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." 10:36:23 AM SENATOR MATT CLAMAN, SPONSOR, introduced the bill. He explained that in 2022 the United States Department of Justice (DOJ) investigated Alaska's behavioral health care system for youth. It found the state had an overreliance on institutionalization to treat minors with behavior health disabilities in Alaska. In response to the finding, DOJ embarked upon a behavioral health roadmap for Alaska's youth in fall 2023. His office appreciated the steps that providers stakeholders in the state put into regional meetings and a drafted report. He stressed the urgent need for transparency and parent/guardian involvement in the psychiatric hospitals that served the state's youth. Senator Claman explained that the bill enhanced and protected the rights of the young patients then had care or evaluation at the psychiatric hospitals. The bill had four main objectives. The first was to ensure youth patients had access to at least one hour of interaction with parents or legal guardians per week. Secondly, to ensure there were twice-per-year unannounced inspections of facilities providing residential treatment to youth psychiatric patients in which 50 parent of all youth patients were interviewed about their experiences. Thirdly, to report within 24 hours in any case restraint was used, available to DOH and the patient's parent or guardian. Fourth, to enhance transparency there was a required report by DOH to prepare an annual report about minors in psychiatric hospitals. He read from written testimony of a parent from Fairbanks with a long history of psychiatric care. 10:39:39 AM BEN MALLOTT, PRESIDENT, ALASKA FEDERATION OF NATIVES (via teleconference), (AFN) spoke to the benefits of the legislation. He believed the bill ensured children in vulnerable states had the ability to communicate with parents or guardians. He supported the transparency and other provisions of the bill. He mentioned a lack of available care in the state, which could be traumatizing for young people. He mentioned trauma to residents of villages that had experienced institutions. 10:42:01 AM MATEO JAIME, YOUTH BOARD MEMBER, FACING FOSTER CARE (via teleconference), spoke in support of the bill. He recounted being placed in a psychiatric institution for two months due to no foster homes being available. He recalled physical violence from staff. He recounted poor conditions. 10:45:05 AM Co-Chair Hoffman OPENED public testimony. Co-Chair Hoffman CLOSED public testimony. Senator Kiehl reviewed three fiscal notes. He addressed FN 1 from DOH, OMB Component 2944, with an FY 26 cost of $212,100 UGF and one full time position. Senator Kiehl addressed FN 2 from DFCS, OMB Component 3314. The department reported a zero fiscal note. Senator Kiehl addressed FN 3 from DFCS, OMB Component 3321, which was a zero fiscal note. Senator Claman thanked the committee. SB 44 was HEARD and HELD in committee for further consideration. 10:46:43 AM AT EASE 10:48:43 AM RECONVENED