note to
reflect the new positions. She further mentioned that the bill
came out of the governor's disaster declaration.
2:37:08 PM
There being no further business to come before the committee,
Chair Costello adjourned the Senate Labor and Commerce Standing
Committee meeting at 2:37 p.m.
| Document Name | Date/Time | Subjects |
|---|---|---|
| SLAC GOV Appointee Leon McKean Board Application Redacted.pdf |
SL&C 3/31/2021 1:30:00 PM |
SLAC GOV APPOINTEE REA LEON MCKEAN |
| SLAC GOV Appointee Leon McKean Resume Redacted.pdf |
SL&C 3/31/2021 1:30:00 PM |
SLAC GOV APPOINTEE REA LEON MCKEAN |
| SLAC GOV Appointee Traci Heaton Board Application Redacted.pdf |
SL&C 3/31/2021 1:30:00 PM |
SLAC GOV APPOINTEE REC TRACI HEATON |
| SLAC GOV Appointee Kayla Green Board Application Redacted.pdf |
SL&C 3/31/2021 1:30:00 PM |
SLAC GOV APPOINTEE MFT KAYLA GREEN |
| SLAC GOV Appointee Kayla Green Resume Redacted.pdf |
SL&C 3/31/2021 1:30:00 PM |
SLAC GOV APPOINTEE MFT KAYLA GREEN |
| SLAC GOV Appointee Rachel Pugh Board Application Redacted.pdf |
SL&C 3/31/2021 1:30:00 PM |
SLAC GOV APPOINTEE CDEM RACHEL PUGH |
| SLAC GOV Appointee Rachel Pugh Resume Redacted.pdf |
SL&C 3/31/2021 1:30:00 PM |
SLAC GOV APPOINTEE CDEM RACHEL PUGH |
| SLAC GOV Appointee John Lloyd Board Application Redacted.pdf |
SL&C 3/31/2021 1:30:00 PM |
SLAC GOV APPOINTEE CE JOHN LLOYD |
| SLAC GOV Appointee John Lloyd Resume Redacted.pdf |
SL&C 3/31/2021 1:30:00 PM |
SLAC GOV APPOINTEE CE JOHN LLOYD |
| SLAC GOV Appointee Richard Holt Board Application Redacted.pdf |
SL&C 3/31/2021 1:30:00 PM |
SLAC GOV APPOINTEE BP RICHARD HOLT |
| SLAC GOV Appointee Richard Holt Resume Redacted.pdf |
SL&C 3/31/2021 1:30:00 PM |
SLAC GOV APPOINTEE BP RICHARD HOLT |
| SLAC GOV Appointee Rachel Berngartt Resume Redacted.pdf |
SL&C 3/31/2021 1:30:00 PM |
SLAC GOV APPOINTEE VE RACHEL BERNGARTT |
| SLAC GOV Appointee Renee Alward Board Application Redacted.pdf |
SL&C 3/31/2021 1:30:00 PM |
SLAC GOV APPOINTEE FFAAC RENEE ALWARD |
| SLAC GOV Appointee Renee Alward Resume Redacted.pdf |
SL&C 3/31/2021 1:30:00 PM |
SLAC GOV APPOINTEE FFAAC RENEE ALWARD |
| SLAC GOV Appointee Vincent Perez Resume Redacted.pdf |
SL&C 3/31/2021 1:30:00 PM |
SLAC GOV APPOINTEE OSHR VINCENT PEREZ |
| SLAC GOV Appointee Thomas Trosvig Resume Redacted.pdf |
SL&C 3/31/2021 1:30:00 PM |
SLAC GOV APPOINTEE OSHR THOMAS TROSVIG |
| SLAC GOV Appointee Jodi Pfeiffer Resume Redacted.pdf |
SL&C 3/31/2021 1:30:00 PM |
SLAC GOV APPOINTEE PTOT JODI PFEIFFER |
| SB 86 Support Letters Armed Services YMCA.pdf |
SL&C 3/31/2021 1:30:00 PM |
SB 86 |
| SB 86 Letter from AK Professional Design Council.pdf |
SL&C 3/31/2021 1:30:00 PM |
SB 86 |
| CSSB 86 Version B Amendment 1.pdf |
SL&C 3/31/2021 1:30:00 PM |
SB 86 |