Legislature(2003 - 2004)
02/27/2003 01:35 PM Senate L&C
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* first hearing in first committee of referral
+ teleconferenced
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+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
SB 43-EXTEND STATE MEDICAL BOARD CHAIR CON BUNDE announced SB 43 to be up for consideration. SENATOR DONNY OLSON, sponsor of SB 43, read his sponsor statement as follows: This is the year for the legislative sunset review of the Alaska State Medical Board's operations and activities. I introduced SB 43 to extend the life and function of the board based on a satisfactory performance audit and my own experience, having served on the medical board from 1994-2000. The Legislative Budget and Audit Report (08-20017-02) concludes that the board 'has carried out its responsibilities in a manner consistent with statutes, good administrative practice and the public interest.' The report further recommends that the board's termination date be extended for another eight years. In my own view, I expect there will be a greater necessity for the board's licensing function in the near future to serve both the medical community's expansion needs and the substantial replacement anticipated from the retirement of many senior professionals. Indeed, last year the Legislature modified the state's locum tenens law specifically to better recruit and retain medical personnel essential for the future health care of the Alaskan population. I respectfully urge your favorable consideration of SB 43. CHAIR BUNDE asked if the questions about the verification of paramedics, particularly from other jurisdictions, had been addressed. SENATOR OLSON replied that the State Medical Board doesn't license just medical doctors; it also licenses physician assistants, paramedics and those people who have medical training who haven't gone to medical school. He wasn't sure that there was a conclusive resolution as yet, but he thought there would be one before the bill passes out of the Senate. CHAIR BUNDE asked if Senator Olson had any concerns about the length of the extension. SENATOR OLSON said there was a concern about it, but eight years is the length of time appointees have served because they are appointed by governors and typically serve for their term. CHAIR BUNDE said some medical doctors have expressed concern about the effectiveness of the board in carrying out its mission. SENATOR OLSON responded saying he has heard both good and critical comments about the medical board, which is to be expected of any such entity. Medicine and licensing are becoming more and more complicated with telemedicine and high tech health care delivery system advances. CHAIR BUNDE said there have been some high profile cases and the Anchorage Daily News has suggested that a strong board is necessary. SENATOR OLSON responded that there has to be balance so that many physicians aren't practicing in a defensive mode. SENATOR SEEKINS moved to pass SB 43 from committee with individual recommendations and its fiscal note that is user fee supported. There were no objections and the roll was taken. Senators Davis, French, Stevens, Seekins and Bunde voted in favor and SB 43 passed from committee.
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