Legislature(2021 - 2022)
2021-09-11 House Journal
Full Journal pdf2021-09-11 House Journal Page 1500 HB 3009 HOUSE BILL NO. 3009 by the House Rules Committee by request of the Governor, entitled: "An Act relating to utilization review requirements; making temporary changes to state law in response to the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19); relating to telemedicine and telehealth; relating to background checks; and providing for an effective date." was read the first time and referred to the Health & Social Services Committee. The following fiscal note(s) apply: 1. Zero, Dept. of Commerce, Community, & Economic Development 2. Zero, Dept. of Commerce, Community, & Economic Development 3. Zero, Dept. of Health & Social Services The Governor's transmittal letter dated September 2 follows: "Dear Speaker Stutes: Under the authority of Article III, Section 18 of the Alaska Constitution, I am transmitting a bill relating to utilization review requirements, making temporary changes to state law in response to the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19); relating to telemedicine, telehealth, and background checks. This bill adds a new subsection to AS 21.06.080 to allow the Director of the Division of Insurance to waive certain utilization review requirements for placements. The bill also provides for the use of telemedicine and telehealth until July 1, 2022. Finally, the bill allows for the temporary suspension of certain background check requirements by the Department of Health and Social Services, provided the facility can attest to conducting said background check requirements as part of its hiring process. There is an immediate effective date. 2021-09-11 House Journal Page 1501 Passage of this legislation will enhance workforce and healthcare facility capacity, as well as accelerate the State’s ongoing response to the transmission of COVID-19. I urge your prompt and favorable action on this measure. Sincerely, /s/ Mike Dunleavy Governor" **The presence of Representative Kreiss-Tomkins was noted.