SB 254-EXTEND PT & OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY BOARD REPRESENTATIVE KOTT announced that the final order of business would be SENATE BILL NO. 254, "An Act extending the termination date for the State Physical Therapy and Occupational Therapy Board; and providing for an effective date." 3:37:26 PM TOM MAHER, Staff to Senator Gene Therriault, Legislative Budget & Audit Committee, Alaska State Legislature, explained that SB 254 stems from recommendations contained in the Division of Legislative Audit Report entitled "Department of Commerce, Community, and Economic Development, State Physical Therapy and Occupational Therapy Board Sunset Audit", dated September 17, 2005. He quoted from the sponsor statement for SB 254, which reads in part [original punctuation provided]: Legislative Audit concluded that the State Physical Therapy and Occupational Therapy Board (Board) is operating in the public's best interest and should continue to regulate physical and occupational therapists. The Board safeguards the public interest by promoting the competency and integrity of those who practice in this field and continues to improve its effectiveness and ensure therapists are licensed in the State of Alaska. Accordingly, SB 254 extends the sunset date of the Board to June 30, 2014 for an eight-year extension. MR. MAHER noted that the report made no further legislative recommendations, adding that while there is a fiscal note, extending the board will not incur additional costs, as it is self-supporting. 3:38:20 PM REPRESENTATIVE ROKEBERG moved to report SB 254 out of committee with individual recommendations and the accompanying fiscal notes. There being no objection, SB 254 was reported from the House Labor and Commerce Standing Committee.