SB 98-PRESCRIPTION WITHOUT PHYS. EXAM  1:32:47 PM CHAIR STEDMAN announced that the first business would be SB 198. He noted the bill was previously heard on April 13, 2015. After a presentation by the bill's sponsor, an amendment by a committee member will be offered. 1:33:27 PM SENATOR PETER MICCICHE, Alaska State Legislature, sponsor of SB 98, summarized that SB 98 is about improving the efficiency of medical services delivered in Alaska. It is primarily focused on Medicaid efficiency, but also allows for the expansion of telemedicine. Many companies include the option of telemedicine, but, currently, there are restrictions regarding it. SENATOR GIESSEL moved to adopt Amendment 1: A M E N D M E N T 1 Page 1, line 2, following "examination": Insert "by a physician; relating to the delivery  of services by a licensed professional counselor,  marriage and family therapist, psychologist,  psychologist assistant, and social worker by audio,  video, or data communications" Page 1, following line 3: Insert new bill sections to read:  "* Section 1. AS 08.29.400 is amended by adding a new subsection to read: (b) The board may not impose disciplinary sanctions on a licensee for the evaluation, diagnosis, or treatment of a person through audio, video, or data communications when physically separated from the person if (1) the licensee or another licensed health care provider is available to provide follow-up care; and (2) the licensee requests that the person consent to sending a copy of all records of the encounter to a primary care provider if the licensee is not the person's primary care provider and, if the person consents, the licensee sends the records to the person's primary care provider.  * Sec. 2. AS 08.63.210 is amended by adding new subsections to read: (c) The board may not impose disciplinary sanctions on a licensee for the evaluation, diagnosis, supervision, or treatment of a person through audio, video, or data communications when physically separated from the person if (1) the licensee or another licensed health care provider is available to provide follow-up care; (2) the licensee requests that the person consent to sending a copy of all records of the encounter to a primary care provider if the licensee is not the person's primary care provider and, if the person consents, the licensee sends the records to the person's primary care provider; and (3) the licensee meets the requirements established by the board in regulation. (d) The board shall adopt regulations restricting evaluation, diagnosis, supervision, and treatment authorized under (c) of this section by establishing standards for training, confidentiality, supervision, practice, and related issues." Page 1, line 4: Delete "Section 1" Insert "Sec. 3" Renumber the following bill sections accordingly. Page 2, following line 16: Insert new bill sections to read:  "* Sec. 5. AS 08.86.204 is amended by adding a new subsection to read: (c) The board may not impose disciplinary sanctions on a licensee for the evaluation, diagnosis, or treatment of a person through audio, video, or data communications when physically separated from the person if (1) the licensee or another licensed health care provider is available to provide follow-up care; and (2) the licensee requests that the person consent to sending a copy of all records of the encounter to a primary care provider if the licensee is not the person's primary care provider and, if the person consents, the licensee sends the records to the person's primary care provider.  * Sec. 6. AS 08.95.050 is amended by adding a new subsection to read: (b) The board may not impose disciplinary sanctions on a licensee for the evaluation, diagnosis, or treatment of a person through audio, video, or data communications when physically separated from the person if (1) the licensee or another licensed health care provider is available to provide follow-up care; and (2) the licensee requests that the person consent to sending a copy of all records of the encounter to a primary care provider if the licensee is not the person's primary care provider and, if the person consents, the licensee sends the records to the person's primary care provider." CHAIR STEDMAN objected for discussion. 1:34:23 PM SENATOR GIESSEL explained that Amendment 1 adds four groups of behavioral health care providers to the option of telehealth, providing services in various ways. She said the amendment adds professional counselors, marital and family therapists, psychologists and psychologic associates, and social workers. The statue change would authorize the option for the related regulatory boards to allow telehealth services by these four provider groups. She stated that they are not mandated to do so. She stressed the need for expanded behavioral health services in the state, which can be effectively delivered by telehealth, especially in rural areas where there are limited providers. CHAIR STEDMAN asked Senator Micciche for his opinion of Amendment 1. 1:36:43 PM SENATOR MICCICHE stated that SB 98 is a good bill and Amendment 1 makes it a better bill. He noted that the absence of travel to obtain medical treatment provides the greatest efficiency. He said the involvement of the boards and the addition of specific skill sets provided by the amendment make SB 98 a better bill. He concluded that he is very much in support of the amendment and appreciates Senator Giessel's efforts. 1:37:14 PM KEN MCCARTY, Executive Director, Discovery Cove Counseling, testified in support of SB 98. He said his business would use telemedicine for psychotherapy. He said the amendment would be a big asset to his business. CHAIR STEDMAN withdrew his objection and Amendment 1 was adopted. CHAIR STEDMAN said the amendment will be rewritten in bill format and brought back to the committee. He held HB 98 in committee.