Legislature(1999 - 2000)
2000-01-21 House Journal
Full Journal pdf2000-01-21 House Journal Page 1965 HB 302 HOUSE BILL NO. 302 by the House Rules Committee by request of the Governor, entitled: "An Act relating to disclosure of public assistance information to report suspected abuse or neglect of children or vulnerable adults." 2000-01-21 House Journal Page 1966 HB 302 was read the first time and referred to the Health, Education & Social Services and Judiciary Committees. The following fiscal notes apply: Indeterminate fiscal note, Dept. of Administration, 1/21/00 Zero fiscal note, Dept. of Administration, 1/21/00 Zero fiscal note, Dept. of Health & Social Services, 1/21/00 The Governor's transmittal letter dated January 19, 2000, appears below: "Dear Speaker Porter: Part of the state's multi-faceted battle against child abuse is to take protective action for those children suspected to be victims of this crime. We can only succeed, though, if people who are aware of the abuse are allowed to report it to the proper authorities. This bill I transmit today makes it clear that employees of the state Division of Public Assistance may report cases of suspected child abuse, and abuse of a vulnerable adult, without violating any confidentiality requirements of their positions. Public assistance information is entitled to confidentiality protections under both federal and state law. However, before welfare reform, it was clear under federal law that public assistance employees were required to report information concerning suspected child abuse or neglect to the state agency charged with investigating such reports. Since welfare reform, this requirement is no longer explicit in the federal law. Furthermore, under state law, employees of contractors who provide services for the Department of Health and Social Services are mandatory reporters of suspected harm to vulnerable adults. The lack of clarity in terms of the responsibility of our own employees is inconsistent. This legislation explicitly exempts public assistance employees from their confidentiality requirements in order to file a report of suspected 2000-01-21 House Journal Page 1967 HB 302 abuse or neglect of a child or vulnerable adult. In this way, we can move Alaska further along in its efforts to stop child abuse and neglect. Sincerely, /s/ Tony Knowles Governor"