SCR 6 ALASKA TELEMEDICINE PROJECT  Number 001 CHAIRMAN WILKEN called the Senate Health, Education & Social Services Committee (HES) to order at 9:05 a.m. and introduced SCR 6 as the first order of business before the committee. KATHY BOUCHA ROBERTS , representing the Alaska Telemedicine Project, explained that the main reason for SCR 6 is to provide recognition for the telecommunications and health care partners who have worked on this project for a number of years. This project has collected data regarding health care needs statewide, demonstrated particular applications, and will be evaluating telemedical activity. Ms. Boucha Roberts informed the committee that she spent time with Alaska's Congressional staff who expressed the need for a consortium to form within Alaska. The staff was pleased to be informed that such a consortium had already been formed. JORDAN KOKO , intern for Senator Pearce, said that Senator Pearce introduced this legislation in order to recognize the achievements of the Alaska Telemedicine Project. This legislation would further recognize the project's achievements in providing accessibility to health care to rural areas of Alaska. The project has done much to demonstrate the needs for health care in rural Alaska. Mr. Koko pointed out the amendment in the packet which is merely a housekeeping measure clarifing that AT&T and Alascom are a single unit. Number 102 SENATOR LEMAN believed that this project provides information and is available statewide, but the benefits are especially important for rural Alaska. Senator Leman asked if this electronic information was available in Anchorage. JORDAN KOKO said that the information is available statewide, but is of particular importance in rural Alaska. CHAIRMAN WILKEN said that he would entertain a motion to adopt the following amendment: Page 1, line 4: Following "and": Insert "AT&T" Following "Alascom,": Delete "Inc.," Without objection, the amendment was adopted. JOHN WILLIAMS , Mayor of the City of Kenai, noted that his testimony was neither in support or opposition to SCR 6. Mayor Williams was concerned that the Alaska Telemedicine Project would be recognized as the officially sanctioned telemedicine and telehealth project in Alaska. Currently in Kenai, construction on a $10.5 million training center intended to provide distance learning is scheduled. This training project includes statewide education in the EMT field which could be construed as telemedicine. Mayor Williams expressed concern that if one group is designated as the officially sanctioned telemedicine and telehealth group, that group could interfere with other groups' ability to obtain grants. Number 162 KATHY BOUCHA ROBERTS explained that the purpose of the formation of the organization was to support the independent rural communities granting opportunities. The granting agencies would like collaborative efforts within a state. The Alaska Telemedicine Project would not impose on anyone's independence regarding granting. If other projects need evaluators in order to comply with proposal requirements, the Alaska Telemedicine Project has those available now. The project would like to collect statewide data regarding third party payers and DHSF in order to provide accurate data for the development of policy. The Alaska Telemedicine Project would provide services to enhance other independent projects. Ms. Boucha Roberts noted that in the future the telecommunications network being developed will partner with the education system, particularly distance delivery education. MAYOR WILLIAMS believed it worthwhile to add language regarding Ms. Boucha Roberts' comments about partnering. KATHY BOUCHA ROBERTS interjected that there is also the opportunity for groups such as the one in Kenai to join the Alaska Telemedicine Project as a member in order to have easy access to the services. CHAIRMAN WILKEN requested that Mayor Williams fax his suggestions to Senator Pearce's office. SENATOR LEMAN applauded the efforts of Mayor Williams. Senator Leman moved to report SCR 6 am out of committee with individual recommendations and accompanying zero fiscal note. Without objection, it was so ordered.