HB 127-DENTAL HYGIENIST ADVANCED PRAC PERMIT  3:28:12 PM CHAIR WOOL announced that the first order of business would be HOUSE BILL NO. 127, "An Act relating to the practice of dental hygiene; establishing an advanced practice permit; prohibiting unfair discrimination under group health insurance against a dental hygienist who holds an advanced practice permit; relating to medical assistance for dental hygiene services; and providing for an effective date." 3:28:47 PM CHAIR WOOL opened public testimony. 3:29:13 PM JEFF KILGORE stated his support for HB 127. He said he worked the first eight years of his career at a federally qualified health center as the "Dental Director." After which he switched to the private sector. He explained that in both settings, he saw the importance of access to care and how challenging it can be - especially for the elderly and disabled populations. He noted the challenge of getting them into a traditional setting and opined that having a nontraditional option, like home visits, would improve both their dental and systemic health. 3:31:14 PM CHERYL KILGORE said she has been working in healthcare for many decades and over that time, has seen both access problems and successful delivery. She said that hygienists are uniquely qualified to provide preventive and interventive services that would be beneficial to vulnerable populations, like seniors in nursing homes. She commended HB 127 for trying to utilize that unique skillset to take better care of all Alaskans. She urged members to support this bill. 3:33:37 PM ROYANN ROYER, gave a brief history of her experience working in private practices, public health and instructing the dental program at University of Alaska Anchorage (UAA). Currently, she said she works in a collaborative agreement at a long-term care center, which is why she supports HB 127. She said if HB 127 passes, she would be able to continue preventative services. 3:38:34 PM JON ZASADA, Director/Policy Integration, Alaska Primary Care Association, voiced his support for HB 127. Recruiting and retaining the necessary workforce to staff comprehensive primary care practices that provide dental, medical, and behavioral health in coordination with care services to patients is the number one concern and priority of the Alaska Primary Care Association's leaders. DAVID NIELSON, Alaska Board of Dental Examiners, said, as chair of the Alaska Board of Dental Examiners, he is here to answer any questions member might have. 3:42:17 PM REPRESENTATIVE STORY sought clarification on advanced practice permits and asked how they are evaluated. MR. NIELSON said the requirements are an active license in Alaska, 4,000 hours of documented clinical practice, and no disciplinary actions. 3:43:17 PM REPRESENTATIVE HANNAN asked how many years it would take to get 4,000 hours. DR. NIELSON estimated 5-10 years. MS. ROYER, in response to Representative Hannan, said at least 5 years. 3:44:10 PM REPRESENTATIVE STUTES asked if the state Dental Association and the Board of Dental Examiners supports HB 127. REPRESENTATIVE SPOHNHOLZ explained that the Alaska Dental Society is the state professional association for dentists. She noted that they have written a letter of support [included in the committee packet]. 3:45:36 PM REPRESENTATIVE STUTES pointed out that the Alaska Dental Association made a "wording" suggestion. She asked if that was implemented in the committee substitute (CS). REPRESENTATIVE SPOHNHOLZ deferred the question to her staff. 3:45:58 PM BERNICE NISBETT, Staff, Representative Ivy Spohnholz, on behalf of Representative Spohnholz, prime sponsor, said that the CS they are working on will include the changes that are listed in the aforementioned letter. CHAIR WOOL announced that HB 127 was held over. 3:46:36 PM CHAIR WOOL closed public testimony.