2004-03-08                     House Journal                      Page 2885
HB 535                                                                                            
HOUSE BILL NO. 535 by the House Rules Committee by request of                                       
the Governor, entitled:                                                                             
                                                                                                    
     "An Act relating to liability for expenses of placement in certain                             
     mental health facilities; relating to the mental health treatment                              
     assistance program; and providing for an effective date."                                      
                                                                                                    
was read the first time and referred to the Health, Education & Social                              
Services, Judiciary, and Finance Committees.                                                        
                                                                                                    

2004-03-08                     House Journal                      Page 2886
The following fiscal note(s) apply:                                                                 
                                                                                                    
1.  Fiscal, Dept. of Health & Social Services                                                       
                                                                                                    
The Governor's transmittal letter dated March 5, 2004, follows:                                     
                                                                                                    
"Dear Speaker Kott:                                                                                 
                                                                                                    
Under the authority of article III, section 18, of the Alaska                                       
Constitution, I am transmitting a bill related to the mental health                                 
treatment assistance program.  The bill would give the Department of                                
Health and Social Services additional tools to control costs.  Costs                                
would be controlled by limiting financial assistance to persons                                     
meeting the eligibility criteria after registration.  Registration would                            
require contacting the department in a timely manner and supplying                                  
information on medical and financial need.  The department would                                    
also gain some flexibility to reduce rates when there is a shortfall of                             
funds.                                                                                              
                                                                                                    
I urge your support of this important bill.                                                         
                                                                                                    
                                Sincerely yours,                                                    
                                /s/                                                                 
                                Frank H. Murkowski                                                  
                                 Governor"