Legislature(2025 - 2026)BELTZ 105 (TSBldg)
05/09/2025 01:30 PM Senate LABOR & COMMERCE
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| Audio | Topic |
|---|---|
| Start | |
| SB147 | |
| SB117 | |
| SB158 | |
| HB116 | |
| SB159 | |
| SB172 | |
| Adjourn |
* first hearing in first committee of referral
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
| + | SB 147 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| += | SB 117 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| += | SB 158 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| *+ | HB 116 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| += | SB 159 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| *+ | SB 172 | TELECONFERENCED | |
SB 147-PHARMACIST PRESCRIPTION AUTHORITY
1:32:44 PM
CHAIR BJORKMAN announced the consideration of SENATE BILL NO.
147 "An Act relating to the prescription and administration of
drugs and devices by pharmacists; relating to reciprocity for
pharmacists; and providing for an effective date."
1:32:58 PM
SENATOR CATHY GIESSEL, District E, Alaska State Legislature,
Juneau, Alaska, as sponsor of SB 147, stated that the bill
expands healthcare access by allowing qualified pharmacists to
test and treat common illnesses such as the flu, colds, UTIs,
and strep throat, and to perform pregnancy tests. The authority
has already been granted in 30 other states.
1:33:59 PM
CHAIR BJORKMAN solicited a motion.
1:34:01 PM
SENATOR MERRICK moved to adopt the committee substitute (CS) for
SB 147 work order 34-LS0274\G, as the working document.
1:34:12 PM
CHAIR BJORKMAN objected for purposes of discussion.
1:34:22 PM
KONRAD JACKSON, Staff, Senator Jesse Bjorkman, Alaska State
Legislature, Juneau, Alaska, provided changes for version I to
version G of SB 147. He stated that the committee substitute
adds language in Section 6, page 5, paragraphs 11 and 12,
clarifying that "patient care services" do not include
prescribing an abortion-inducing drug.
1:35:04 PM
SENATOR DUNBAR stated that while the language added to SB 147
may raise constitutional concerns similar to those previously
identified, the bill maintains the status quo. He said
pharmacists still cannot prescribe abortion inducing drugs.
Despite reservations, he supports SB 147 and will not object.
1:36:33 PM
CHAIR BJORKMAN stated that the changes in the proposed CS of
expanding prescriptive authority for pharmacists does not permit
them to prescribe abortion-inducing drugs.
1:36:49 PM
SENATOR GRAY-JACKSON stated that amending the prescriptive
authority of pharmacists does not prevent patients from
obtaining abortion-inducing prescriptions through their doctors.
1:37:21 PM
CHAIR BJORKMAN removed his objection.
1:37:25 PM
CHAIR BJORKMAN found no further objection and CSSB 147 was
adopted as the working document.
1:37:34 PM
CHAIR BJORKMAN opened public testimony on SB 147.
1:38:08 PM
DANIEL NELSON, Director, Pharmacy, Tanana Chief Conference
(TCC), Fairbanks, Alaska, testified in support of SB 147. TCC
endorses expanding pharmacist-provided care to address Alaska's
healthcare workforce shortage. He said SB 147 will allow more
than 500 highly trained pharmacists to use their full expertise
to improve access, community health, and safety statewide.
1:39:38 PM
LINDA GUTIERREZ-MILLER, representing self, Anchorage, Alaska,
testified in support of SB 147. She explained that the bill
would enhance collaborative practice agreements, allowing
pharmacists to prescribe controlled substances and improve
access to care. Pharmacists spend more time with patients,
support physicians in managing chronic conditions, and improve
health outcomes, making SB 147 beneficial for both providers and
patients in Alaska.
1:41:37 PM
NICOLE THOMAS, representing self, Anchorage, Alaska, testified
in opposition to SB 147. She argued that allowing pharmacists to
prescribe medications could endanger patient safety due to
limited time for thorough assessments and lack of continuity of
care. She emphasized that healthcare relies on a layered system,
doctors, pharmacists, and nurses each verifying one another's
work and warned that bypassing this process is risky.
1:44:05 PM
BOB BIRD, representing self, Kenai, Alaska, testified in support
of SB 147. He said earlier comments were hard to hear and asked
for confirmation that SB 147 was changed to prevent pharmacists
from prescribing abortion pills.
1:44:46 PM
CHAIR BJORKMAN replied that his understanding was correct, the
change occurred just before the hearing.
MR BIRD asked who introduced the amendment to change pharmacists
prescriptive authority of abortion pills.
CHAIR BJORKMAN answered it was introduced by the Chairman of the
committee.
MR. BIRD stated that he needed more clarification before he
could testify.
CHAIR BJORKMAN answered that the changes made to SB 147
clarified pharmacist would not be able to prescribe abortion
inducing drugs.
MR. BIRD sought confirmation that pharmacists cannot
independently provide abortion-inducing drugs upon request.
CHAIR BJORKMAN replied yes.
MR. BIRD responded that he is thankful for the change.
1:46:26 PM
AMITY WINBORG, representing self, Anchorage, Alaska, testified
in support of SB 147. She stated that the bill would allow
pharmacists to play a greater role in managing chronic diseases
and supporting patient care. Pharmacists already collaborate
closely with physicians and other providers to adjust
medications, prevent side effects, and consider prescription
affordability. She said expanding their authority would improve
access to care, particularly in underserved areas, and help
patients receive more comprehensive and timely treatment.
1:48:13 PM
BARRY CHRISTENSEN, Owner, Island Pharmacy, Ketchikan, Alaska,
testified in support of SB 147. He emphasized that pharmacy
practice in Alaska has evolved significantly over 40 years and
that SB 147 represents a positive step forward for the future of
healthcare in the state.
1:50:04 PM
STEVEN PEARCE, Director, Citizens Commission on Human Rights,
Seattle, Washington, testified in opposition to SB 147. He
argued that allowing pharmacists to prescribe psychiatric
medications could increase reliance on these drugs without
addressing underlying issues. He noted the lack of objective
tests in psychiatry and suggested SB 147 be amended to restrict
pharmacist prescribing.
1:51:34 PM
AIMEE YOUNG, representing self, Anchorage, Alaska, testified in
support of SB 147. She described creating a walk-in pharmacy
immunization clinic in 2006 to expand vaccine access and improve
rates. She specialized in pain management, collaborating with
healthcare teams to provide non-opioid care and reduce opioid
use. She emphasized that pharmacists are highly accessible
medication experts, and SB 147 enables them to work at the top
of their training and scope of practice.
1:53:22 PM
DAN HARTMAN, Service Line Medical Director, Southcentral
Foundation, Anchorage, Alaska, testified in support of SB 147.
He said the bill allows pharmacists to practice at the full
scope of their training, leveraging their doctoral education and
clinical experience. SB 147 increases access to care, enables
pharmacists to provide patient-care services under collaborative
agreements, supports workforce expansion, and includes
safeguards for prescribing opioids.
1:55:45 PM
BRITTANY KARNS, representing self, Fairbanks, Alaska, testified
in support of SB 147. She emphasized that, like other healthcare
professionals, pharmacists have a defined scope of practice and
seek only to work within it. She said pharmacists are cautious,
trusted providers who carefully monitor prescriptions and aim to
reduce unnecessary medication. SB 147 would allow pharmacists
help address Alaska's healthcare access challenges in
appropriate clinical settings without compromising safety or
care quality.
1:58:11 PM
PAMELA SAMASH, representing self, Nenana, Alaska, testified in
support of SB 147. She clarified she no longer wished to speak
on behalf of Right to Life and thanked legislators for amending
the portion of SB 147 that would not have protected women in
villages from abortion drugs and related health risks. She urged
consideration of safeguards regarding psychiatric drug
prescriptions.
1:59:35 PM
PAUL ZANTO, Pharmacy Manager, Fred Meyer, Wasilla, Alaska,
testified in support of SB 147. He highlighted that the bill
would expand pharmacists' authority to provide care, including
prescribing medications within their training, improving access
for all Alaskans. He emphasized pharmacists' extensive
education, community relationships, and the alignment of the
bill with nationwide standards, and expressed strong support for
its passage.
2:01:59 PM
PAT MARTIN, Executive Director, Alaska Right to Life, Anchorage,
Alaska, testified in opposition to SB 147. He argued that even
with amendments limiting pharmacists' ability to prescribe
abortion-inducing drugs SB 147 still allows pharmacists to
dispense them with a prescription, expanding abortion access
through pharmacies and rural clinics.
2:04:19 PM
BALLARD SAUL, representing self, Anchorage, Alaska, testified in
support of SB 147. She highlighted that her extensive education
and training allows her to optimize medication use, improve
patient outcomes, and reduce hospitalizations. Passing SB 147
would enable pharmacists to practice fully within their
expertise, enhancing care for all Alaskans.
2:07:07 PM
DOROTHY DEBLAUW, representing self, Healy, Alaska, testified in
opposition to SB 147. She argued that the bill gives pharmacists
too much power, particularly regarding abortion, and called for
safeguards to protect pharmacists' conscience and ethical
choices.
2:08:44 PM
CHAIR BJORKMAN closed public testimony on SB 147.
2:08:59 PM
SENATOR YUNDT asked for clarification on whether pharmacists
would be allowed to prescribe psychiatric drugs in pharmacies.
2:09:28 PM
BRANDY SEIGNEMARTIN, Executive Director, Alaska Pharmacist
Association, Anchorage, Alaska, answered questions on SB 147.
She clarified that existing laws already limited pharmacists'
care services to general health, wellness, and minor conditions
guided by clear diagnostic tests. She said only specially
trained pharmacists, such as board-certified psychiatric
pharmacists working collaboratively with other providers, could
engage in psychiatric care, not those in general pharmacy
settings.
2:10:46 PM
CHAIR BJORKMAN asked how pharmacists' ability to handle abortion
inducing medication was amended in the CS for SB 147.
2:11:00 PM
MS. SEIGNNEMARTIN replied that SB 147 does not address or expand
pharmacists' drug dispensing functions. SB 147 focuses solely on
patient care services outside dispensing.
2:11:54 PM
CHAIR BJORKMAN solicited the will of the committee.
2:11:58 PM
SENATOR MERRICK moved to report CSSB 147, work order 34-
LS0274\G, from committee with individual recommendations and
attached fiscal note(s).
2:12:16 PM
CHAIR BJORKMAN found no objection and CSSB 147(L&C) was reported
from the Senate Labor and Commerce Standing Committee.