2021-09-02                     Senate Journal                      Page 1398
SB 3006                                                                                                                       
SENATE BILL NO. 3006 BY THE SENATE 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 Labor and Commerce                                                                  
Committee.                                                                                                                      
                                                                                                                                
The following fiscal information was published today:                                                                           
 Fiscal Note No. 1, zero, Department of Commerce, Community,                                                                    
  and Economic Development                                                                                                      
 Fiscal Note No. 2, zero, Department of Health and Social Services                                                              
 Fiscal Note No. 3, zero, Department of Commerce, Community,                                                                    
  and Economic Development                                                                                                      
                                                                                                                                
Governor's transmittal letter dated September 2:                                                                                
                                                                                                                                
Dear President Micciche:                                                                                                        
                                                                                                                                
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.                                                                                                                 
                                                                                                                                

2021-09-02                     Senate Journal                      Page 1399
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