HOUSE CS FOR SENATE BILL NO. 204(HES) "An Act extending the termination date of the Alaska Commission on Aging; transferring the office of the long-term care ombudsman from the Alaska Commission on Aging to the legislative branch; and providing for an effective date." JANE DEMMERT, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, ALASKA COMMISSION ON AGING, provided information on SB 204. She observed that the bill would extend the sunset on the Commission. The Commission is in a role that directly impacts the lives the older Alaskans around the state through its grant programs. The Commission assists in funding direct services. She observed that discussion has occurred regarding the organizational out-stationing of the long-term care function. She noted that the Commission looked at out- stationing options during the interim in consultation with four different agencies: State Ombudsman, Alaska Mental Health Trust Authority, Disability Law Center and Alaska Legal Services. Given the youth of Alaska's assisted living industry and rapid growth in developing long-term care, the Commission concluded that it would have a higher level of status within state government. The State Ombudsman Office concluded that it would not be in the best interest of persons with concerns regarding the performance of state government to have the two offices merged. The Alaska Mental Health Trust Authority was not ready to assume the responsibility, but has remained interested and involved in the Search Committee. The Commission has restructured its bylaws to provide a clear definition of the role of the Commission in interfacing with the Ombudsman Office. The Commission feels that it has crafted a healthy and responsive approach to support that function. She acknowledged that there are merits to a transfer. Representative Grussendorf asked if the Commission would be satisfied with an extension of time to allow further discussions. Ms. Demmert responded that the Commission would be satisfied with a time extension. Representative Phillips pointed out that the legislation passed from the Senate Finance Committee only contained the provision to extend the sunset date. On the House side, there was an amendment to place it under the Legislative Council. She noted that the Legislative Council was not consulted. No research was done regarding cost. An audit of the issue concluded several options. She observed that a long-term care task force would consider the issue during the interim and recommended that the ombudsman be placed under the Alaska Mental Health Trust Authority for the meantime. She maintained that the long-term ombudsman would not be properly placed in Legislative Council. Representative J. Davies agreed that the issue should be discussed further. He felt that it might be appropriately placed under the Legislative Council with more consideration. SHARON CLARKE, STAFF, SENATOR MIKE MILLER, mentioned that the sponsor's intent was solely to extend the Commission on Aging. The discussion on the ombudsman was added at the direction of another senator. She clarified that the intent was not to place it under the Legislative Council: the Legislative Council was only one of the options. Representative Phillips clarified that the amendment did not come from Senator Mike Miller. Ms. Clarke acknowledged that the discussion did come up with Senator Miller. It was not acted upon. In response to Vice Chair Bunde, Ms. Clarke explained that discussions in the Senate Finance Committee indicated that the long-term care task force could address the issue. Vice Chair Bunde asked if there was a letter of intent. Representative Phillips MOVED to adopt Amendment #1. Amendment 1 would remove language relating to the Long-term Care Ombudsman from the legislation. The legislation would be returned to its original language, with an effective date of June 30, 2000. The sunset date would be the year 2004. There being NO OBJECTION, Amendment 1 was adopted. Vice Chair Bunde MOVED a Letter of Intent that would ask that the Long-term Care Task Force address the placement of the ombudsman. There being NO OBJECTION, it was so ordered. MIKE TIBBLES, STAFF, CO-CHAIR THERRIAULT observed that with the adoption of Amendment 1 the title change resolution was not needed. Representative G. Davis asked the impact of the amendment on the fiscal note. Mr. Tibbles replied that the long-term care ombudsman portion of the fiscal note was $138.0 thousand dollars. The RSA or interagency receipt to the legislation would not be needed with the adoption of the amendment. Representative J. Davies recommended that there should be a revised fiscal note. Mr. Tibbles reported that there would be a new analysis. Representative Williams MOVED to report HCS CS SB 204 (FIN) out of Committee with individual recommendations and with the new fiscal note. There being NO OBJECTION, it was so ordered. HCS CSSB 204 (FIN) was REPORTED out of Committee with a "do pass" recommendation and with a new fiscal impact note by the Department of Administration.