02/06/2025 03:30 PM Senate HEALTH & SOCIAL SERVICES
| Audio | Topic |
|---|---|
| Start | |
| Presentation(s): Healtheconnect Alaska's Health Information Exchange (hie) | |
| SB76 | |
| SB44 | |
| Adjourn |
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
| + | TELECONFERENCED | ||
| *+ | SB 76 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| += | SB 44 | TELECONFERENCED | |
ALASKA STATE LEGISLATURE
SENATE HEALTH AND SOCIAL SERVICES STANDING COMMITTEE
February 6, 2025
3:30 p.m.
MEMBERS PRESENT
Senator Forrest Dunbar, Chair
Senator Cathy Giessel, Vice Chair
Senator Matt Claman
MEMBERS ABSENT
Senator Löki Tobin
Senator Shelley Hughes
COMMITTEE CALENDAR
PRESENTATION(S): ECONNECT ALASKA'S HEALTH INFORMATION EXCHANGE
(HIE)
- HEARD
SENATE BILL NO. 76
"An Act relating to complex care residential homes; and
providing for an effective date."
- HEARD & HELD
SENATE BILL NO. 44
"An Act relating to the rights of minors undergoing evaluation
or inpatient treatment at psychiatric hospitals; relating to the
use of seclusion or restraint of minors at psychiatric
hospitals; relating to a report published by the Department of
Health; relating to inspections by the Department of Health of
certain psychiatric hospitals; and providing for an effective
date."
- MOVED CSSB 44(HSS) OUT OF COMMITTEE
PREVIOUS COMMITTEE ACTION
BILL: SB 76
SHORT TITLE: COMPLEX CARE RESIDENTIAL HOMES
SPONSOR(s): RULES BY REQUEST OF THE GOVERNOR
01/27/25 (S) READ THE FIRST TIME - REFERRALS
01/27/25 (S) HSS, FIN
02/06/25 (S) HSS AT 3:30 PM BUTROVICH 205
BILL: SB 44
SHORT TITLE: MINORS & PSYCHIATRIC HOSPITALS
SPONSOR(s): CLAMAN
01/17/25 (S) PREFILE RELEASED 1/17/25
01/22/25 (S) READ THE FIRST TIME - REFERRALS
01/22/25 (S) HSS, FIN
01/28/25 (S) HSS AT 3:30 PM BUTROVICH 205
01/28/25 (S) Heard & Held
01/28/25 (S) MINUTE(HSS)
01/30/25 (S) HSS AT 3:30 PM BUTROVICH 205
01/30/25 (S) Heard & Held
01/30/25 (S) MINUTE(HSS)
02/06/25 (S) HSS AT 3:30 PM BUTROVICH 205
WITNESS REGISTER
KENDRA STICKA, Executive Director
HealthEConnect Alaska
Anchorage, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Gave a presentation on Alaska's Health
Information Exchange (HIE).
HEIDI HEDBERG, Commissioner
Department of Health
Anchorage, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Provided an opening statement on SB 76 on
behalf of the administration.
EMILY RICCI, Deputy Commissioner
Department of Health
Anchorage, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Co-presented an introduction on SB 76 and
provided the sectional analysis on behalf of the administration.
CLINTON LASLEY, Deputy Commissioner
Department of Family and Community Services
Juneau, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Co-presented an introduction on SB 76 on
behalf of the administration.
ROBERT LAWRENCE, MD, Chief Medical Officer
Department of Health
Anchorage, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Co-presented an introduction on SB 76 on
behalf of the administration.
ARIELLE WIGGIN, Staff
Senator Forrest Dunbar
Alaska State Legislature
Juneau, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Provided a Summary of Changes for SB 44.
ACTION NARRATIVE
3:30:27 PM
CHAIR DUNBAR called the Senate Health and Social Services
Standing Committee meeting to order at 3:30 p.m. Present at the
call to order were Senators Giessel, Claman, and Chair Dunbar.
^PRESENTATION(S): HEALTHECONNECT ALASKA'S HEALTH INFORMATION
EXCHANGE (HIE)
PRESENTATION(S):
ALASKA'S HEALTH INFORMATION EXCHANGE (HIE)
3:31:25 PM
CHAIR DUNBAR announced a presentation Alaska's Health
Information Exchange (HIE).
3:31:43 PM
KENDRA STICKA, Executive Director, HealthEConnect Alaska,
Anchorage, Alaska, presented Alaska's Health information
Exchange (HIE). She moved to slide 1 and provided a brief work
history. She stated that the Health Information Exchange (HIE)
was established through legislation in 2009 to improve the
safety and cost-effectiveness of health care in Alaska. She
explained that HealthEConnect, a nonprofit organization,
administers the HIE as a neutral steward of health data,
maintaining separation from both state agencies and private
industry.
3:33:11 PM
MS. STICKA moved to slide 3 and stated that the board of
directors and governance structure of the Health Information
Exchange (HIE) is defined by statute. She noted that although
HIE emerged during the Affordable Care Act era, its development
was driven by the health care community's recognition of its
value. She added that the board includes statutorily designated
representatives from various health sectors, all of whom
actively contribute to guiding the direction of health care in
the state:
[Original punctuation provided.]
Governance: Board of Directors
• Commissioner, DOH/Designee
• Hospitals and Nursing Home Facilities
• Private Medical Care Providers
• Community-Based Providers
• Federal Health Care Providers
• Alaska Tribal Health Organizations
• Health Insurers
• Health Care Consumers
• Employers or Businesses
• Non-voting liaison member for the University of
Alaska
3:34:10 PM
MS. STICKA moved to slide 8 and said she would share a video on
HIE. She explained that the Health Information Exchange (HIE)
serves as a secure data repository for protected health
information, compliant with Health Insurance Portability and
Accountability Act (HIPAA) standards. She stated that health
data flows directly from an organization's electronic medical
record into the HIE, allowing other authorized providers to
access it immediately without the need for records requests. She
illustrated the practical value of the HIE with a scenario where
a patient in Juneau receives emergency care but cannot
communicate medical historyaccess to the HIE would allow
providers at Bartlett Hospital or, if needed, Providence in
Anchorage to make informed treatment decisions and avoid
redundant, costly testing. She emphasized that the HIE helps
reduce health care costs by enabling safer, more efficient care
and noted that board member Dr. Quinn of the Alaska Heart
Institute has observed the financial impact when critical health
information is unavailable during cardiovascular emergencies.
3:36:08 PM
MS. STICKA played the video which illustrated the value of HIE
by sharing the stories of four Alaskans navigating different
challenges within the healthcare system. A link to the video was
provided - https://youtu.be/r5JbQBSbsU4. The video mentioned the
inefficiency of phone calls, faxes, and paper. It also mentioned
the various types of information available through HIE's real-
time online portal to assist patients.
3:44:51 PM
MS. STICKA moved to slide 9, a list of HealthEConnect data
contributors, and addressed a common question about
participation in the Health Information Exchange (HIE) and
emphasized that its effectiveness depends on both the quantity
and quality of the data it receives. She explained that the most
robust and valuable method of participation is when
organizations send data directly from their electronic medical
records into the HIE, which allows for more meaningful use,
including analysis related to social determinants of health. She
stated that data submitted to the repository is then organized
into usable and actionable formats. She shared that several
organizations currently send data directly, while others connect
through national networks with more limited information. She
noted that the HIE continues to expand its list of direct data
contributors and that a full list of participating organizations
is available on the HIE website.
3:46:23 PM
SENATOR CLAMAN noted that the list of providers connected to the
Health Information Exchange (HIE) includes many familiar names
but asked about smaller practices that may not participate. He
asked whether it's reasonable for consumers to ask their
physician if they are part of the HIE and, if not, why not. He
emphasized that the core benefithaving complete medical records
available in an emergencyis compelling and worth encouraging
broader participation.
MS. STICKA agreed that having access to complete medical
records, rather than partial information, is ideal and confirmed
it is appropriate for patients to ask their providers whether
they participate in the Health Information Exchange (HIE). She
explained that some organizations may not have joined due to
past disengagement or technical limitations, particularly
smaller practices with less robust electronic medical records.
However, she noted that the HIE has undergone a strong reset in
recent years and is actively re-engaging with providers. She
added that in most cases, if a practice has an electronic
medical record system, there are ways to work toward
participation.
3:47:34 PM
SENATOR CLAMAN asked if there is a fee to participate in HIE.
MS. STICKA stated that currently there is no cost for providers
to connect to the Health Information Exchange (HIE), though some
may incur fees from their electronic medical record vendors,
which the HIE does not control. She explained that 90 percent of
the HIE's funding comes from a contract with the Department of
Health. She acknowledged past challenges when hospitals and
healthcare organizations were required to pay to participate,
which limited involvement due to a lack of clear business
justification. She credited the Department of Health's funding
support for eliminating participation fees, which has
significantly increased provider engagement with the HIE.
3:48:33 PM
MS. STICKA stated that the Health Information Exchange (HIE) has
secured funding through Fiscal Year 2026 via its partnership
with the Department of Health and expressed appreciation for the
collaboration. She noted that the department's funding for the
HIE contract is currently supported in part by federal Medicaid
match dollars. Given the uncertainties surrounding future
federal funding, she emphasized the importance of considering
how the state can sustainably support the HIE in the long term,
independent of federal sources. She clarified that no funding
request is being submitted this year.
3:49:20 PM
MS. STICKA moved to slide 11, a graph showing years 2022 2024
and amount of usage by clinics and hospital in network, HIE
portal users, and portal logins:
Year 2022 2023 2024
Number of
Clinics & Hospitals 94 133 198
in Network
Number of
HIE Portal 195 432 705
Number of
Portal Logins 1005 2366 4592
MS. STICKA stated that not charging providers to
participate over the past several years led to a
significant increase in utilization. She noted excitement
in seeing the growing numbers and creative uses of the
exchange, including addressing social determinants of
health.
3:50:11 PM
MS. STICKA moved to slide 12 Health Data Utility (HDU), and said
health information exchanges nationally are maturing into health
data utilities (HDU), which she described as "collect, connect,
deliver." She explained that an HDU requires gathering all data
in one place, connecting sources to make the information
manageable and actionable, and delivering it to those who can
use it. She contrasted this with traditional records requests
that produce large, unhelpful stacks of paper. She stated the
goal is to format data differently for specialists such as
cardiologists, primary care physicians, or allergy and
immunology providers to make the information more actionable for
each user.
3:51:24 PM
MS. STICKA moved to slide 13, Care Coordination / Social
Determinates of Health (SDOH) Project, and described a pilot
project with Matsu Health Services focused on addressing social
determinants of health (SDOH) such as housing security, food
security, and economic stability, which account for roughly 80
percent of overall health factors outside traditional care. She
noted that the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS)
now requires hospitals to screen for some SDOH factors, recorded
in medical records as Z codes, which are sent to the data
repository. She explained that the project used Z code
information for Matsu Health Services' patient panel to identify
individuals with social care needs and conduct proactive
outreach, connecting them with resources. She said the pilot
demonstrated how early, holistic intervention can improve
patient health outcomes while reducing costs.
3:53:45 PM
MS. STICKA moved to slide 14, Alaska's Health Information
Exchange, and stated that the Health Information Exchange in
Alaska was created by healthcare organizations and professionals
as a public good for Alaskans. She shared that she transitioned
from working at the university to this role because she believed
in its mission and the need to strengthen the state's healthcare
infrastructure. She emphasized the importance of making
healthcare organizations operate more cost-effectively while
delivering high-quality care. She expressed appreciation for the
partnership with the Department of Health in finding efficient
ways to leverage the technology for multiple purposes.
3:55:00 PM
CHAIR DUNBAR said most Alaskans in his generation are accustomed
to using digital records and completing forms online, and many
assume providers can already access their health records
anywhere. He noted participation in the Health Information
Exchange is voluntary in Alaska and observed that some large
providers, such as Alaska Regional and Alaska Native Medical
Center (AMC), appear to be missing. He asked if other states
require participation and what it would look like if such a
requirement were implemented.
3:55:48 PM
MS. STICKA said larger organizations such as Alaska Regional are
in the process of onboarding and are enthusiastic, but must
complete technical, corporate, privacy, and security
requirements. She noted ongoing collaboration with tribal health
to ensure participation aligns with data security and privacy
concerns specific to their system. She stated that some states,
including Connecticut, mandate participation, though mandates
have pros and cons, with voluntary collaboration often producing
better results. She added that challenges include cost and
compatibility issues with electronic medical records, and she
mentioned emerging federal regulations on data sharing that
could influence future participation.
CHAIR DUNBAR said many Alaskans assume health data sharing
already occurs and may not realize the Health Information
Exchange is part of the state's healthcare infrastructure. He
noted funding is secured through 2026, which implies no funding
is in place beyond that year. He stated this is an important
consideration for the committee and the legislature.
3:58:04 PM
At ease.
SB 76-COMPLEX CARE RESIDENTIAL HOMES
3:58:51 PM
CHAIR DUNBAR reconvened the meeting and announced the
consideration of SENATE BILL NO. 76 "An Act relating to complex
care residential homes; and providing for an effective date."
3:59:24 PM
HEIDI HEDBERG, Commissioner, Department of Health, Anchorage,
Alaska, provided an opening statement on SB 76 on behalf of the
administration. She expressed appreciation to the committee for
hearing SB 76, introduced at the governor's request. She said
the bill resulted from collaboration between the Department of
Family and Community Services and the Department of Health to
address gaps in Alaska's system of care for individuals with
complex behavioral health and co-occurring needs. She stated
Alaska lacks an appropriate setting for these individuals to
receive care in a home-like, community-based environment. She
said the proposed new license type will fill this critical gap
and improve health outcomes for Alaskans.
4:00:36 PM
EMILY RICCI, Deputy Commissioner, Department of Health,
Anchorage, Alaska, co-presented an introduction on SB 76 and
provided the sectional analysis on behalf of the administration.
She moved to slide 2 and said the bill will help address and
identify gaps in the system of care for individuals with complex
needs. She recalled that strengthening the behavioral health
system, with a focus on complex care, was one of the
department's four key priorities. She emphasized the importance
of addressing needs at both the individual and systems levels.
She stated the bill reflects the outcome of that effort and the
department's collaboration with the Department of Family and
Community Services.
4:01:20 PM
CLINTON LASLEY, Deputy Commissioner, Department of Family and
Community Services, Juneau, Alaska, co-presented an introduction
on SB 76 on behalf of the administration. He moved to slide 3
and said the bill resulted from collaboration between the
Department of Health and the Department of Family and Community
Services, demonstrating that cooperation continued after the
departments split two and a half years ago. He stated the
Department of Family and Community Services prioritized
individuals with complex and co-occurring needs, creating a
Coordinated Health and Complex Care Team. He explained that work
included forming a case response team to address placement
challenges for youth and adults after treatment and holding
quarterly complex care committee meetings with the Department of
Health to address system-level gaps. He said this bill emerged
from those combined efforts.
4:03:16 PM
MR. LASLEY stated that complex care involves individuals with
complex needs who require a multidisciplinary team to determine
diagnoses, develop treatment outcomes, and identify necessary
resources. He explained that these individuals often have
behavioral challenges and need specialized care settings. He
emphasized that the goal is to improve their quality of life and
support independent living.
4:04:00 PM
MR. LASLEY moved to slide 4 and explained that the team
previously presented the complexity of individuals receiving
care, emphasizing a person-centered approach. He stated that
these individuals often require a multidisciplinary team because
they interact with multiple systems, including mental health
care, substance use treatment, social services, public safety,
and medical care. He noted that although this population is
relatively small, they demand a significant share of time and
resources due to frequent cycling through systems. He concluded
that current care settings, such as assisted living homes, often
lack the capacity to meet these individuals' needs, highlighting
the need for more specialized, long-term care options.
MR. LASLEY stated that many individuals requiring complex care
have histories of out-of-state treatment and display disruptive
or aggressive behaviors, often linked to co-occurring medical
conditions or dementia-related symptoms. He noted that such
behaviors, including advanced or sexualized conduct, are
difficult to manage in large facilities like Pioneer Homes
operated by the Department of Family and Community Services. He
emphasized that smaller, home-like settings could better provide
the specialized care needed while also protecting other
residents. He concluded that creating a complex care residential
home license type is essential to strengthening the continuum of
care in Alaska and supporting individuals in the least
restrictive environment possible.
4:06:52 PM
MS. RICCI moved to slide 5, What Does SB 76 Do, and stated that
SB 76 establishes the statutory framework needed for the
Department of Health to license and regulate a new type of
facility called complex care residential homes. She explained
that the goal is to create small, home-like community settings
designed to meet the complex needs of individuals through
multidisciplinary support. These homes would offer appropriate
staffing levels and specialized services tailored to the
population served. She added that various complex care
residential homes could be designed to address different needs
within this population
4:07:56 PM
MS. RICCI moved to slide 6, CCRHs Fill a Gap in the Care
Continuum, and explained the current continuum of care and how
complex care residential homes would fill a gap between acute
inpatient settings and lower-level community-based care. She
described the right side of the continuum as including inpatient
psychiatric hospitals, general acute hospitals, residential
psychiatric treatment centers for youth, and skilled nursing
facilities. The left side includes foster homes, private
residences, and assisted living homes, primarily supported
through Medicaid's home and community-based waiver services. She
noted that individuals with complex needs who do not qualify for
an intellectual and developmental disability diagnosis often
fall between these levels of care, making it difficult to access
appropriate services. She emphasized that complex care
residential homes are intended to bridge this gap by providing a
long-term, home-like setting tailored to these individuals'
needs.
4:09:41 PM
MS. RICCI moved to slide 7, Establishing a New Residential
Setting, and outlined a four-step approach used to develop a new
care model. The steps include identifying individual needs,
determining appropriate care settings, defining the services
required, and establishing funding mechanisms. She stated that
SB 76 addresses the second step: creating a setting where
individuals with complex needs can receive care. She clarified
that while the Department of Health already has the statutory
authority to develop services and funding, it lacks the
authority to create a new facility type, which SB 76 aims to
establish. She added that work on the remaining steps is
ongoing, but the bill is specifically focused on authorizing a
new license type for complex care residential homes.
4:11:13 PM
ROBERT LAWRENCE, MD, Chief Medical Officer, Department of
Health, Anchorage, Alaska, co-presented an introduction on SB 76
on behalf of the administration. He moved to slide 8, Who Would
Benefit from CCRHs, and stated that the slide emphasizes the
need to broaden the understanding of who could benefit from the
proposed facility type, noting that the goal is to design a
license that applies across a range of ages and mental health
conditions. He described the gap in care for youth, particularly
ages eight to twelve, who complete inpatient treatment but lack
safe or appropriate placement options, such as foster care or
assisted living. He also described older adults, including those
with dementia who end up in hospitals or even correctional
facilities, as another group lacking appropriate residential
care settings. He stressed the need for a community-based
facility that can serve various individuals with complex
behavioral health needs in a least restrictive environment.
4:13:12 PM
DR. LAWRENCE moved to slide 9, Key Features of a CCRH, and
explained that SB 76 is designed to be flexible and apply to
diverse age groups and needs. He noted that the proposed
legislation allows for licensing of facilities with fewer than
15 residents, with the expectation that youth homes would house
far fewertypically five or six. He added that the facilities
would operate with 24/7 staff support from a multidisciplinary
team tailored to the specific needs of the residents. He
emphasized that these homes would offer a higher level of
support than assisted living but remain less restrictive than
inpatient psychiatric settings. Each home would be defined by
its residents' individualized treatment plans, including
specialized monitoring and interventions.
4:14:35 PM
DR. LAWRENCE moved to slide 10, Benefits of a CCRH, and stated
that the benefits of establishing these home-like settings
include improving care for Alaskans with complex needs without
relying on overly restrictive environments. He explained that
the bill adds a new license type for clinically appropriate
residential settings and enables the development of specialized
services through regulation. He concluded by emphasizing that
this model enhances community safety in a compassionate, cost-
effective manner by providing tailored care in the least
restrictive environment.
4:15:40 PM
CHAIR DUNBAR stated that he had heard strong support for the
concept, noting that many see it as a valuable step-down option
to transition individuals out of inappropriate facilities. He
commented that the model echoes aspects of de-
institutionalization policies from decades ago, with a focus on
much smaller residential settings. He then asked whether the
proposed license type is intended to be flexible enough to serve
a wide range of individualsfrom children placed out of state to
seniors exiting the correctional systemor if it would allow for
specialized facilities within that license type to serve
distinct populations.
4:16:50 PM
MS. RICCI responded that the Department envisions specialized
homes rather than mixed-population facilities, noting that
although the term "complex care population" is used broadly,
there are clearly distinct subgroups with differing needs. She
gave the example of seniors with dementia and co-occurring
conditions like schizophrenia or aggressive behavior, whose care
needs differ significantly from youth returning from out-of-
state treatment. She explained that the intention is to create
separate homes tailored to specific populations. She added that
aligning building regulations with existing facility types
provides the state flexibility to adapt over time, allowing
requirements to be updated through regulation as population
needs evolve.
4:18:35 PM
MS. RICCI moved to slides 11 -13 and reviewed the sectional
analysis for SB 76:
[Original punctuation provided.]
SECTIONAL ANALYSIS
Senate Bill 76: Complex Care Residential Homes
Section 1. Amends AS 47.32.010(b) to add "complex care
residential homes" to the list of entities
regulated by the Department of Health.
Section 2. Amends AS 47.32.900(2) to update the
definition of "assisted living home" to
exclude complex care residential homes.
4:19:15 PM
MS. RICCI stated that the department is trying to delineate in
statute the difference between assisted living homes and complex
care residential homes. Assisted living homes are not meant to
serve individuals under the age of 18 and do not have the
multidisciplinary focus that is envisioned for complex care
residential homes.
Section 3. Adds AS 47.32.900(11) to modify the
definition of "hospital" to clarify that it
does not include complex care residential
homes.
4:19:30 PM
MS. RICCI said this ensures that hospital or facility
requirements are not applied to complex care residential homes
and emphasizes the focus on a home-like setting.
Section 4. Adds AS 47.32.900(22) to introduce a new
definition for "complex care residential
home." It is defined as a residential
setting that provides 24-hour multi-
disciplinary care on a continuing basis for
up to 15 individuals with mental,
behavioral, medical, or disability-related
needs requiring specialized care, services
and monitoring.
4:20:17 PM
MS. RICCI noted that the 15-bed limit aligns with a federal
requirement. She explained that the Department is mindful of
current and potential future federal rules as services and
funding mechanisms are developed. At the federal level, she
highlighted a prohibition on Medicaid coverage for institutions
of mental disease, with an exemption available for facilities
with 15 beds or fewer.
Section 5. Amends the uncodified law by adding a new
section that requires the Department of
Health to submit for approval by the United
States Department of Health and Human
Services amendments to the state Medicaid
plan or apply for waivers necessary to
implement the provisions of Sections 1-4.
Section 6. Amends the uncodified law by adding a new
section specifying that sections 1-4 of the
bill will only take effect if the United
States Department of Health and Human
Services approves the required Medicaid
waivers or amendments by July 1, 2031. The
commissioner of health is required to notify
the revisor of statutes within 30 days once
the necessary approvals are received.
Section 7. Provides that sections 1-4 take effect the
day after the United States Department of
Health and Human Services approves
amendments to the state plan or waivers
submitted under Section 5.
4:21:51 PM
MS. RICCI concluded the presentation.
4:22:05 PM
SENATOR GIESSEL asked where the Department would find staff for
the complex care residential homes.
4:22:15 PM
MS. RICCI responded that workforce challenges exist across
nearly all healthcare settings in the state and acknowledged
that the Department does not yet have all the answers. She
explained that many individuals with complex needs are already
receiving care in various settingssuch as assisted living
homes, inpatient facilities, or through the general relief
programbut without the appropriate alignment of services,
settings, and payment structures. She emphasized that staffing
difficulties are closely tied to inadequate funding models that
fail to reflect the intensity and acuity of care required. She
stated that aligning payment with the severity of need, service
complexity, and necessary staffing ratios is essential to
supporting and sustaining an appropriate workforce for complex
care residential homes.
4:24:08 PM
SENATOR GIESSEL stated that she is aware personnel costs will be
50 percent federally funded, as noted in the fiscal notes. She
expressed interest in the timeline for revising behavioral
health reimbursement rates and emphasized the importance of
completing that process before staffing begins. She noted that
staff in complex care residential homes will likely require
competitive compensation, given the intensity of care, and
stressed the need for an appropriate pay scale.
4:24:47 PM
MS. RICCI stated that rebasing for community behavioral health
rates took effect earlier this year. She added that the
Department is currently conducting a rate methodology review to
evaluate whether behavioral health payment rates and rules align
with service needs. She emphasized that the Department is
actively responding to concerns from the behavioral health
community about significant gaps between service demands and the
payment structures available to support them.
4:25:38 PM
CHAIR DUNBAR held SB 76 in committee.
4:26:17 PM
At ease.
SB 44-MINORS & PSYCHIATRIC HOSPITALS
4:28:11 PM
CHAIR DUNBAR reconvened the meeting announced the consideration
of SENATE BILL NO. 44 "An Act relating to the rights of minors
undergoing evaluation or inpatient treatment at psychiatric
hospitals; relating to the use of seclusion or restraint of
minors at psychiatric hospitals; relating to a report published
by the Department of Health; relating to inspections by the
Department of Health of certain psychiatric hospitals; and
providing for an effective date."
4:28:17 PM
CHAIR DUNBAR stated a committee substitute was developed for SB
44.
4:28:27 PM
CHAIR DUNBAR solicited a motion.
4:28:32 PM
SENATOR GIESSEL moved to adopt the Committee Substitute (CS) for
SB 44, work order 34-LS0126\N, as the working document.
4:28:44 PM
CHAIR DUNBAR objected for purposes of discussion.
4:28:55 PM
ARIELLE WIGGIN, Staff, Senator Forrest Dunbar, Alaska State
Legislature, Juneau, Alaska, provided a summary of changes for
SB 44. She stated there were nine changes requested by members
of the committee and the of Family and Community Services
(DFCS):
[Original punctuation provided.]
SUMMARY OF CHANGES
CS(SHSS) SB 44: RIGHTS OF MINORS IN PSYCHIATRIC
HOSPITALS
Version A to Version N
February 5th, 2025
Section 1
Page 1, line 11 and Page 2, line 1: Inserts
"professional person in charge" as a replacement for
"overseeing physician" which is deleted.
Page 1, line 13: Deletes "over not more than four
occasions,"
Page 2, line 2: Inserts "and may place reasonable
limits on the number of calls permitted"
Section 2
Page 2, line 12 following "treatment": Inserts "and
the type of psychotropic medication used, if any, to
carry out each chemical restraint;"
Page 2, line 15 following "data": Inserts "on the
number of minors who received residential care at
psychiatric hospitals, including information"
Page 2, line 16 and 19 following "minors": Inserts "in
state custody"
Section 3
Page 3, line 16 after "restraint": Inserts "The
notification provided by a psychiatric hospital
regarding the use of a chemical restraint must include
the type of psychotropic medication used to carry out
the chemical restraint
4:30:54 PM
SENATOR CLAMAN noted that the committee and the Department of
Family and Community Services (DFCS) collaborated on the
changes, particularly regarding the role of the professional
person in charge. He explained that the concern involved
situations where limiting family contact could infringe on an
individual's right to communicate. He stated that the intention
was to require a higher level of reviewbeyond the treatment
teamby involving the professional person.
4:31:31 PM
CHAIR DUNBAR removed his objection; found no further objection
and CSSB 44 was adopted as the working document.
4:31:55 PM
SENATOR CLAMAN stated he appreciates the questions that were
asked and the time committee members and other gave to working
on SB 44.
4:32:06 PM
SENATOR DUNBAR solicited the will of the committee.
4:32:11 PM
SENATOR GIESSEL moved to report CSSB 44, work order 34-LS0126\N,
from committee with individual recommendations and attached
fiscal note(s).
4:32:23 PM
CHAIR DUNBAR found no objection and CSSB 44(HSS) was reported
from Senate Health and Social Services Committee.
4:32:43 PM
There being no further business to come before the committee,
Chair Dunbar adjourned the Senate Health and Social Services
Standing Committee meeting at 4:32 p.m.
| Document Name | Date/Time | Subjects |
|---|---|---|
| SB 76 Presentation SHSS_2025.02.06.pdf |
SFIN 4/10/2025 9:00:00 AM SHSS 2/6/2025 3:30:00 PM |
SB 76 |
| SB 76 Fiscal Note 3.pdf |
SHSS 2/6/2025 3:30:00 PM |
SB 76 |
| SB 76 Sectional Analysis Version A.pdf |
SFIN 4/10/2025 9:00:00 AM SHSS 2/6/2025 3:30:00 PM |
SB 76 |
| SB 76 Transmittal Letter.pdf |
SFIN 4/10/2025 9:00:00 AM SHSS 2/6/2025 3:30:00 PM |
SB 76 |
| SB 76 Fiscal Note 2.pdf |
SHSS 2/6/2025 3:30:00 PM |
SB 76 |
| SB 76 Version A.pdf |
SHSS 2/6/2025 3:30:00 PM |
SB 76 |
| SB 76 Bill Summary Version A.pdf |
SFIN 4/10/2025 9:00:00 AM SHSS 2/6/2025 3:30:00 PM |
SB 76 |
| SB 76 Fiscal Note 1.pdf |
SHSS 2/6/2025 3:30:00 PM |
SB 76 |
| SHSS responses from 1.28.25 SB 44 Hearing.pdf |
SHSS 2/6/2025 3:30:00 PM |
SB 44 |
| HealthEConnect Senate HSS Committee Presentation_2-6-25.pdf |
SHSS 2/6/2025 3:30:00 PM |
HealthEConnnect |
| SB 44 SHSS responses Hearing 1.28.25.pdf |
SHSS 2/6/2025 3:30:00 PM |
SB 44 |
| SB 44 SHSS CS Version N 2.5.25.pdf |
SHSS 2/6/2025 3:30:00 PM |
SB 44 |
| SB 44 Explanation of Changes Version A to Version N 2.5.25.pdf |
SHSS 2/6/2025 3:30:00 PM |
SB 44 |
| SB 76 LoS Foundation Health Partners 2.6.25.pdf |
SHSS 2/6/2025 3:30:00 PM SHSS 2/13/2025 3:30:00 PM |
SB 76 |