Legislature(2003 - 2004)
02/27/2003 01:43 PM House FIN
| Audio | Topic |
|---|
* first hearing in first committee of referral
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
HOUSE BILL NO. 74
An Act extending the termination date of the Board of
Nursing.
REPRESENTATIVE NANCY DAHLSTROM noted that AS 08.64.010
established the Board of Nurses, whose members are appointed
by the Governor, consist of one licensed practical nurse
currently involved in institutional nursing service, one
registered nurse engaged in baccalaureate nursing, three
registered nurses at large, and two persons with no director
financial interests in the healthcare industry. HB 74, if
enacted would extend the Board operation for another 4 years
to June 30, 2007.
She explained that the Board serves the public interest by
establishing minimum education and work experience
requirements that individuals must meet to become licensed
nurses or certified nursing aides. The Board further
services the public interest by investigating complaints
against licensed professionals and taking disciplinary
licensing action when appropriate.
KIMBERLY HANGER, STAFF, REPRESENTATIVE NANCY DAHLSTROM,
stated that in accordance with the intent of Title 24 &
Title 44 of the Alaska Statutes, the Division of Legislative
Audit reviewed the activities of the Board. The conclusions
resulting from that audit was a recommendation for an
extension of the Board. She referenced a letter received
from Catherine Reardon, previous Director of the Division of
Occupational Licensing in the Department of Community and
Economic Development, which endorses the findings and
recommends the extension.
Ms. Hanger pointed out Amendment #1. (Copy on File). The
amendment would extend the Board through 2011.
Representative Hawker noted that within the audit, there had
been two recommendations:
· One involving procedures for notification of the
pharmacies; and
· One on the self-evaluation checklist.
He inquired what the Board had done regarding those
recommendations.
Ms. Hanger explained that regarding the first
recommendation, the audit was correct and that they do not
have a specific procedure for the Board of Pharmacies. The
Board of Nursing met with Margaret Snowden, Chair, Board of
Pharmacy. The Board met with her and devised a plan to
communicate with that Board and currently, they are keeping
better records.
The second concern recommended that the Board of Nursing
develop and implement a self evaluation checklist for the
organization certified nursing aid training program. Ms.
Hanger acknowledged that was an excellent recommendation.
The Board has implemented a procedure for directing staff to
develop a self-monitoring checklist.
Representative Stoltze MOVED to ADOPT Amendment #1. There
being NO OBJECTION, it was adopted.
Co-Chair Harris asked Ms. Davidson about changing the date
and what savings that would provide the State.
PAT DAVIDSON, DIRECTOR-LEGISLATIVE AUDITOR, DIVISION OF
LEGISLATIVE AUDIT, advised that the cost of sunset audits
can range anywhere between $8 to $20 thousand dollars
depending upon the sort of issues that come up during the
course of an audit. In terms of the Medical Board and the
Nursing Board, the key concerns regard whether they are
proactive with legislation and not relying upon the sunset
process to bring concerns forward. She noted that it is
important that they are acting financially appropriate when
additional costs are incurred.
Ms. Davidson noted that for both the boards, their prior
extension was eight years and because those boards have
always addressed their key concerns, the Audit Committee
recommends the extension. Boards are required to cover some
costs, however, they do not cover the costs of legislative
or audit time.
Co-Chair Harris inquired if during the audit reviews, there
had been members that had complaints.
Ms. Davidson responded that there were no significant
complaints with regard to the boards and that membership of
the boards have to bear the cost associated with
investigations.
Co-Chair Harris asked what the agreement was regarding the
$192 contractual dollars. Ms. Davidson responded that
typically those are legal costs for investigations and/or
regulatory changes.
NANCY SANDERS, (TESTIFIED VIA TELECONFERENCE), CHAIR, BOARD
OF NURSING, ANCHORAGE, spoke in support of HB 74 and urged
passage of the legislation. She offered to answer questions
of the Committee.
MARY WEYMILLER, (TESTIFIED VIA TELECONFERENCE), MEMBER,
BOARD OF NURSING, ANCHORAGE, noted her support and urged
passage of HB 74.
RICK URION, DIRECTOR OCCUPATIONAL LICENSING, DEPARTMENT OF
COMMUNITY AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT, testified in support of
HB 74. He noted that Board provides a valuable service. He
urged passage of the bill so that they can continue their
'good work'.
Vice-Chair Meyer MOVED to report CS HB 74 (FIN) out of
Committee with individual recommendations and with the
accompanying fiscal note.
There being NO OBJECTION, it was so ordered.
CS HB 74 (FIN) was reported out of Committee with a "do
pass" recommendation and with a new fiscal note by the
Department of Community & Economic Development.
| Document Name | Date/Time | Subjects |
|---|