CS FOR HOUSE BILL NO. 168(FIN) "An Act relating to state certification and designation of trauma centers; creating the trauma care fund to offset trauma care provided at certified and designated trauma centers; and providing for an effective date." Co-Chair Stedman noted the committee heard the companion bill, SB 168 on March 10. SENATOR JOHN COGHILL, SPONSOR, said the sponsor from the House would explain the bill. REPRESENTATIVE BOB HERRON, SPONSOR, related that HB 168 would create a trauma care fund which could reimburse trauma centers for uncompensated or undercompensated services and create incentives for becoming a certified trauma center. Senator Coghill related the purpose of the bill to give incentives to hospitals to raise their level of designation for trauma. The request is for $2.5 million and the authorization to go after disproportionate share money. He spoke of a 50 percent match. He said the approach is incentive driven, which works best in Alaska. 9:50:54 AM Senator Ellis MOVED to ADOPT Amendment 1: Page 1, line 13 Following "AS 18.08.082(c)" insert "that is a higher level than a designation received by the center in the preceding fiscal year." Co-Chair Stedman OBJECTED for discussion purposes. Senator Ellis voiced support for the bill. He explained the amendment would require hospitals to show improvement in the level of trauma care to be eligible for the funds. Co-Chair Stedman asked if the bill sponsor was supportive of the amendment. Senator Coghill said he was. Senator Thomas understood that there was a professional organization that designates the various levels of trauma care. Senator Coghill explained that it is a national organization that entails a rigorous examination and review. 9:53:06 AM Co-Chair Stedman WITHDREW his OBJECTION to adopting Amendment 1. There being NO OBJECTION, it was so ordered. Co-Chair Stedman reviewed the two zero fiscal notes, one from the Department of Health and Social Services and one from the Department of Revenue. There is also one fiscal note from the House Finance Committee reflecting the need for $2.5 million in general funds to match $2.5 million from federal funds. WILLIAM STREUR, DEPUTY COMMISSIONER, DIVISION OF HEALTH CARE SERVICES, DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND SOCIAL SERVICES, introduced himself. WILDA LAUGHLIN, LEGISLATIVE LIAISON, DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND SOCIAL SERVICES, reported that the department supports the legislation, but is neutral on the fiscal note. 9:55:42 AM DR. FRANK SACCO, ALASKA TRAUMA SYSTEMS REVIEW COMMISSION (via teleconference), shared information about the Alaska Trauma System. He said that trauma is a huge problem in Alaska and is the number two cause of death. Alaska has the second highest trauma rate in the country. Evidence shows that trauma centers decrease mortality by 15 to 25 percent for those seriously injured. A review of trauma care in Alaska by the College of Surgeons shows that Alaska is behind other states and is the only state without a level two trauma center that serves the majority of the population. The report suggested ways to improve and some of those changes have been made. Having an incentive for hospitals not currently participating will improve care and improve outcomes. The bill will provide the means for an incentive. Other states have mandated this program. He concluded that 40 to 50 lives a year can be saved by this program. Senator Olson commented that the bill goes a long ways toward improving health care in rural Alaska. He agreed that a number of lives would be saved. 9:59:09 AM Senator Coghill reported that a lot has been invested in EMS Systems and First Responders; however, there is a great need for trauma systems in hospitals. He stressed that the bill is one step in the process and would bring consistency to trauma care and contribute to preventative care. HB 168 was heard and HELD in Committee for further consideration. 10:01:35 AM