Legislature(2025 - 2026)BUTROVICH 205
04/01/2025 03:30 PM Senate HEALTH & SOCIAL SERVICES
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| Audio | Topic |
|---|---|
| Start | |
| SB134 | |
| SJR15 | |
| Confirmation Hearing(s): | |
| Adjourn |
* first hearing in first committee of referral
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
| *+ | SB 134 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| += | SB 122 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| += | SB 88 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| += | SJR 15 | TELECONFERENCED | |
ALASKA STATE LEGISLATURE
SENATE HEALTH AND SOCIAL SERVICES STANDING COMMITTEE
April 1, 2025
3:34 p.m.
MEMBERS PRESENT
Senator Cathy Giessel, Vice Chair
Senator Matt Claman
Senator Löki Tobin
Senator Shelley Hughes
MEMBERS ABSENT
Senator Forrest Dunbar, Chair
COMMITTEE CALENDAR
SENATE BILL NO. 134
"An Act relating to pharmacy benefits managers; relating to
third-party administrators; and providing for an effective
date."
- HEARD & HELD
SENATE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 15
Calling on the state's congressional delegation to oppose cuts
to federal spending on Medicaid.
- MOVED CSSJR 15(HSS) OUT OF COMMITTEE
CONFIRMATION HEARING(S):
State Medical Board
Brent Taylor - Anchorage
- CONFIRMATION ADVANCED
PREVIOUS COMMITTEE ACTION
BILL: SB 134
SHORT TITLE: PHARMACY BENEFITS MANAGER;3RD PARTY ADMIN
SPONSOR(s): SENATOR(s) GIESSEL
03/18/25 (S) READ THE FIRST TIME - REFERRALS
03/18/25 (S) HSS, L&C
04/01/25 (S) HSS AT 3:30 PM BUTROVICH 205
BILL: SJR 15
SHORT TITLE: OPPOSE MEDICAID CUTS
SPONSOR(s): HEALTH & SOCIAL SERVICES
03/19/25 (S) READ THE FIRST TIME - REFERRALS
03/19/25 (S) HSS
03/20/25 (S) HSS AT 3:30 PM BUTROVICH 205
03/20/25 (S) <Bill Hearing Canceled>
03/25/25 (S) HSS AT 3:30 PM BUTROVICH 205
03/25/25 (S) Heard & Held
03/25/25 (S) MINUTE(HSS)
03/27/25 (S) HSS AT 3:30 PM BUTROVICH 205
03/27/25 (S) Heard & Held
03/27/25 (S) MINUTE(HSS)
04/01/25 (S) HSS AT 3:30 PM BUTROVICH 205
WITNESS REGISTER
JANE ROHR, Staff
Senator Cathy Giessel
Alaska State Legislature
Juneau, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Provided the sectional analysis for SB 134.
HEATHER CARPENTER, Deputy Director
Division of Insurance
Department of Commerce Community and
Economic Development (DCCED)
Juneau, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Provided a review of SB 134.
ARIELLE WIGGIN, Staff
Senator Forest Dunbar
Alaska State Legislature
Juneau, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Offered a summary of changes for SJR 15,
version N.
BRENT TAYLOR, MD, Appointee
State Medical Board
Anchorage, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified as the governor's appointee to the
State Medical Board.
RACHEL GOLDBERGER, representing self
Anchorage, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in opposition to the appointment
of Ms. Smith to the State Medical Board.
ACTION NARRATIVE
3:34:42 PM
VICE-CHAIR GIESSEL called the Senate Health and Social Services
Standing Committee meeting to order at 3:34 p.m. Present at the
call to order were Senators Hughes, Claman, and Vice Chair
Giessel. Senator Tobin arrived thereafter.
SB 134-PHARMACY BENEFITS MANAGER;3RD PARTY ADMIN
3:35:53 PM
VICE-CHAIR GIESSEL announced the consideration of SENATE BILL
NO. 134 "An Act relating to pharmacy benefits managers; relating
to third-party administrators; and providing for an effective
date."
3:36:15 PM
VICE-CHAIR GIESSEL speaking as sponsor introduced SB 134. She
stated SB 134 relates to Third Party Administrators (TPAs). TPAs
do business as part of a network related to insurance. TPAs also
relate to pharmacy benefit managers often collecting profits
from them and then relocating them to use outside of the state
of Alaska and sometimes overseas. TPAs are not regulated by the
Division of Insurance. SB 134 endeavors to have TPAs regulated
for the purpose of transparency and accountability.
3:37:24 PM
JANE ROHR, Staff, Senator Cathy Giessel, Alaska State
Legislature, Juneau, Alaska, provided the sectional analysis for
SB 134:
[Original punctuation provided.]
Senate Bill 134
Sectional Analysis (vsn A)
"An Act relating to pharmacy benefits managers;
relating to third-party administrators; and providing
for an effective date."
Section 1. Amends AS 21.06.120(a): Examination of
insurers.
This section adds pharmacy benefits managers to the
list of licensed and formerly licensed groups the
affairs of which the director may examine.
Section 2. Amends AS 21.06.120(d): Examination of
insurers.
This section adds third-party administrators and
pharmacy benefits managers to the list of groups in
which the director may examine through multi-state
participation with the National Association of
Insurance Commissioners.
Section 3. Adds a new subsection to AS 21.06.120:
Examination of insurers.
This section adds a new subsection allowing the
director to examine third-party administrators or
pharmacy benefits managers at any time that the
director deems necessary.
Section 4. Amends AS 21.06.160(a): Examination
expense.
This section removes an exemption for third-party
administrators and makes them responsible for paying
costs associated with a market conduct examination.
3:37:45 PM
MS. ROHR continued with the sectional analysis for SB 134:
Section 5. Amends AS 21.27.010(a): License required.
This section adds Third-Party Administrators and
Pharmacy Benefits Managers to the list of people
required to be licensed under this chapter to do
business in this state.
Section 6. Amends AS 21.27.010(c): License required.
This section makes conforming changes by replacing the
term "registered" with "licensed" on line 22.
This section also replaces the statute number with the
verbiage "this chapter" since TPA will now be subject
to licensing requirements throughout the chapter
Section 7. Adds a new subsection to AS 21.27.010
License required.
This section adds a new subsection (l) clarifying
third-party administrators and pharmacy benefits
managers are also subject to specific licensing
requirements under the AS 21.27.630 21.27.660 (TPA)
and AS 21.27.901 21.27.955 (PBM).
3:37:58 PM
MS. ROHR continued with the sectional analysis for SB 134:
Section 8. Amends AS 21.27.060(d): Examination of
applicants and licensees. This section exempts a
compliance officer for a third-party administrator or
pharmacy benefits manager from taking an exam from the
division before a license is issued.
Section 9. Amends AS 21.27.380(b): License renewal,
expiration, and reinstatement.
This section pertains to license expiration and adds
third-party administrators and pharmacy benefits
managers to the list of entities who may not operate
in the state with an expired license.
3:38:15 PM
MS. ROHR continued with the sectional analysis for SB 134
stating sections 10 through 24 require designated compliance
officers to be licensed. She stated that it's required for
exempt TPA's to file a certification with a director annually on
or before February 1st as well as make conforming changes by
replacing registered with licensed.
Section 10. Amends AS 21.27.630(a): Registration
required.
This section makes conforming changes by replacing the
term "registered" with "licensed" on lines 24 and 27.
Section 11. Amends AS 21.27.630(b): Registration
required.
This section makes conforming changes by replacing the
term "registered" with "licensed" on line 30.
Section 12. Amends AS 21.27.630(c): Registration
required.
This section makes conforming changes by replacing the
term "registered" with "licensed" on line 2.
This section also replaces the statute number with the
verbiage "this chapter" since TPA will now be subject
to licensing requirements throughout the chapter.
Section 13. Amends AS 21.27.630(d): Registration
required.
This section makes conforming changes by replacing the
term "registration" with "license" on line 7. This
section is about fraudulent use of a name.
Section 14. Amends AS 21.27.630(e): Registration
required.
This section makes conforming changes by replacing the
term "registered" with "licensed" on line 12. This
section is about entities must be licensed not the
individual.
This section also replaces the verbiage "section" with
"chapter" since TPA will now be subject to licensing
requirements throughout the chapter.
Section 15. Amends AS 21.27.630(g): Registration
required.
This section makes conforming changes by replacing the
term "registered" with "licensed" on line 18. This
section pertains to credit unions banks or other
financial institutions.
Section 16. Amends AS 21.27.630(h): Registration
required.
This section makes conforming changes by replacing the
term "registered" with "licensed" on line 24. This
section pertains to credit card companies.
Section 17. Amends AS 21.27.630(i): Registration
required. This section makes conforming changes by
replacing the term "registered" with "licensed" on
line 29. This section pertains to ERISA plans which
are exempted from licensure.
Section 18. Amends AS 21.27.630(j): Registration
required. This section makes conforming changes by
replacing the term "registration" with "license" on
lines 8 and 9. It also removes duplicative language no
longer needed since TPA will be required to be
licensed. This section is relating to suspensions and
revocations of license.
Section 19. Amends AS 21.27.630(k): Registration
required. This section makes conforming changes by
replacing the term "registered" with "licensed" on
line 12. This section is regarding an exemption for
insurers who hold a certificate of authority from the
director.
Section 20. Amends AS 21.27.630(l): Registration
required. This section makes conforming changes by
replacing the term "registered" with "licensed" on
lines 15.
Adds the requirement that any entity that meets the
qualifications of an exempt TPA file a certification
with the director annually on or before February 1st
of each year.
Section 21. Amends AS 21.27.630(m): Registration
required.
This section pertains to exempting employees of third-
party administrators from licensing requirements and
makes conforming changes by replacing the term
"registered" with "licensed" on line 22.
This section also adds language requiring designated
compliance officers to be licensed.
Section 22. Amends AS 21.27.640(a): Third-party
administrator qualifications.
This section makes conforming changes by replacing the
term "registration" with "license" on lines 27 and 28.
This section relates to untrustworthy and incompetent
licensees.
Section 23. Amends AS 21.27.640(b): Third-party
administrator qualifications.
This section makes conforming changes by replacing the
term "registration" with "license" on line 2 and the
term "registrant" with "licensee" on lines 3, 23, and
26. This section lists criteria relating to licensee
qualifications
Section 24. Amends AS 21.27.640(d): Third-party
administrator qualifications. This section makes
conforming changes by replacing the term "registrant"
with "licensee" on lines 1 and 2, the term
"registration" with "license" on line 3. This section
pertains to license approval by director.
3:38:33 PM
MS. ROHR continued with the sectional analysis for SB 134:
Section 25. Amends AS 21.27.650(a): Operating
requirements for third-party administrators.
This section makes conforming changes by replacing the
term "registered" with "licensed" on line 9. Removes
an exemption for a TPA registered in their home state
applying for a non-resident Alaska license. By
eliminated the exemption, we are now requiring all TPA
who are operating in Alaska to be licensed regardless
of their resident state status.
Section 26. Amends AS 21.27.650(q): Operating
requirements for third-party.
This section makes conforming changes by replacing the
term "registration" with "license" on line 17. This
section outlines criteria by which a director may
revoke a license.
Section 27. Amends AS 21.27.901: Registration of
pharmacy benefits managers; scope of business
practice.
This section makes the following conforming changes:
• Replaces the term "registration" with "license"
in the statute title.
• Replaces the term "registered" with "licensed" on
page 12, line 30 and page 13, lines 1 and 14.
• Replaces the term "registration" with "license"
on page 13, lines 8, 11, and 12.
3:38:47 PM
MS. ROHR continued with the sectional analysis for SB 134:
Section 28. Adds new sections AS 21.27.903, 904.
This section adds 21.27.903 Pharmacy benefits manager
qualifications which outlines the following
qualifications:
? Disclosures; including information concerning
owners, officers, directors and partners, action
taken against them by a financial industry
regulatory authority (including the government),
and criminal prosecution.
? Identified a designated compliance officer.
? A complete application, which includes:
o Application fee
o Organizational documents, including regulatory
documents.
o Contact information for the people responsible
for the conduct of affairs for the pharmacy
benefit manager.
o Certified financial documents for the last two
years, or for the last year and partial year
if the applicant has been in business for less
than two years.
This section adds 21.27.904 Pharmacy benefit manager
required notifications. Outlines that PBMs must notify
the director of the following:
? Change of information i.e. place of business,
email, address, telephone number.
? Change in compliance officer and contact
information.
? Any administrative action taken against the
licensee.
? Conviction of misdemeanor or felony.
Failure to provide the above information may result in
denial, revocation or suspension or license.
3:39:02 PM
MS. ROHR continued with the sectional analysis for SB 134:
Section 29. Amends AS 21.27.905: Renewal of
registration.
This section makes the following conforming changes:
? Replaces the term "registration" with "license"
in the statute title.
? Replaces the term "registration" with "license"
on lines 24 and 26.
Regarding procedures for biennial renewal of license,
and renewal fees established by the director that are
self-supporting for the division.
Section 30. Adds a new subsection to AS 21.27.905:
Renewal of registration.
This section adds a new subsection requiring the
licensing fees of pharmacy benefit managers to cover
the cost of:
? Salaries and benefits paid to the personnel of
the division tasked with enforcement.
? Reasonable technology costs related to the
enforcement process of pharmacy benefits manager
licensing, including cost of software, hardware
and related training for use of said software and
hardware.
? Reasonable education and training costs to the
division for the enforcing personnel.
3:39:15 PM
MS. ROHR continued with the sectional analysis for SB 134:
Section 31. Amends AS 21.27.975(15): Definitions.
This section adds "regardless of ownership of the
pharmacy benefits manager" to the definition of
pharmacy benefits manager.
Section 32. Repeals AS 21.27.630(f):
Sec. 21.27.630(f). Registration required.
This provision is no longer needed because they now
must be licensed rather than registered.
Section 33. Sets an effective date for January 1,
2026.
3:39:34 PM
VICE-CHAIR GIESSEL asked Ms. Carpenter to review the bill.
3:40:03 PM
HEATHER CARPENTER, Deputy Director, Division of Insurance,
Department of Commerce Community and Economic Development
(DCCED), Juneau, Alaska, provided a review of SB 134 and stated
that after the last session, the division closely reviewed House
Bill 226, sponsored by Representative Sumner and Senator
Giessel. The intent was to strengthen oversight of pharmacy
benefit managers (PBMs) and ensure compliance. She said after
consulting legal counsel and reviewing statutes, the division
determined that a registration framework did not provide the
same oversight authority as full licensure. She said SB 134
makes conforming changes to update examination statutes,
allowing the division to conduct market exams of PBMs when
complaint patterns arise. Previously, PBMs were treated as
third-party administrators, were not clearly included in
examination statutes, and were sometimes exempt from exam costs,
which were instead borne by insurers. SB 134 corrects these
issues. She concluded that the legislation is a cleanup measure
that aligns Alaska with other states by moving PBMs and third-
party administrators from registration to full licensure. This
addressed concerns about vertical integration, regulatory
confusion, and attempts to circumvent licensure, while also
making requirements clearer and easier for licensing staff to
administer.
3:42:23 PM
SENATOR CLAMAN asked for clarification of the term "vertical
integration," including what it means in this context, whether
it is a problem, and why, noting that the term can have
different meanings for different audiences.
3:42:41 PM
MS. CARPENTER replied that the issue with vertical integration
is largely a lack of transparency. Insurers may own third-party
administrators, pharmacy benefit managers, and pharmacies,
sometimes under exemptions that avoid registration. She said
this makes it difficult for the division to determine
responsibility when complaints arise. Without clear disclosure
of ownership and operations, vertical integration can create
confusion and hinder effective oversight and accountability.
3:43:51 PM
SENATOR CLAMAN explained that in this context, vertical
integration creates challenges for the division's oversight. An
insurer may own multiple third-party administrators and
pharmacies that are not licensed, making it difficult to
determine what is happening within the overall organization. He
said as a result, the division lacks visibility into the
activities of related but unlicensed entities when investigating
the insurer.
3:44:20 PM
SENATOR TOBIN arrived at the meeting.
3:44:33 PM
MS. CARPENTER explained that this is why the division proposed
updating the definition of pharmacy benefit manager to include
the phrase "regardless of ownership.She said this ensures the
division can carry out legislative intent and anticipate how
insurers, TPAs, and PBMs might structure themselves to avoid
oversight.
3:44:54 PM
SENATOR CLAMAN asked whether this proposed change expands the
division's regulatory authority, or does it simply ensure that
entities providing services in Alaska are clearly subject to the
division's existing oversight and regulatory authority.
3:45:15 PM
MS. CARPENTER replied that the changes accomplish both goals:
they clarify the division's authority to examine pharmacy
benefit managers by removing statutory ambiguity, and they
expand oversight by eliminating exemptions and moving to full
licensure, resulting in more licensed entities and better
consumer protection.
3:45:50 PM
SENATOR HUGHES referenced Marty Makary's book The Price We Pay,
which discusses pharmacy benefit managers, and asked whether SB
134 aligns with those recommendations. She also asked whether
the legislation builds on prior PBM reforms and helps rein in
the system to improve oversight and control costs.
MS. CARPENTER stated that she was not familiar with the book but
agreed SB 134 meets that intent. She explained that the statues
on examinations and the information the PDM must supply the
division, such as the designation of a compliance officer and
provisions that ensure registration fees cover oversight costs,
provide the division the necessary tools to carry out the
legislature's direction.
3:47:19 PM
SENATOR HUGHES asked if page 6, line 15 of the sectional
analysis, is narrow enough or does there need to be a more
detailed explanation.
MS. CARPENTER replied that the division has previously worked
with legal counsel on the definition of "person," which is
broadly defined in Alaska statute to include companies and
individuals, such as a compliance officer, and offered to follow
up with additional clarification.
3:48:20 PM
SENATOR HUGHES commented that the broad definition possibly
means every Alaskan.
MS. CARPENTER replied that this provision is found in the third-
party administrator statutes AS 21.27.630 and applies only to
third-party administrators within that chapter.
3:49:06 PM
VICE-CHAIR GIESSEL held SB 134 in committee.
SJR 15-OPPOSE MEDICAID CUTS
3:49:21 PM
VICE-CHAIR GIESSEL announced the consideration of SENATE JOINT
RESOLUTION NO. 15 Calling on the state's congressional
delegation to oppose cuts to federal spending on Medicaid.
3:49:39 PM
VICE-CHAIR GIESSEL said the committee would consider a committee
substitute (CS), version N, for SJR 15.
3:49:49 PM
VICE-CHAIR GIESSEL solicited a motion.
3:49:53 PM
SENATOR TOBIN moved to adopt the committee substitute (CS) for
SJR 15, work order 34-LS0631\N, as the working document.
3:50:07 PM
VICE-CHAIR GIESSEL objected for purposes of discussion.
3:50:35 PM
ARIELLE WIGGIN, Staff, Senator Forest Dunbar, Alaska State
Legislature, Juneau, Alaska, offered a summary of changes for
SJR 15, version N:
[Original punctuation provided.]
SUMMARY OF CHANGES
CSSJR 15: OPPOSE MEDICAID CUTS
32-LS0631 Version A to Version N
Page 2, Line 2: Updates the percentage of Alaska
births covered by Medicaid in 2023 to 36 percent and
clarifies that nearly 40 percent of enrollees are
under age 18.
Page 2, Line 12: Updates the percentage of Medicaid
enrollees who are Alaska Native to 30 percent.
Page 2, after line 15: Adds a clause clarifying that
the federal government covers 100 percent of Medicaid
costs for Alaska Native enrollees receiving services
through Indian Health Service (IHS) or tribally
operated facilities, whether directly operated by
Indian Health Service or on behalf of a Tribe; and
adds a clause stating that states implementing
Medicaid expansion under the Affordable Care Act
receive a 90 percent federal match for adults covered
through the expansion.
Page 3, Line 5: Changes the potential cuts from 2
trillion dollars to eight hundred and eighty billion
dollars to reflect the current stage of the federal
budget negotiation process more accurately
3:51:50 PM
VICE-CHAIR GIESSEL asked if the committee had questions. She
noted that the sponsor of SJR 15 had incorporated changes that
members of the committee suggested.
3:52:20 PM
VICE-CHAIR GIESSEL removed her objection. She found no further
discussion and [CSSJR 15 was adopted as the working document].
She solicited the will of the committee.
3:52:25 PM
SENATOR HUGHES expressed disappointment that "over ten years"
was omitted on page 3, line 5 of the CS, noting that a "cut"
usually refers to a one-year amount, whereas this totals $880
billion over ten years ($88 billion per year), which she felt
was misleading.
3:52:58 PM
VICE-CHAIR GIESSEL asked if Senator Hughes would like to offer a
conceptual amendment.
3:53:10 PM
SENATOR HUGHES moved Conceptual Amendment 1:
CONCEPTUAL AMENDMENT 1
On page 3, line 5, following "$880,000,000,000"
Insert "over ten years"
3:53:29 PM
VICE-CHAIR GIESSEL suggested the amendment read, "Whereas the
United States Congress is considering cuts of nearly
[$880,000,000,000] to federal spending on Medicaid over the next
ten years
3:53:51 PM
SENATOR HUGHES withdrew Conceptual Amendment 1. She offered
Conceptual Amendment 2:
CONCEPTUAL AMENDMENT 2
On page 3, line 5, following "$880,000,000,000 to
federal spending on Medicaid"
Insert "over ten years;"
3:54:15 PM
SENATOR CLAMAN asked if the ten-year range had received previous
discussion.
VICE-CHAIR GIESSEL replied yes, it was brought up at the last
committee meeting by Senator Hughes. Excluding 10 years from the
committee substitute was an oversight.
3:54:40 PM
VICE-CHAIR GIESSEL asked if there was objection to Conceptual
Amendment 2; finding no objection Conceptual Amendment 2 was
adopted.
3:54:48 PM
VICE-CHAIR GIESSEL asked if there was further discussion or
concerns related to [CSSJR 15, as amended]; finding none she
solicited the will of the committee.
3:55:02 PM
SENATOR TOBIN moved to report CSSJR 15, work order 34-LS0631\N,
as amended, from committee with individual recommendations and
attached fiscal note(s).
3:55:19 PM
VICE-CHAIR GIESSEL found no objection and CSSJR 15(HSS) was
reported from the Senate Health and Social Services Standing
Committee.
^CONFIRMATION HEARING(S):
CONFIRMATION HEARING(S):
3:55:42 PM
VICE-CHAIR GIESSEL announced the consideration of the governor's
appointee Brent Taylor to the State Medical Board.
3:57:11 PM
BRENT TAYLOR, MD, Appointee, State Medical Board, Anchorage,
Alaska, testified as the governor's appointee to the State
Medical Board. He said he is a board-certified general surgeon
from Anchorage, completed his undergraduate studies at Montana
State in Boseman, and medical training at the University of
Washington. He practiced in Palmer until two and a half years
ago, mentoring medical students and residents. Since retiring,
he has been active in search and rescue training across Alaska.
He joined the state medical board to contribute his nearly three
decades of clinical experience to improving healthcare for
Alaskans.
3:58:58 PM
SENATOR CLAMAN asked how the experience has been serving on the
State Medical Board.
DR. TAYLOR replied that with less than a year on the board the
experience has been very educational. He noted that he became
chair in January after the acting chair had a health emergency,
and has learned a great deal, particularly about statutes and
regulations.
3:59:44 PM
SENATOR CLAMAN asked whether the commission is able to operate
independently by making decisions based on evidence and law,
free from political influence, and how he views that approach to
fulfilling the commission's mission.
4:00:11 PM
DR. TAYLOR replied that the board operates within statutory and
regulatory guidelines to oversee healthcare providers, which he
sees as its primary role. He noted that the board is
occasionally asked to comment on other issues.
4:00:46 PM
SENATOR TOBIN noted that Dr. Taylor is retired and asked how he
stays current on developments in the medical field, including
emerging research on comorbidities and evolving standards of
care for Alaskans.
4:01:25 PM
DR. TAYLOR replied that he maintains an active medical license
and board certification, which requires ongoing completion of
continuing medical education.
4:01:46 PM
SENATOR TOBIN asked where he personally gets his medical
information, such as journals, conferences, or colleagues, and
about his approach to staying current on emerging needs in the
field.
4:02:09 PM
DR. TAYLOR responded that most of his continuing medical
education is completed online and supplemented by discussions
with colleagues who attend conferences and other CME events.
4:02:33 PM
SENATOR TOBIN asked for his interpretation of the Hippocratic
Oath and how he applies that understanding to protect the health
and safety of Alaskans when evaluating cases before the State
Medical Board.
4:02:57 PM
DR. TAYLOR replied that the board's role is to oversee
healthcare providers, protect Alaskans, and do so in a way that
ensures due process for all involved.
4:03:29 PM
SENATOR TOBIN said the response addressed her question and
emphasized her interest in ensuring that State Medical Board
members consider guidance from professional organizations and
the potential mental health impacts of their decisions on
Alaskans.
4:04:00 PM
SENATOR HUGHES expressed appreciation for the board's work with
Mat-Su Search and Rescue (Mat-Sar).
4:04:26 PM
SENATOR GIESSEL asked whether the State Medical Board still
interviews every medical license applicant or if initial license
approvals have been delegated to the executive director.
4:04:52 PM
DR. TAYLOR responded that the process has been streamlined. He
said individual interviews are no longer conducted, but board
members still review applications, and administrative staff have
improved efficiency and reduced applicant wait times.
VICE-CHAIR GIESSEL asked to know the average wait time.
DR. TAYLOR replied that he doesn't know exactly but he looked at
an application today that was submitted in the middle of March.
VICE-CHAIR GIESSEL said the process seemed streamlined.
4:06:03 PM
VICE-CHAIR GIESSEL thanked Dr. Taylor for attending the hearing.
4:06:18 PM
VICE-CHAIR GIESSEL announced Ms. Samantha Smith is also a
governor's appointee to the State Medical Board. The committee
plans to hear from Ms. Smith on Thursday However, today's
meeting will hear public testimony for both appointees.
4:06:44 PM
VICE-CHAIR GIESSEL opened public testimony on the appointment of
Dr. Taylor and Ms. Smith.
4:07:48 PM
RACHEL GOLDBERGER, representing self, Anchorage, Alaska,
testified in opposition to the appointment of Ms. Smith to the
State Medical Board. She felt she lacked experience both as a
physician assistant and in practicing in rural Alaska. She
questioned her ability to represent the PA profession, expressed
concern about her judgment based on unprofessional remarks about
local medical establishments, and emphasized the need for
someone with a comprehensive understanding of medicine in both
urban and rural Alaskan settings.
4:09:02 PM
VICE-CHAIR GIESSEL closed public testimony on the confirmation
of Dr. Taylor and Ms. Smith. She solicited a motion.
4:014 PM
SENATOR TOBIN stated that in accordance with AS 39.05.080, the
Senate Health and Social Services Standing Committee reviewed
the following and recommends the appointment be forwarded to a
joint session for consideration:
State Medical Board
Brent Taylor - Anchorage
She reminded members that signing the report(s) regarding
appointments to boards and commissions in no way reflects
individual members' approval or disapproval of the appointees;
the nominations are merely forwarded to the full legislature for
confirmation or rejection.
4:09:36 PM
VICE-CHAIR GIESSEL stated Dr. Taylor's name would be forwarded.
4:10:22 PM
There being no further business to come before the committee,
VICE-CHAIR GIESSEL adjourned the Senate Health and Social
Services Standing Committee meeting at 4:10 p.m.
| Document Name | Date/Time | Subjects |
|---|---|---|
| SB 134 Sponsor Statement 03.18.25.pdf |
SHSS 4/1/2025 3:30:00 PM |
SB 134 |
| SB 134 Sectional Analysis 03.18.25.pdf |
SHSS 4/1/2025 3:30:00 PM |
SB 134 |
| SB 134 Fiscal Note DCCED DOI 3.28.25.pdf |
SHSS 4/1/2025 3:30:00 PM |
SB 134 |
| SJR 15 Fiscal Note LEG SESS 3.19.25.pdf |
SHSS 4/1/2025 3:30:00 PM |
SJR 15 |
| Samantha Smith Testimony Rec'd 03.28.25.pdf |
SHSS 4/1/2025 3:30:00 PM |
State Medical Board - Samantha Smith |
| Samantha Smith Testimony Rec'd 03.31.25.pdf |
SHSS 4/1/2025 3:30:00 PM |
State Medical board - Samantha Smith |
| Brent Taylor Medical Board Resume_Redacted.pdf |
SHSS 4/1/2025 3:30:00 PM |
State Medical Board Appointee - Brent Taylor |
| Samantha Smith Medical Board Resume_Redacted.pdf |
SHSS 4/1/2025 3:30:00 PM |
State Medical Board Appointee - Brent Taylor |
| State Medical Board Fact Sheet 2025 Final.pdf |
SHSS 4/1/2025 3:30:00 PM |
|
| CSSJR 15 Version N Summary of Changes 4.1.25.pdf |
SHSS 4/1/2025 3:30:00 PM |
SJR 15 |
| SJR 15 Version N 4.1.25.pdf |
SHSS 4/1/2025 3:30:00 PM |
SJR 15 |
| ASMB Fact Sheet 2025.pdf |
SHSS 4/1/2025 3:30:00 PM |
Alaska State Medical Board |