04/07/2010 03:15 PM House LABOR & COMMERCE
| Audio | Topic |
|---|---|
| Start | |
| SB159 | |
| SB247 | |
| SB248 | |
| SB262 | |
| SB263 | |
| Adjourn |
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
| + | SB 159 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| + | SB 247 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| + | SB 248 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| + | SB 262 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| + | SB 263 | TELECONFERENCED | |
ALASKA STATE LEGISLATURE
HOUSE LABOR AND COMMERCE STANDING COMMITTEE
April 7, 2010
3:23 p.m.
MEMBERS PRESENT
Representative Kurt Olson, Chair
Representative Mark Neuman, Vice Chair
Representative Mike Chenault
Representative Bob Lynn
Representative Tammie Wilson
Representative Robert L. "Bob" Buch
Representative Lindsey Holmes
MEMBERS ABSENT
All members present
COMMITTEE CALENDAR
SENATE BILL NO. 159
"An Act increasing the maximum funeral expenses payable as a
workers' compensation death benefit; and providing for an
effective date."
- HEARD & HELD
COMMITTEE SUBSTITUTE FOR SENATE BILL NO. 247(L&C)
"An Act extending the termination date of the Board of Pharmacy;
and providing for an effective date."
- MOVED CSSB 247(L&C) OUT OF COMMITTEE
COMMITTEE SUBSTITUTE FOR SENATE BILL NO. 248(L&C)
"An Act extending the termination date of the Board of Marital
and Family Therapy; and providing for an effective date."
- MOVED CSSB 248(L&C) OUT OF COMMITTEE
SENATE BILL NO. 262
"An Act extending the termination date of the Board of Social
Work Examiners; and providing for an effective date."
- MOVED SB 262 OUT OF COMMITTEE
SENATE BILL NO. 263
"An Act extending the termination date of the Board of
Professional Counselors; and providing for an effective date."
- MOVED SB 263 OUT OF COMMITTEE
PREVIOUS COMMITTEE ACTION
BILL: SB 159
SHORT TITLE: WORKERS' COMPENSATION FUNERAL EXPENSES
SPONSOR(s): SENATOR(s) PASKVAN
03/20/09 (S) READ THE FIRST TIME - REFERRALS
03/20/09 (S) L&C, FIN
04/02/09 (S) L&C AT 1:00 PM BUTROVICH 205
04/02/09 (S) Moved SB 159 Out of Committee
04/02/09 (S) MINUTE(L&C)
04/03/09 (S) L&C RPT 4DP 1NR
04/03/09 (S) DP: PASKVAN, MEYER, THOMAS, DAVIS
04/03/09 (S) NR: BUNDE
02/11/10 (S) FIN AT 9:15 AM SENATE FINANCE 532
02/11/10 (S) Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled
02/23/10 (S) FIN AT 2:30 PM SENATE FINANCE 532
02/23/10 (S) Moved SB 159 Out of Committee
02/23/10 (S) MINUTE(FIN)
02/24/10 (S) FIN RPT 6DP 1NR
02/24/10 (S) DP: HOFFMAN, STEDMAN, HUGGINS, THOMAS,
EGAN, ELLIS
02/24/10 (S) NR: OLSON
03/18/10 (S) TRANSMITTED TO (H)
03/18/10 (S) VERSION: SB 159
03/19/10 (H) READ THE FIRST TIME - REFERRALS
03/19/10 (H) L&C, FIN
04/07/10 (H) L&C AT 3:15 PM BARNES 124
BILL: SB 247
SHORT TITLE: EXTENDING BOARD OF PHARMACY
SPONSOR(s): SENATOR(s) OLSON
01/29/10 (S) READ THE FIRST TIME - REFERRALS
01/29/10 (S) L&C, FIN
02/09/10 (S) L&C AT 2:00 PM BELTZ 105 (TSBldg)
02/09/10 (S) Heard & Held
02/09/10 (S) MINUTE(L&C)
02/23/10 (S) L&C AT 2:00 PM BELTZ 105 (TSBldg)
02/23/10 (S) Moved CSSB 247(L&C) Out of Committee
02/23/10 (S) MINUTE(L&C)
02/24/10 (S) L&C RPT CS 5DP SAME TITLE
02/24/10 (S) DP: PASKVAN, MEYER, THOMAS, DAVIS,
BUNDE
03/22/10 (S) FIN AT 1:30 PM SENATE FINANCE 532
03/22/10 (S) Heard & Held
03/22/10 (S) MINUTE(FIN)
03/23/10 (S) FIN AT 1:30 PM SENATE FINANCE 532
03/23/10 (S) Moved CSSB 247(L&C) Out of Committee
03/23/10 (S) MINUTE(FIN)
03/24/10 (S) FIN RPT CS(L&C) 7DP
03/24/10 (S) DP: HOFFMAN, STEDMAN, HUGGINS, THOMAS,
EGAN, OLSON, ELLIS
03/25/10 (S) TRANSMITTED TO (H)
03/25/10 (S) VERSION: CSSB 247(L&C)
03/26/10 (H) READ THE FIRST TIME - REFERRALS
03/26/10 (H) L&C, FIN
04/07/10 (H) L&C AT 3:15 PM BARNES 124
BILL: SB 248
SHORT TITLE: EXTEND BD OF MARITAL & FAMILY THERAPY
SPONSOR(s): SENATOR(s) OLSON
01/29/10 (S) READ THE FIRST TIME - REFERRALS
01/29/10 (S) L&C, FIN
02/09/10 (S) L&C AT 2:00 PM BELTZ 105 (TSBldg)
02/09/10 (S) Heard & Held
02/09/10 (S) MINUTE(L&C)
02/23/10 (S) L&C AT 2:00 PM BELTZ 105 (TSBldg)
02/23/10 (S) Moved CSSB 248(L&C) Out of Committee
02/23/10 (S) MINUTE(L&C)
02/24/10 (S) L&C RPT CS 5DP SAME TITLE
02/24/10 (S) DP: PASKVAN, MEYER, THOMAS, DAVIS,
BUNDE
03/22/10 (S) FIN AT 1:30 PM SENATE FINANCE 532
03/22/10 (S) Heard & Held
03/22/10 (S) MINUTE(FIN)
03/23/10 (S) FIN AT 1:30 PM SENATE FINANCE 532
03/23/10 (S) Moved CSSB 248(L&C) Out of Committee
03/23/10 (S) MINUTE(FIN)
03/24/10 (S) FIN RPT CS(L&C) 7DP
03/24/10 (S) DP: HOFFMAN, STEDMAN, HUGGINS, THOMAS,
EGAN, OLSON, ELLIS
03/25/10 (S) TRANSMITTED TO (H)
03/25/10 (S) VERSION: CSSB 248(L&C)
03/26/10 (H) READ THE FIRST TIME - REFERRALS
03/26/10 (H) L&C, FIN
04/07/10 (H) L&C AT 3:15 PM BARNES 124
BILL: SB 262
SHORT TITLE: EXTEND BOARD OF SOCIAL WORK EXAMINERS
SPONSOR(s): RULES BY REQUEST OF LEG BUDGET & AUDIT
02/08/10 (S) READ THE FIRST TIME - REFERRALS
02/08/10 (S) L&C, FIN
03/11/10 (S) L&C AT 1:30 PM BELTZ 105 (TSBldg)
03/11/10 (S) Moved SB 262 Out of Committee
03/11/10 (S) MINUTE(L&C)
03/12/10 (S) L&C RPT 4DP
03/12/10 (S) DP: PASKVAN, MEYER, BUNDE, DAVIS
03/22/10 (S) FIN AT 1:30 PM SENATE FINANCE 532
03/22/10 (S) Heard & Held
03/22/10 (S) MINUTE(FIN)
03/23/10 (S) FIN AT 1:30 PM SENATE FINANCE 532
03/23/10 (S) Moved SB 262 Out of Committee
03/23/10 (S) MINUTE(FIN)
03/24/10 (S) FIN RPT 6DP
03/24/10 (S) DP: HOFFMAN, STEDMAN, HUGGINS, THOMAS,
EGAN, ELLIS
03/25/10 (S) TRANSMITTED TO (H)
03/25/10 (S) VERSION: SB 262
03/26/10 (H) READ THE FIRST TIME - REFERRALS
03/26/10 (H) L&C, FIN
04/07/10 (H) L&C AT 3:15 PM BARNES 124
BILL: SB 263
SHORT TITLE: EXTEND BOARD OF PROFESSIONAL COUNSELORS
SPONSOR(s): RULES BY REQUEST OF LEG BUDGET & AUDIT
02/08/10 (S) READ THE FIRST TIME - REFERRALS
02/08/10 (S) L&C, FIN
03/11/10 (S) L&C AT 1:30 PM BELTZ 105 (TSBldg)
03/11/10 (S) Moved SB 263 Out of Committee
03/11/10 (S) MINUTE(L&C)
03/12/10 (S) L&C RPT 5DP
03/12/10 (S) DP: PASKVAN, BUNDE, DAVIS, THOMAS,
MEYER
03/22/10 (S) FIN AT 1:30 PM SENATE FINANCE 532
03/22/10 (S) Heard & Held
03/22/10 (S) MINUTE(FIN)
03/23/10 (S) FIN AT 1:30 PM SENATE FINANCE 532
03/23/10 (S) Moved SB 263 Out of Committee
03/23/10 (S) MINUTE(FIN)
03/24/10 (S) FIN RPT 6DP
03/24/10 (S) DP: HOFFMAN, STEDMAN, HUGGINS, THOMAS,
EGAN, ELLIS
03/25/10 (S) TRANSMITTED TO (H)
03/25/10 (S) VERSION: SB 263
03/26/10 (H) READ THE FIRST TIME - REFERRALS
03/26/10 (H) L&C, FIN
04/07/10 (H) L&C AT 3:15 PM BARNES 124
WITNESS REGISTER
SENATOR JOE PASKVAN
Alaska State Legislature
Juneau, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Presented SB 159 as prime sponsor of the
bill.
TIM BENINTENDI, Staff
Senator Donny Olson
Alaska State Legislature
Juneau, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified on behalf of the prime sponsor of
SB 247 and SB 248.
PAT DAVIDSON
Executive Director
Division of Legislative Budget and Audit (LB&A)
Juneau, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified during the discussion of SB 247
and SB 248.
DIRK WHITE, Pharmacist
Board Member
Board of Pharmacy
Sitka, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified during the discussion of SB 247.
JOSH APPLEBEE, Staff
Legislative Budget and Audit Committee (LB&A)
Senator Kevin Meyer
Alaska State Legislature
Juneau, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified on SB 262 and SB 263 behalf of
the sponsor, Senator Kevin Meyer.
DARYL ALMAN, Licensed Clinical Social Worker; Chair,
Board of Social Work Examiners (BSWE)
Department of Commerce, Community, & Economic Development
(DCCED)
Anchorage, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified during the discussion of SB 262.
SHAWNEE OLSON, Chair
Board of Professional Counselors
Department of Commerce, Community, & Economic Development
(DCCED)
Homer, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified during the discussion of SB 263.
ACTION NARRATIVE
3:23:28 PM
CHAIR KURT OLSON called the House Labor and Commerce Standing
Committee meeting to order at 3:23 p.m.
3:23:35 PM
Representatives Buch, Holmes, T. Wilson, and Olson were present
at the call to order. Representatives Chenault, Lynn, and
Neuman arrived as the meeting was in progress.
SB 159-WORKERS' COMPENSATION FUNERAL EXPENSES
3:23:45 PM
CHAIR OLSON announced that the first order of business would be
SENATE BILL NO. 159, "An Act increasing the maximum funeral
expenses payable as a workers' compensation death benefit; and
providing for an effective date."
3:23:58 PM
SENATOR JOE PASKVAN, Alaska State Legislature, paraphrased his
sponsor statement, which read as follows [original punctuation
provided]:
Senate Bill 159 addresses one section of the Workers'
Compensation Statutes in Alaska and proposes that
reasonable and necessary funeral expenses will be
increased from $5,000 to $10,000.
The funeral expense for a worker who is killed on the
job has not been adjusted since 2000, even though the
cost of a funeral has risen significantly in the last
decade.
Last year, according to the Department of Labor and
Workforce Development, there were 17 fatalities in the
State of Alaska that required payment of the workers'
compensation funeral expenses.
As a result of this legislation, there will be no
financial impact to the state and the National Council
on Compensation Insurance estimates that "overall
workers compensation system costs in Alaska will
increase by less than 0.1%."
SENATOR PASKVAN reported on worker-related fatalities during the
past decade. The highest number of worker-related fatalities in
one year totaled 26 while the fewest numbered 15 fatalities. He
explained that the cost of embalming, caskets, urns, tombstones,
transportation of the body, plot fees, are among a wide variety
of reasonable and necessary funeral expenses. The expenses are
significant, he stated. This bill is not designed to cover
expenses for an extravagant funeral, but one that would be
considered as adequate or reasonable. This bill will not have
any fiscal impact to the state, he stated. The overall Workers'
Compensation costs in Alaska are over $200 million and the
proposed increase in funeral costs would be paid for from the
system costs. The current funeral benefit has remained
unchanged in the last decade, while the cost of funerals has
continued to increase. He explained this bill came to his
attention when parents whose son was killed contacted him when
they received $5,000 to cover a $14,000 funeral bill.
3:29:02 PM
REPRESENTATIVE NEUMAN asked the reason why Alaska has highest
Workers' Compensation premiums in the U.S.
SENATOR PASKVAN stated that he was unsure. He thought the
reason for the higher Workers' Compensation costs in Alaska is
that Alaska is a rugged land so workers tend to hold higher risk
jobs. He pointed out that the projected effect of .01 percent
effect would not have a material effect on increasing the
Workers' Compensation costs. However, this bill would
significantly affect the overall reimbursement of funeral costs.
He believed this represents prudent activity and the intent of
SB 159 is to address funeral expenses for workers who are killed
on the job. The larger issue of Workers' Compensation costs is
not addressed in this bill, he stated.
CHAIR OLSON offered another bill will address the medical
components of Workers' Compensation costs.
3:31:03 PM
REPRESENTATIVE T. WILSON asked of the 17 fatalities, how many
estates received only $5,000, and whether another policy
provided additional coverage.
SENATOR PASKVAN related that in all 17 instances, the estates
would have received up to $5,000 in Workers' Compensation
funeral expenses. However, if families had any other coverage,
this coverage would be in addition to it. This bill will not
affect marketplace contracts nor does the bill affect life
insurance or any ancillary union benefits.
REPRESENTATIVE T. WILSON expressed concern over the differences
in the percentage of compensation for a widower or a widower
with one child. She asked for an explanation of the different
rates of coverage.
SENATOR PASKVAN offered to address that point later. The intent
of the bill is not to address the component of the Workers'
Compensation system, he stated.
3:33:15 PM
CHAIR OLSON offered to answer Representative T. Wilson's
question. He explained that the rates represent standard
industry practice and are similar to how it is done in other
states, which he believed was wording from the National Council
on Compensation Insurance, Inc. (NCII). He concurred that this
bill would only increase the funeral benefits from $5,000 to
$10,000.
REPRESENTATIVE T. WILSON suggested while this bill does not
specifically address the Workers' Compensation rates that it is
possible to fix the issue.
3:33:39 PM
REPRESENTATIVE LYNN asked whether this coverage is over and
above any Veterans' benefits.
SENATOR PASKVAN offered his belief that this would not displace
the veterans' benefits. This would cover anyone injured during
the scope of their service.
[SB 159 was held over.]
SB 247-EXTENDING BOARD OF PHARMACY
3:34:39 PM
CHAIR OLSON announced that the next order of business would be
CS FOR SENATE BILL NO. 247(L&C), "An Act extending the
termination date of the Board of Pharmacy; and providing for an
effective date."
TIM BENINTENDI, Staff, Senator Donny Olson, Alaska State
Legislature, paraphrased from the sponsor statement, which read
as follows [original punctuation provided]:
This bill would extend the termination date of the
Board of Pharmacy until June 30, 2018.
According to the legislative audit for this panel,
there were no issues discovered adversely affecting
the public, but auditors commented that the
Administration needs to improve support for this board
and make more timely appointments.
The Committee Substitute changed the bill in one way.
As drafted, the original had the extension date as
2015, which was different from the recommendation in
the audit. In S.L&C, we changed SB 247 to conform to
their report.
No opposition has surfaced to this bill or the
Committee Substitute.
3:36:20 PM
REPRESENTATIVE BUCH referred to the audit recommendations and
asked for clarification.
MR. BENINTENDI answered that the sponsor did not feel any
elements contained in the audit report rose to the level of
needing any response.
3:37:52 PM
PAT DAVIDSON, Executive Director, Division of Legislative Budget
and Audit, explained that this audit had three recommendations.
The first one pertained to the collaborative protocol between a
pharmacist and physician. For example, although pharmacists are
not normally licensed to give shots, a person can go to a
pharmacist to obtain a flu shot. An agreement between a
physician and a pharmacist allows the pharmacist to give shots
or whatever treatment is established under the collaborative
protocol. In entering such an agreement, some monitoring and
timeframes are established. As a general rule, the Board of
Pharmacy had been allowing collaborative protocols to be in
place for two years. However, the underlying agreement between
the pharmacist and physician covered a much shorter timeframe.
The auditor's concern was that the Board of Pharmacy was
approving the protocols. Both the DCCED and the Board of
Pharmacy agreed and said changes would be implemented. In
response to Representative Buch, she stated that regulations
were not required but adherence to the agreement was needed.
3:39:58 PM
REPRESENTATIVE CHENAULT related that an eight-year extension for
the board seemed like a long time.
MS. DAVIDSON offered that a few years ago the statute was
changed from "not to exceed four years" to "not to exceed eight
years." She explained since boards issue annual reports and
their activities are within the public's view such as the
missions and measures that a lot of public information is
available. Additionally, a legislator can request an audit at
any time concern so the necessity of conducting a four-year
audit seemed unnecessary. The auditors identified three
recommendations. One recommendation addressed the board's
operations and the other two pertained to the supporting
agencies, such as the Division of Corporations, Business and
Professional Licensing, within the DCCED, which was not
providing adequate support. She mentioned that the lack of
DCCED support pertains to all of the boards. Further, the
Office of the Governor has not been making timely appointments
to the board, which compromises the board's ability to carry out
its mission. Thus, the recommendations are primarily not
identifying problems with the board's activities, but refer to
other agencies' issues. In response to Chair Olson, she
characterized this board as falling into the "not a problem
board" category.
3:43:05 PM
REPRESENTATIVE BUCH recalled deficiencies existed between
pharmacists and physicians regarding prescription drugs. He
said it seemed as though protocol was not being followed. He
reminded members the importance of the oversight to be sure
proper protocol is being followed.
MS. DAVIDSON related one other issue in the report. She
commented that the division received a $500,000 grant for a
Controlled Substance Prescription Database. The Division of
Legislative Budget and Audit has conducted audits in the past
few years on personally identifiable information and the system
security with respect to the various databases. She suggested
that the division will monitor the development of the database.
While $500,000 seems like a lot of money, very sensitive and
personal information is contained in the proposed database, she
stated.
3:45:24 PM
REPRESENTATIVE CHENAULT recalled prior legislation that
authorized the database. He asked whether the database has been
developed.
MS. DAVIDSON offered that one prior audit looked at the
governance framework to control personally identifiable
information. She stated that the culture is not as security
conscious as it should be in this state. Thus, the LB&A's
auditors provided a detailed review of several systems and made
recommendations to the department. The administration responded
to the audits and seemed to view the process as a work in
progress. She did not know the exact status of the proposed
database completion.
3:46:47 PM
DIRK WHITE, Pharmacist, Board Member, Board of Pharmacy,
explained that the Board of Pharmacy's primary mission is public
protection from rogue pharmacists or dangerous practices that
some pharmacists may undertake. Its secondary mission is the
enactment of regulations. He explained the Board of Pharmacy
has been working with the Department of Law on the Prescription
Drug Monitoring Program. The audit questions were specifically;
discussed at the March Board meeting.
3:48:32 PM
REPRESENTATIVE HOLMES asked for an update on the Controlled
Substance Prescription Database.
MR. WHITE explained that the "money dried up." He recalled that
about 23 states established the databases to date, with perhaps
another 17 states in the process of doing so. Alaska received
initial start-up funds to get the software up and running. The
Board of Pharmacy anticipates performing some beta testing in
October.
3:49:27 PM
MR. WHITE, in response to Representative Chenault answered that
the funding source for the Controlled Substance Prescription
Database was federal funds.
REPRESENTATIVE CHENAULT said he would review the fiscal impact
at the state level.
MR. WHITE recalled the program was anticipated to be fully
funded with federal funds and it was anticipated that when the
federal funding "dried up" the program would either cease to
exist or the state would need to find another funding source.
3:50:34 PM
REPRESENTATIVE NEUMAN asked whether the Board of Pharmacy
regulates medical marijuana.
MR. WHITE answered that the day the bill became law he had three
prescriptions presented to him. It took the Attorney General
about eight months to promulgate regulations. Essentially,
today "You have a get out of jail free card. You take the
prescription to the police department, and you go find your
marijuana wherever you want." As a practicing pharmacist and a
Board member, he viewed medical marijuana as a highly dangerous
situation since marijuana is unregulated and can be laced with
opium to crack and other drugs. He stated that the Board of
Pharmacy would like some method to control medical marijuana
through the Board for the safety of Alaskans.
CHAIR OLSON, after first determining no one else wished to
testify, closed public testimony on SB 247.
3:52:18 PM
REPRESENTATIVE HOLMES moved to report CSSB 247(L&C) out of
committee with individual recommendations and the accompanying
fiscal notes. There being no objections, the CSSB 247(L&C) was
reported from the House Labor and Commerce Standing Committee.
3:52:55 PM
The committee took an at-ease from 3:52 p.m. to 3:54 p.m.
3:54:52 PM
SB 248-EXTEND BD OF MARITAL & FAMILY THERAPY
3:54:58 PM
CHAIR OLSON announced that the next order of business would be
CS FOR SENATE BILL NO. 248(L&C), "An Act extending the
termination date of the Board of Marital and Family Therapy; and
providing for an effective date."
3:55:02 PM
TIM BENINTENDI, Staff, Senator Donny Olson, Alaska State
Legislature, explained that SB 248 would extend the Board of
Marital and Family Therapists until June 30, 2014. He further
explained that the committee substitute corrects the sunset date
to reflect the sunset date in the audit. He related that this
board is a small board consisting of three therapists, two
public members, and 84 licensees. The pool of funds is small
and the license fee is $775. The audit did not find any adverse
impacts to the public but did find that the cost of operating
the board is more than the revenues received. In short, the
Board of Marital and Family Therapists is working to reduce its
deficit, which currently stands at $2,000. Auditors discovered
the board is working to reduce its deficit rather than to work
on regulation projects it needs. As with the other boards, the
auditors found the DCCED needs to provide additional support.
Further, the Office of the Governor needs to make more timely
appointments to the board. No other problems were found, he
stated.
3:57:25 PM
PAT DAVIDSON, Legislative Auditor, Division of Legislative
Audit, Alaska State Legislature, introduced herself.
REPRESENTATIVE HOLMES asked about the expensive licensing
renewal fees and how the fees compare to other licensees.
MS. DAVIDSON explained that the occupational licensing boards
pay licensing fees every other year. The statutes require the
boards to be financially self supporting. The Board of Marital
and Family Therapists has a declining membership. She explained
that counselors cannot call themselves marital and family
therapists unless they are actually professional therapists.
However, there is some overlap of practice between this board
and the Board of Professional Counselors. Since the occupation
of marital and family therapists is a specialty, if a therapist
found the fees were onerous, he/she may decide to select a
different license. While the license may require some
additional training or study, generally the auditors found a lot
of movement between the two boards. She related that four years
ago the auditors reviewed the mental health professional boards,
including Social Workers, Marital and Family Therapists, and
Professional Counselors, Psychologists and Psychological
Associates. The auditors researched whether the boards should
be combined and found a "lot of pushback." The professionals
did not want to combine their professions and the legislature
made no effort to do so. She applauded the board for being
fiscally prudent, but pointed out it is important for
professional boards to keep regulations up to date to better
serve Alaska's citizens. Therefore, the auditors recommended
only a four-year extension to review whether the board is
viable.
MS. DAVIDSON, in response to Representative Holmes, explained
that to some degree the board is caught between a "rock and a
hard place" and whatever decision they make will be a difficult
one.
4:01:14 PM
REPRESENTATIVE BUCH asked whether any other boards are not self-
sustaining.
MS. DAVIDSON offered her belief that other boards are either not
in a deficit situation or have raised fees to the extent that
they would be solvent in a two or possibly four year timeframe.
4:02:09 PM
MS. DAVIDSON, in response to Representative Buch, answered that
she is not certain of details but these professionals have very
similar education and experience. She said she could not speak
to whether that may be the difference of one college course.
She recalled that some costs occur at startup or during a
regulations project. Additionally, when an investigation goes
through the complete process it can be costly in terms of an
investigator's time and Department of Law's costs. This board
just went through one of those items and it is just a matter if
working through the cycle, she stated.
REPRESENTATIVE BUCH inquired as to whether the Board of Marital
and Family Therapists can sustain itself.
MS. DAVIDSON explained that in reviewing the five-year fiscal
analysis, auditors found the board has been working itself out
of its deficit. She reported that in FY 06 the deficit was
$42,000; in FY 08, it was down to $29,000. She related that
there are only 83 professionals on this board, although other
boards are equally as small. She stated that the Board of
Direct Entry Midwives also has high fees. She further related
that the professionals generally agree to pay the higher fees.
REPRESENTATIVE CHENAULT asked why the auditors recommended
extending the board only four years instead of the typical eight
years.
MS. DAVIDSON explained since the Board of Marital and Family
Therapists delayed its regulations project the auditors wanted
to see the board addressing the issues.
4:07:43 PM
CHAIR OLSON, after first determining no one else wished to
testify, closed public testimony on SB 248.
4:07:50 PM
REPRESENTATIVE CHENAULT moved to report the CSSB 248(L&C) out of
committee with individual recommendations and the accompanying
fiscal notes. There being no objection, CSSB 248(L&C) was
reported from the House Labor and Commerce Standing Committee.
4:08:28 PM
The committee took an at-ease from 4:08 p.m. to 4:10 p.m.
4:10:43 PM
SB 262-EXTEND BOARD OF SOCIAL WORK EXAMINERS
4:10:47 PM
CHAIR OLSON announced that the next order of business would be
SENATE BILL NO. 262, "An Act extending the termination date of
the Board of Social Work Examiners; and providing for an
effective date."
4:11:18 PM
JOSH APPLEBEE, Staff, Legislative Budget and Audit Committee,
Senator Kevin Meyer, Chair, Alaska State Legislature,
paraphrased from the sponsor statement, which read as follows
[original punctuation provided]:
The Board of Social Work Examiners (BSWE) was
established for the purpose of controlling and
regulating the practice of social work in the State. A
licensed social worker applies social work principles
and methods, as defined by AS 08.95.990(7), to help
individuals achieve more adequate, satisfying, and
productive social adjustments.
BSWE is composed of five members appointed by the
Governor. Statutes requires that one board member be a
licensed baccalaureate social worker, one a licensed
master social worker, two members be licensed clinical
social workers, and one be a member of the general
public.
In the opinion of Legislative Audit, the BSWE should
continue to regulate clinical, master, and
baccalaureate social workers.
The board is serving the public interest by promoting
the competence and integrity of those who provide
services to the public as licensed social workers.
BSWE continues to enforce and propose changes to
regulations to improve BSWE's effectiveness and ensure
that social workers are appropriately licensed.
SB 262, if enacted, would extend the Board for eight
years to June 30, 2018.
4:12:11 PM
DARYL ALMAN, Licensed Clinical Social Worker; Chair, Board of
Social Work Examiners (BSWE), stated that the Board of Social
Work Examiners (BSWE) is working for the public protection and
to implement appropriate standards for the profession. As the
audit indicated there were not any specific recommendations. He
related that social worker licensing fees are being reduced to
$250. He stated that the BSWE board is functioning in the
public interest.
4:13:59 PM
CHAIR OLSON, after first determining no one else wished to
testify, closed public testimony on SB 262.
4:14:06 PM
REPRESENTATIVE T. WILSON moved to report SB 262 out of committee
with individual recommendations and the accompanying fiscal
notes. There being no objection, SB 262 was reported from the
House Labor and Commerce Standing Committee.
4:14:29 PM
The committee took an at-ease from 4:14 p.m. to 4:16 p.m.
4:16:49 PM
SB 263-EXTEND BOARD OF PROFESSIONAL COUNSELORS
4:16:50 PM
CHAIR OLSON announced that the final order of business would be
SENATE BILL NO. 263, "An Act extending the termination date of
the Board of Professional Counselors; and providing for an
effective date."
JOSH APPLEBEE, Staff, Legislative Budget & Audit Committee,
Senator Kevin Meyer, Chair, Alaska State Legislature,
paraphrased from the sponsor statement, which read as follows
[original punctuation provided]:
The Board of Professional Counselors (BPC) was
established under the provisions of Title 8, Chapter
29 of Alaska Statutes. BPC consists of five members
appointed by the governor. Four members must be
professional counselors and one member must be
appointed from the general public. Board members serve
staggered terms of four years.
The division provides administrative and investigative
assistance to occupational boards including BPC.
Administrative assistance includes budgetary services
and functions such as collection of fees, maintaining
files, receiving and issuing application forms, and
publishing notice of examinations, meetings, and
proposed regulations.
In the opinion of Legislative Audit, the BPC should
continue to regulate professional counselors. The
board is serving the public interest by promoting the
competence and integrity of those who provide services
to the public as licensed professional counselors.
SB 263, if enacted, would extend the Board for eight
years to June 30, 2018.
4:17:23 PM
REPRESENTATIVE T. WILSON asked whether the Board of Professional
Counselors has seen an increase in the numbers of professional
counselors transferring from other boards.
MR. APPLEBEE answered no.
REPRESENTATIVE T. WILSON asked about the licensing fees.
4:18:06 PM
SHAWNEE OLSON, Chair, Board of Professional Counselors,
introduced herself.
MS. OLSON, in response to Representative T. Wilson, answered
that licensees pay a $200 biennial fee.
4:19:05 PM
CHAIR OLSON, after first determining no one else wished to
testify, closed public testimony on SB 263.
4:19:14 PM
REPRESENTATIVE NEUMAN moved to report SB 263 out of committee
with individual recommendations and the accompanying fiscal
notes. There being no objection, SB 263 was reported from the
House Labor and Commerce Standing Committee.
4:19:31 PM
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business before the committee, the House
Labor and Commerce Standing Committee meeting was adjourned at
4:19 p.m.
| Document Name | Date/Time | Subjects |
|---|---|---|
| SB159 ver R.pdf |
HL&C 4/7/2010 3:15:00 PM |
SB 159 |
| Apr 7 Packet Info.pdf |
HL&C 4/7/2010 3:15:00 PM |
|
| SB159 Fiscal Note_DOL-WD-WC_03-26-09.pdf |
HL&C 4/7/2010 3:15:00 PM |
SB 159 |
| SB159 Sponsor Statement ver R.pdf |
HL&C 4/7/2010 3:15:00 PM |
SB 159 |
| SB159 Supporting Documents - Letter NFIB.pdf |
HL&C 4/7/2010 3:15:00 PM |
SB 159 |
| SB159 Supporting Documents Commissioner Bishop Letter.pdf |
HL&C 4/7/2010 3:15:00 PM |
SB 159 |
| SB159 Supporting Documents NCCI Analysis.pdf |
HL&C 4/7/2010 3:15:00 PM |
SB 159 |
| CSSB247 (L&C) ver R.PDF |
HL&C 4/7/2010 3:15:00 PM |
SB 247 |
| CSSB247(L&C) Audit.pdf |
HL&C 4/7/2010 3:15:00 PM |
SB 247 |
| CSSB247 (L&C) Sponsor Statement ver R.pdf |
HL&C 4/7/2010 3:15:00 PM |
SB 247 |
| CSSB247 Fiscal Note-2-1-032410-CED-Y.pdf |
HL&C 4/7/2010 3:15:00 PM |
SB 247 |
| CSSB247(L&C) Audit Summary.pdf |
HL&C 4/7/2010 3:15:00 PM |
SB 247 |
| CSSB248 (L&C) ver R.PDF |
HL&C 4/7/2010 3:15:00 PM |
SB 248 |
| CSSB248 (L&C) Sponsor Statement ver R.pdf |
HL&C 4/7/2010 3:15:00 PM |
SB 248 |
| CSSB248 (L&C) Fiscal Note-2-1-032410-CED-Y.pdf |
HL&C 4/7/2010 3:15:00 PM |
SB 248 |
| CSSB248 (L&C) Audit Summary.PDF |
HL&C 4/7/2010 3:15:00 PM |
SB 248 |
| CSSB248 (L&C) Audit.PDF |
HL&C 4/7/2010 3:15:00 PM |
SB 248 |
| SB262 ver A.pdf |
HL&C 4/7/2010 3:15:00 PM |
SB 262 |
| SB262 Sponsor Statement ver A.pdf |
HL&C 4/7/2010 3:15:00 PM |
SB 262 |
| SB262 Fiscal Note-CED-CBPL-3-8-10 Fiscal Note.pdf |
HL&C 4/7/2010 3:15:00 PM |
SB 262 |
| SB262 Audit-Board of Social Work Examiners.pdf |
HL&C 4/7/2010 3:15:00 PM |
SB 262 |
| SB262 Audit Summary.pdf |
HL&C 4/7/2010 3:15:00 PM |
SB 262 |
| SB63 ver A.pdf |
HL&C 4/7/2010 3:15:00 PM |
SB 263 |
| SB263 Sponsor Statement ver A.pdf |
HL&C 4/7/2010 3:15:00 PM |
SB 263 |
| SB263 Fiscal Note-CED-CBPL-3-8-10 Fiscal Note.pdf |
HL&C 4/7/2010 3:15:00 PM |
SB 263 |
| SB263 Audit-Board of Professional Counselors.pdf |
HL&C 4/7/2010 3:15:00 PM |
SB 263 |
| SB263 Audit Summary.pdf |
HL&C 4/7/2010 3:15:00 PM |
SB 263 |