HB 280-EXTEND: BOARD OF MARITAL & FAMILY THERAPY  2:37:38 PM CHAIR COSTELLO announced the consideration of HB 280. 2:37:47 PM MEGAN HOLLAND, Staff, Representative Andy Josephson, Alaska State Legislature, Juneau, Alaska, said the Board of Marital and Family Therapy regulates and licenses therapists and approves supervisors, establishes and enforces training, education, and continuing education required of their licensees. The board oversees 85 licensees. Legislative Audit recommended a full eight-year extension for this board. 2:38:34 PM KRIS CURTIS, Legislative Auditor, Legislative Audit Division, Alaska State Legislature, Juneau, Alaska, reviewed the May 2017 audit findings related to HB 280. She said the board is serving the public's interest by effectively licensing and regulating marital and family therapists and approving marital and family therapist supervisors. The board monitors licensees and works to ensure only qualified individuals practice in Alaska. Furthermore, the board develops and adopts regulations to improve the marital and family therapist occupation. MS. CURTIS said no recommendations were made as part of the audit. MS. CURTIS pointed out that license activity on page 6 of the audit shows the board has 85 active licensees as of January 31, 2017. She noted that this is a 7 percent decrease from the 2013 sunset audit. The schedule of revenues and expenditures on page 8 shows the board had a surplus of just over $68,000 and has operated with a surplus over the past several years despite the low number of licenses. MS. CURTIS said the department, board, and governor agree with the extension. 2:40:18 PM CHAIR COSTELLO asked about the additional regulations for telemedicine or distance delivery of marital and family therapy. 2:40:39 PM KAREN CUNNINGHAM, Vice Chair, Board of Marital and Family Therapy, Anchorage, Alaska, said there is a need for additional regulations for telehealth and telesupervision. They are waiting for language and approval from the American Association of Family Therapy regulatory board. The information is out there and filtering down to them. CHAIR COSTELLO opened public testimony on HB 280. 2:41:55 PM MS. CUNNINGHAM said the board supports the extension of the termination date. She said the practice of marital and family therapy includes the diagnosis and treatment of mental and emotional disorders referenced in standard diagnostic nomenclature. This covers all disorders, whether cognitive, affective, or behavioral within the context of human relationships. Marital and family therapy is one of the core mental health disciplines. Research shows that marital and family interventions are often more effective than individual therapy to treat a wide range of disorders. Research also shows that human connection is linked to better physical health. For these reasons and many more marital and family therapy should continue to be regulated. she reviewed the responsibilities and actions of the board and noted it met more often than required by statute. CHAIR COSTELLO suggested that she send her prepared comments to the committee. 2:47:24 PM CHAIR COSTELLO closed public testimony on HB 280. 2:47:29 PM SENATOR MICCICHE moved to report HB 280, version 30-LS1162\D, from committee with individual recommendations and attached fiscal note(s). 2:47:46 PM CHAIR COSTELLO announced that without objection, HB 280 moves from the Senate Labor and Commerce Standing Committee.