Legislature(2025 - 2026)BUTROVICH 205
04/16/2026 03:30 PM Senate HEALTH & SOCIAL SERVICES
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| Audio | Topic |
|---|---|
| Start | |
| Confirmation Hearing(s): | |
| Adjourn |
* first hearing in first committee of referral
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
| + | TELECONFERENCED | ||
ALASKA STATE LEGISLATURE
SENATE HEALTH AND SOCIAL SERVICES STANDING COMMITTEE
APRIL 16, 2026
3:31 P.M.
MEMBERS PRESENT
Senator Forrest Dunbar, Chair
Senator Cathy Giessel, Vice Chair
Senator Matt Claman
Senator Löki Tobin
MEMBERS ABSENT
Senator Robert Myers
COMMITTEE CALENDAR
CONFIRMATION HEARING(S):
Board of Dental Examiners
Michael Sanders - Eagle River
Travis Perkins - Soldotna
Board of Examiners in Optometry
Charles Rudstrom - Soldotna
Board of Pharmacy
Rebekah Balmes - Anchorage
Lillian Okpaleke - Bethel
Board of Professional Counselors
Crystal Herring - Anchorage
Board of Certified Direct-Entry Midwives
Stacia Miller - Valdez
Board of Chiropractic Examiners
Edward Barrington - Anchorage
Walter Campbell - Anchorage
- CONFIRMATIONS ADVANCED
PREVIOUS COMMITTEE ACTION
No previous action to record
WITNESS REGISTER
MICHAEL SANDERS, Appointee
Board of Dental Examiners
Eagle River, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified as the governor's appointee to the
Board of Dental Examiners.
CHARLES RUDSTROM, Appointee
Board of Examiners in Optometry
Soldotna, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified as the governor's appointee to the
Board of Examiners in Optometry.
REBEKAH BALMES, Appointee
Board of Pharmacy
Anchorage, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified as the governor's appointee to the
Board of Pharmacy.
LILLIAN OKPALEKE, Appointee
Board of Pharmacy
Bethel, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified as the governor's appointee to the
Board of Pharmacy.
CRYSTAL HERRING, Appointee
Board of Professional Counselors
Anchorage, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified as the governor's appointee to the
Board of Professional Counselors.
STACIA MILLER, Appointee
Board of Certified Direct-Entry Midwives
Valdez, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified as the governor's appointee to the
Board of Certified Direct-Entry Midwives.
EDWARD BARRINGTON, Appointee
Board of Chiropractic Examiners
Anchorage, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified as the governor's appointee to the
Board of Chiropractic Examiners.
WALTER CAMPBELL, Appointee
Board of Chiropractic Examiners
Anchorage, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified as the governor's appointee to the
Board of Chiropractic Examiners.
TRAVIS PERKINS, Appointee
Board of Dental Examiners
Soldotna, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified as the governor's appointee to the
Board of Dental Examiners.
ACTION NARRATIVE
3:31:08 PM
CHAIR DUNBAR called the Senate Health and Social Services
Standing Committee meeting to order at 3:31 p.m. Present at the
call to order were Senators Tobin, Giessel, and Chair Dunbar.
Senator Claman arrived shortly thereafter.
^CONFIRMATION HEARING(S):
CONFIRMATION HEARING(S):
BOARD OF DENTAL EXAMINERS
BOARD OF EXAMINERS IN OPTOMETRY
BOARD OF PHARMACY
BOARD OF PROFESSIONAL COUNSELORS
BOARD OF CERTIFIED DIRECT-ENTRY MIDWIVES
BOARD OF CHIROPRACTIC EXAMINERS
3:31:40 PM
CHAIR DUNBAR announced consideration of governor's appointees to
boards and commissions.
3:32:36 PM
SENATOR CLAMAN joined the meeting.
CHAIR DUNBAR asked Michael Sanders to begin his testimony.
3:32:49 PM
MICHAEL SANDERS, Appointee, Board of Dental Examiners, Eagle
River, Alaska, testified as the governor's appointee to the
Board of Dental Examiners. He provided a brief personal and work
history. He stated his experience has given him a federal
understanding of the legal and regulatory aspects of dentistry
including standards of care, documentation, and disciplinary
processes. He stated his belief that these skills will directly
support the board and its mission. He said he did not seek the
position but accepted the appointment to give back to the
profession and will serve with full commitment and impartiality.
3:34:42 PM
SENATOR TOBIN asked for his thoughts on dental access and
hygiene programs in rural Alaska.
DR. SANDERS responded that he had practiced in rural Alaska and
observed limited access to dental care. He stated that he had
lectured at Providence Hospital regarding access to care and
what medical residents could expect in rural Alaska. He opined
that the Board of Dental Examiners should consider actions that
ease regulatory processes and program approvals in rural areas,
provided those actions maintain safety.
3:36:10 PM
SENATOR CLAMAN asked whether this was his first appointment to
the board.
DR. SANDERS replied yes.
3:36:57 PM
CHAIR DUNBAR invited Charles Rudstrom to begin his testimony.
3:37:09 PM
CHARLES RUDSTROM, Appointee, Board of Examiners in Optometry,
Soldotna, Alaska, testified as the governor's appointee to the
Board of Examiners in Optometry. He stated that he is seeking to
serve a second time. He said he values his role as a public
member and aims to represent the public. He emphasized the need
to ensure safe and accessible optometry services.
CHAIR DUNBAR asked him to describe the primary challenges or
controversies encountered during service on the board.
MR. RUDSTROM stated that the Board of Optometry primarily
handled licensing and license renewal. He explained that a key
challenge involved balancing high-quality training requirements
with accessibility. He reported that the board frequently
discussed remote versus in-person training and described the
issue as a delicate balance. He emphasized the need to ensure
that optometrists in rural areas of Alaska could access required
training.
3:38:50 PM
SENATOR GIESSEL asked when he previously served on the Board of
Optometry.
3:39:12 PM
MR. RUDSTROM replied he has served on the board for three years.
His term is expiring and he has been nominated for another term.
SENATOR GIESSEL stated the website hasn't been updated and
thanked him for his response.
CHAIR DUNBAR invited Rebekah Balmes to begin her testimony.
3:40:06 PM
REBEKAH BALMES, Appointee, Board of Pharmacy, Anchorage, Alaska,
testified as the governor's appointee to the Board of Pharmacy.
She provided a brief personal and work history. She stated that
she had spent the past six years developing expertise in
infusion pharmacy while gaining experience operating a small
business in a market dominated by large corporations and
pharmaceutical companies. She expressed interest in serving on
the Board of Pharmacy to support safe, accessible, and high-
quality care for all Alaskans. She explained that her training
at the University of Colorado emphasized practicing at the top
of her license, improving public health, and treating the whole
patient, and she described pharmacists as clinicians and
integral members of the healthcare team who remain highly
accessible yet underutilized. She added that, if confirmed, she
aimed to expand timely patient access to care in rural and
underserved communities, contribute small business and
compounding experience to the board, and advocate for the
pharmacy profession while protecting public health.
CHAIR DUNBAR said that from her testimony he inferred that she
is familiar with the scope of practice bill that the legislature
is hearing. Another topic the legislature has discussed is
pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs). He asked whether she had any
experience working with PBMs and did she have any thoughts on
the way they are impacting the state.
MS. BALMES stated that pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) created
significant challenges for small pharmacy businesses in Alaska.
She explained that PBMs often delay patient access to care and
impose administrative barriers that complicated service
delivery. She noted that these challenges affect patients
outside major hubs such as Anchorage and Fairbanks. She added
that PBM processes reduce cost-effectiveness for small
pharmacies compared to large pharmacy chains.
3:43:38 PM
CHAIR DUNBAR asked her to describe lessons from her experience
in Colorado that could apply to Alaska. He requested she share
any notable differences between pharmacy practice in Colorado
and Alaska.
MS. BALMES stated that Colorado has led efforts to obtain
provider status for pharmacists. She reported that Colorado has
achieved success in recent years and noted that Alaska appears
to follow that model. She described this development as
encouraging.
3:44:19 PM
SENATOR CLAMAN asked whether she supports expanding authority
for pharmacists.
MS. BALMES replied yes.
SENATOR CLAMAN commented that he just wanted to confirm her
position.
SENATOR DUNBAR invited Lillian Okpaleke to begin her testimony.
3:44:59 PM
LILLIAN OKPALEKE, Appointee, Board of Pharmacy, Bethel, Alaska,
testified as the governor's appointee to the Board of Pharmacy.
She provided a brief personal and work history. She stated that
she valued Alaska's opportunities and community-oriented
residents. She described firsthand experience during Typhoon
Halong in October 2025, noting that the community, [health care]
providers, and pharmacists collaborated to support patients who
lost everything. She emphasized that pharmacists could expand
their role during that time of crisis. She added that, if
confirmed, she intended to serve Alaska with the highest
standards.
CHAIR DUNBAR asked how she learned of the position and received
appointment.
3:47:39 PM
MS. OKPALEKE stated that her interest in the Board of Pharmacy
stemmed from her professional relationship with Alaska Native
Medical Center (ANMC) pharmacy director Ashley Schaber. She
explained that collaboration with Tribal Health Organization
(THO) pharmacy directors, including during Typhoon Halong,
highlighted the impact of coordinated care. She researched the
role and consulted with her vice president then decided serving
on the board is a way to serve Alaska.
CHAIR DUNBAR noted that she plays pickleball.
SENATOR TOBIN commented there is a burgeoning pickleball
community in Alaska.
3:49:23 PM
SENATOR CLAMAN said he is not part of that community but
supports them in their endeavors.
CHAIR DUNBAR invited Crystal Herring to begin her testimony.
3:50:14 PM
CRYSTAL HERRING, Appointee, Board of Professional Counselors,
Anchorage, Alaska, testified as the governor's appointee to the
Board of Professional Counselors. She provided a brief work
history. She said that if she is confirmed that this would be
her first full four-year term on the board. She stated that she
sought appointment due to her commitment to the counseling
profession and the communities served. She expressed her intent
to strengthen the counseling practice by supporting best
practices, maintaining high professional standards, and
considering necessary regulatory updates.
3:51:18 PM
CHAIR TOBIN raised concerns regarding Ms. Herring's role as co-
CEO of a company that operated a COVID-19 treatment center at
the Golden Lion Hotel during the pandemic. She referenced
reports about waived utilities, permit fees, and rent alongside
high patient charges. She requested that she address these
concerns, discuss lessons learned, and explain how she would
uphold high ethical and professional standards in counseling.
3:52:46 PM
MS. HERRING stated that she had not expected the question in the
context of a chair appointment but acknowledged the concern. She
noted that the events occurred some time ago. She asked for
clarification on whether the question referred specifically to
billing individuals and insurers for monoclonal antibody
treatment.
CHAIR TOBIN confirmed that the concern involved reports of the
company charging premium prices to patients while receiving
waivers of fees and using public resources during the pandemic.
She emphasized that this issue formed a key part of the
published stories.
MS. HERRING stated that she had not participated in discussions
with the assembly or mayor regarding use of the Golden Lion
Hotel. She said she did let the city know that her company had
access to monoclonal antibodies, EMTs, and medics. She explained
that her company was already providing monoclonal antibody
treatments at homes by ambulance and a privately rented
warehouse before expanding into the hotel to meet community
demand. She emphasized that the company billed insurance and
accepted private payments prior to and during use of the hotel
and clearly disclosed that services were not part of the state's
free program. She added that fee structures and billing
practices were communicated and signed by patients in advance,
and she maintained that the company followed ethical standards
and disclosure practices. She said when people are actively ill,
they may not have realized what was disclosed.
3:56:57 PM
CHAIR TOBIN stated that Ms. Herring had worked with patients who
faced complex medical needs, vulnerability, and mental health
distress. She emphasized that service on the Board of
Professional Counselors required oversight of similar
populations. She requested that Ms. Herring explain lessons
learned from the experience, particularly regarding whether fee
and insurance disclosures met patient needs. She added that she
sought assurance that she would uphold high ethical standards
and protect vulnerable community members.
3:58:07 PM
MS. HERRING stated that the COVID-19 pandemic required providers
to respond quickly under uncertain conditions while striving to
meet best practices and ethical standards. She said that
disclosure of fees and services represented the primary approach
used at the time. She explained that the Board of Professional
Counselors relies on statutes and regulations to ensure ethical
conduct, including clear disclosure requirements. She added that
the board also provides mechanisms for community members to file
complaints if concerns arise.
CHAIR DUNBAR stated that the board held investigatory powers and
relied on the judgment of its members. He noted that he had
served on the Anchorage Assembly during the COVID-19 period and
referenced her positive recommendation for then Health Director
Joe Gerace. He observed that concerns later arose about that
individual's employment. He asked what lessons she learned from
that experience.
4:00:51 PM
MS. HERRING stated that she learned to verify information
received from outside sources rather than rely on it without
review. She emphasized the importance of independently
confirming facts, referencing a "trust but verify" approach. She
added that this lesson developed through multiple professional
experiences, including business and other roles.
CHAIR DUNBAR said he also learned that lesson.
4:01:59 PM
SENATOR GIESSEL noted that Ms. Herring's resume listed her as
Chief Executive Officer of WEKA LLC, the same organization
involved with the Golden Lion site. She observed that the
company appeared to operate as a security agency specializing in
secure transport while also providing infusions during COVID-19.
She asked her to clarify the company's role.
4:02:43 PM
MS. HERRING stated that WEKA LLC operated as an umbrella company
originally established in 2011 to provide mental health
transport services under the state's Title 47 detention,
evaluation, and treatment program. She explained that the
company expanded over time, and during COVID-19 hired a
paramedic who led the development of medical services, including
monoclonal antibody treatments, vaccinations, and testing with
appropriate licensing and medical direction. She noted that
after demand declined, the company transitioned those resources
into interfacility medical transport using ambulances. She added
that current operations focus on non-emergency transport to fill
gaps in patient access, particularly for appointments and
hospital discharges.
SENATOR TOBIN asked Ms. Herring to clarify the current scope of
WEKA LLC's services. She specifically inquired whether the
company provides Crisis Now services or any of the behavioral
health supports that are provided between facilities. She
referenced the company's original role in mental health
transport and asked whether that remained part of its
operations.
MS. HERRING stated that WEKA LLC continues to primarily provide
Title 47 mental health transport services, including
transporting individuals from the community to designated
facilities for evaluation and treatment. She clarified that the
company did not participate in the Crisis Now system. She added
that Crisis Now services do not fall within either the medical
or secure transport operations of the company.
4:07:35 PM
SENATOR TOBIN asked whether Ms. Herring's mental health
transport services involved aides or licensed professionals who
received patients under the Board of Professional Counselors.
She inquired whether she held oversight of personnel performing
that work.
4:08:25 PM
MS. HERRING stated that transport staff interacted with facility
personnel such as nurses, physicians, and mental health
professionals during patient transfer and custody exchange. She
explained that not all individuals involved in receiving
patients required licensure under the Board of Professional
Counselors. She noted uncertainty about the board's direct
oversight of those roles and emphasized that many positions in
such settings historically do not require licensure.
4:10:26 PM
CHAIR DUNBAR invited Stacia Miller to begin her testimony.
4:11:01 PM
STACIA MILLER, Appointee, Board of Certified Direct-Entry
Midwives, Valdez, Alaska, testified as the governor's appointee
to the Board of Certified Direct-Entry Midwives. She provided a
brief personal and work history. She stated that she raised
three children who all received midwifery care, which shaped her
respect for the profession. She reported that she worked full
time as an operations supervisor for the Alyeska Pipeline
Service Company in oil spill prevention and response, bringing a
strong commitment to safety, accountability, and professional
standards. She shared that she experienced the loss of her
infant son due to a hospital accident. She emphasized that she
supported licensure standards that reflect training credentials
and safeguards necessary for midwives to practice safely and
effectively.
4:12:14 PM
SENATOR GIESSEL asked if Ms. Miller applied for the position.
MS. MILLER replied yes.
SENATOR GIESSEL asked if she had previously served on the board.
MS. MILLER replied that she had served the last month of the
prior term.
SENATOR GIESSEL said she noticed her appointment date was March
1, 2026, and commented that she seemed very informed.
4:13:19 PM
CHAIR DUNBAR asked if the position she applied for was a public
seat.
MS. MILLER replied yes.
CHAIR DUNBAR asked if she knew what controversies and primary
issues the board would discuss in the coming term.
4:14:51 PM
MS. MILLER replied the board is currently redlining regulations.
She described the process as interesting more than difficult.
She said she had not experienced anything difficult at this
stage of her involvement with the board.
4:15:40 PM
CHAIR DUNBAR invited Edward Barrington to begin his testimony.
4:15:57 PM
EDWARD BARRINGTON, Appointee, Board of Chiropractic Examiners,
Anchorage, Alaska, testified as the governor's appointee to the
Board of Chiropractic Examiners. He provided a brief personal
and work history. He stated that he served on the board once
before but didn't quite complete full tenure. He recollected
that it was eight years since he last served.
CHAIR DUNBAR thanked him for serving on the Anchorage onsite
water and wastewater technical review board. He asked what
policy issues or controversies the board will face moving
forward.
MR. BARRINGTON stated that the Board of Examiners ensures that
qualifications for chiropractors practicing in the state remain
current and protect public safety. He explained that the Board
conducts investigations through the department and makes
decisions on cases referred to them. He reported that he also
served on the Alaska Chiropractic Society and noted that
professional boards in the state review scope issues to stay
current with modernization, similar to physician assistants and
physical therapists. He stated that the Board of Examiners does
not take an active role in scope changes. He stated his belief
such changes should occur through public entities with the Board
providing advice. He added that the Board participated in
Administrative Order (AO) 360 and appreciated the assistance
provided during that process.
4:20:18 PM
CHAIR DUNBAR invited Mr. Campbell to begin his testimony.
4:20:26 PM
WALTER CAMPBELL, Appointee, Board of Chiropractic Examiners,
Anchorage, Alaska, testified as the governor's appointee to the
Board of Chiropractic Examiners. He provided a brief personal
and work history. He stated that his experience in
multidisciplinary settings and rural locations where he worked
brought valuable perspective to his duties as a board member. He
said he viewed board service as service to the people of Alaska.
He expressed that it had been an honor to serve previously and,
with approval, he looked forward to serving again.
CHAIR DUNBAR said he noticed that Mr. Campbell served in 2010-
2018 and then again began serving on the board in 2022. He asked
if a term limit was a reason for the gap.
MR. CAMPBELL replied that after two consecutive terms it is
mandatory to step down for four years.
CHAIR DUNBAR noted that he was the board president from 2017-
2018. He asked how the chiropractic profession had changed since
he began serving in 2010 and what issues and challenges
chiropractic care might encounter.
4:22:49 PM
MR. CAMPBELL stated that differences in administration under
three governors influenced board priorities, including efforts
to streamline regulations. He agreed that scope of practice
issues continue to arise, reflecting the holistic nature of
chiropractic care. He explained that, aside from clear limits
such as drugs and surgery, the field remains broad and statutes
require interpretation to define scope. He emphasized that a
board composed of experienced professionals and public members
supported balanced decision-making and accountability on complex
issues.
SENATOR GIESSEL asked how many chiropractic visits are allowed
under employee health benefits.
4:24:07 PM
MR. CAMPBELL stated that the number of visitors allowed varied
by plan, typically ranging between 12 and 20. He explained that
some plans limit visits based on type of care rather than
specifically chiropractic services. He noted that certain
modalities overlap with physical therapy, so coverage depends on
whether the visit qualifies as chiropractic care or another
modality.
4:24:34 PM
CHAIR DUNBAR said he didn't understand the response.
4:24:48 PM
SENATOR GIESSEL asked Mr. Campbell to clarify what services fell
under the purview of chiropractic care and what services fell
under physical therapy.
MR. CAMPBELL stated that statutory differences primarily relate
to how a professional represented services, noting that
chiropractic adjustments had specific codes. He explained that
many modalities overlap with physical therapy and could be
described as physiotherapy, but chiropractic scope includes
those modalities. He emphasized that chiropractors could not
represent services as physical therapy under statute, even when
using similar techniques, and instead use terms such as
rehabilitation or therapeutic exercises. He added that
chiropractors serve as portal-of-entry providers who can treat
patients without referral, reflecting four years of postgraduate
training.
CHAIR DUNBAR asked Travis Perkins to begin his testimony.
4:27:03 PM
TRAVIS PERKINS, Appointee, Board of Dental Examiners, Soldotna,
Alaska, testified as the governor's appointee to the Board of
Dental Examiners. He gave a brief work history and said he was
interested in serving on the board to give back to the
community.
4:28:06 PM
CHAIR DUNBAR asked when he moved to Alaska.
DR. PERKINS replied that he came in 2018.
CHAIR DUNBAR asked whether he worked in private practice while
in Soldotna.
DR. PERKINS replied yes, at that he currently works in Soldotna.
CHAIR DUNBAR asked his opinion on the primary challenges the
board will encounter.
DR. PERKINS stated that Alaska faces significant challenges due
to the limited number of providers and hygienists. He emphasized
that the number of dentists and broader dental healthcare
providers, especially in rural areas, created ongoing issues.
4:29:52 PM
CHAIR DUNBAR opened public testimony on the governor's
appointees; finding none, he closed public testimony.
4:30:12
CHAIR DUNBAR stated that in accordance with AS 39.05.080, the
Senate Health and Social Services Standing Committee reviewed
the following and recommends the appointments be forwarded to a
joint session for consideration:
Board of Dental Examiners
Michael Sanders - Eagle River
Travis Perkins - Soldotna
Board of Examiners in Optometry
Charles Rudstrom - Soldotna
Board of Pharmacy
Rebekah Balmes - Anchorage
Lillian Okpaleke - Bethel
Board of Professional Counselors
Crystal Herring - Anchorage
Board of Certified Direct-Entry Midwives
Stacia Miller - Valdez
Board of Chiropractic Examiners
Edward Barrington - Anchorage
Walter Campbell - Anchorage
Signing the reports 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.
4:31:18 PM
There being no further business to come before the committee,
Chair Dunbar adjourned the Senate Health and Social Services
Standing Committee meeting at 4:31 p.m.
| Document Name | Date/Time | Subjects |
|---|---|---|
| APM Article Crystal Herring.pdf |
SHSS 4/16/2026 3:30:00 PM |
|
| ADN Article Crystal Herring.pdf |
SHSS 4/16/2026 3:30:00 PM |
|
| Travis Perkins Dental Examiners CV_Redacted.pdf |
SHSS 4/16/2026 3:30:00 PM |
|
| Charles Rudstrom Optometry Resume_Redacted.pdf |
SHSS 4/16/2026 3:30:00 PM |
|
| Charles Rudstrom Optometry App_Redacted.pdf |
SHSS 4/16/2026 3:30:00 PM |
|
| Crystal Herring Counselors Board Resume_Redacted.pdf |
SHSS 4/16/2026 3:30:00 PM |
|
| Edward Barrington Chiropractic Examiners Resume_Redacted.pdf |
SHSS 4/16/2026 3:30:00 PM |
|
| Kathleen Rice, OD Optometry CV_Redacted.pdf |
SHSS 4/16/2026 3:30:00 PM |
|
| Lillian Okpaleke Pharmacy Resume_Redacted.pdf |
SHSS 4/16/2026 3:30:00 PM |
|
| Michael Sanders Dental Examiners CV-Redacted.pdf |
SHSS 4/16/2026 3:30:00 PM |
|
| Rebekah Balmes Pharmacy Resume_Redacted.pdf |
SHSS 4/16/2026 3:30:00 PM |
|
| Walter Campbell Chiropractic Examiners Resume_Unredacted_Redacted.pdf |
SHSS 4/16/2026 3:30:00 PM |