HB 269-IMMUNITY FOR TEMP. HEALTH CARE PROVIDER  1:08:45 PM CHAIR KELLER announced the first order of business would be HOUSE BILL NO. 269, "An Act providing immunity for certain licensed temporary health care providers who provide free health care services." 1:09 g6 :38 PM REPRESENTATIVE LYNN moved to rescind the committee's previous action in reporting CSHB 269, Version 28-LS1251\C, Wallace, 2/28/14, from committee on 2/28/14. There being no objection, Version C was before the committee. 1:10:14 PM REPRESENTATIVE GRUENBERG moved that the committee adopt Amendment C.1, labeled 28-LS1251\C.1, Wallace, 2/28/14, which read: Page 1, line 10: Delete "courtesy license" Insert "license or permit" Page 1, lines 10 - 11: Delete "under AS 08.01.062" CHAIR KELLER objected. 1:10:36 PM JANE PIERSON, Staff, Representative Steve Thompson, Alaska State Legislature, speaking on behalf of the sponsor of HB 269, Representative Thompson, explained that Amendment C.1 allows temporary licenses or permits applicable for health care providers. 1:11:01 PM The committee took a brief at-ease. 1:11:54 PM MS. PIERSON further explained that Amendment C.1 includes immunity for all medical professions providing free medical services under AS 09.65.300(a). The changes embodied in Amendment C.1 are such that Section 1 (a) will read: (1) provider is licensed in the state to provide health care services; in this paragraph, "health care  provider" includes a health care provider who holds a  temporary courtesy license as a health care provider  under AS 08.01.62;  MS. PIERSON informed the committee that Amendment C.1 includes chiropractors, physicians, nurses, and dentists, and advised that the nurses, physicians, and Dr. James Heston, President of the State of Alaska Board of Chiropractic Examiners are comfortable with Amendment C.1. 1:13:17 PM REPRESENTATIVE GRUENBERG directed attention to the language on page 1, [lines 13-14 through page 2, lines 1-4], and the definition of "health care provider" on page 2, lines 20-25, and referred to providers who customarily work out of a medical clinic as described on page 2, lines 1-2. He noted there may be other providers such as marital and family therapists, psychologists, or psychological associates, who may work out of their own office or home and suggested that technically there should be language in Section 1(a)(3) to cover providers not in a clinic or medical facility called in for emergency suicide counseling. He further suggested the sponsor ascertain that all of the locations are covered. MS. PIERSON thanked Representative Gruenberg and indicated the sponsor will continue to look at that issue. CHAIR KELLER removed his objection. There being no further objection Amendment C.1 was adopted. He then opened public testimony. 1:16:24 PM PATRICIA SENNER, Advanced Nurse Practitioner, Interim Director of Professional Practice, Alaska Nurses Association, stated she has no problems with Amendment C.1, although there is a discrepancy between the definition of those who hold licenses and the definition of "health care provider" in AS 09.65.300 which, she surmised, could be cleared up as [the bill] moves along. She added that the Alaska Nurses Association appreciates the inclusion of [AS 09.65.300(a)(5)] sub-paragraph "(C)" that requires written notice of medical providers who can offer follow-up care. 1:18:03 PM MS. SENNER, in response to Representative Gruenberg, referred to the definition of health care providers on page 2, lines 19-25, and explained that midwives are under advanced nurse practitioners and are not a separate category. She further advised that HB 269 does not include certified registered nurse anesthetists (CRNAs), which are a separate category. She advised she could not speak to occupational therapists or marital and family therapists, but said the term "licensee" should be the same terminology as the health care provider. 1:19:22 PM REPRESENTATIVE GRUENBERG referred to page 2, line 20, wherein  the sponsor eliminated the term "state license," and reiterated Ms. Senner's testimony that Certified Registered Nurse [Anesthetists] are not included, which could be dealt with down the line. CHAIR KELLER closed public testimony. 1:20:37 PM REPRESENTATIVE LYNN moved to report CSHB 269, Version 28- LS1251\C, Wallace, 2/18/14, as amended, out of committee with individual recommendations and the accompanying fiscal notes. There being no objection, CSHB 269 (JUD) moved out of committee.