Legislature(2019 - 2020)BARNES 124
05/10/2019 03:15 PM House LABOR & COMMERCE
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| Audio | Topic |
|---|---|
| Start | |
| HB127 | |
| HB93 | |
| HB113 | |
| Adjourn |
* first hearing in first committee of referral
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
| += | HB 103 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| += | HB 127 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| + | HB 93 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| + | HB 113 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| + | TELECONFERENCED |
HB 127-DENTAL HYGIENIST ADVANCED PRAC PERMIT
3:28:12 PM
CHAIR WOOL announced that the first order of business would be
HOUSE BILL NO. 127, "An Act relating to the practice of dental
hygiene; establishing an advanced practice permit; prohibiting
unfair discrimination under group health insurance against a
dental hygienist who holds an advanced practice permit; relating
to medical assistance for dental hygiene services; and providing
for an effective date."
3:28:47 PM
CHAIR WOOL opened public testimony.
3:29:13 PM
JEFF KILGORE stated his support for HB 127. He said he worked
the first eight years of his career at a federally qualified
health center as the "Dental Director." After which he switched
to the private sector. He explained that in both settings, he
saw the importance of access to care and how challenging it can
be - especially for the elderly and disabled populations. He
noted the challenge of getting them into a traditional setting
and opined that having a nontraditional option, like home
visits, would improve both their dental and systemic health.
3:31:14 PM
CHERYL KILGORE said she has been working in healthcare for many
decades and over that time, has seen both access problems and
successful delivery. She said that hygienists are uniquely
qualified to provide preventive and interventive services that
would be beneficial to vulnerable populations, like seniors in
nursing homes. She commended HB 127 for trying to utilize that
unique skillset to take better care of all Alaskans. She urged
members to support this bill.
3:33:37 PM
ROYANN ROYER, gave a brief history of her experience working in
private practices, public health and instructing the dental
program at University of Alaska Anchorage (UAA). Currently, she
said she works in a collaborative agreement at a long-term care
center, which is why she supports HB 127. She said if HB 127
passes, she would be able to continue preventative services.
3:38:34 PM
JON ZASADA, Director/Policy Integration, Alaska Primary Care
Association, voiced his support for HB 127. Recruiting and
retaining the necessary workforce to staff comprehensive primary
care practices that provide dental, medical, and behavioral
health in coordination with care services to patients is the
number one concern and priority of the Alaska Primary Care
Association's leaders.
DAVID NIELSON, Alaska Board of Dental Examiners, said, as chair
of the Alaska Board of Dental Examiners, he is here to answer
any questions member might have.
3:42:17 PM
REPRESENTATIVE STORY sought clarification on advanced practice
permits and asked how they are evaluated.
MR. NIELSON said the requirements are an active license in
Alaska, 4,000 hours of documented clinical practice, and no
disciplinary actions.
3:43:17 PM
REPRESENTATIVE HANNAN asked how many years it would take to get
4,000 hours.
DR. NIELSON estimated 5-10 years.
MS. ROYER, in response to Representative Hannan, said at least 5
years.
3:44:10 PM
REPRESENTATIVE STUTES asked if the state Dental Association and
the Board of Dental Examiners supports HB 127.
REPRESENTATIVE SPOHNHOLZ explained that the Alaska Dental
Society is the state professional association for dentists. She
noted that they have written a letter of support [included in
the committee packet].
3:45:36 PM
REPRESENTATIVE STUTES pointed out that the Alaska Dental
Association made a "wording" suggestion. She asked if that was
implemented in the committee substitute (CS).
REPRESENTATIVE SPOHNHOLZ deferred the question to her staff.
3:45:58 PM
BERNICE NISBETT, Staff, Representative Ivy Spohnholz, on behalf
of Representative Spohnholz, prime sponsor, said that the CS
they are working on will include the changes that are listed in
the aforementioned letter.
CHAIR WOOL announced that HB 127 was held over.
3:46:36 PM
CHAIR WOOL closed public testimony.