SB 94-PROFESSION OF PHARMACY  1:59:52 PM CHAIR BJORKMAN reconvened the meeting and announced the consideration of SENATE BILL NO. 94 "An Act relating to the Board of Pharmacy; relating to the practice of pharmacy; relating to pharmacies; relating to prescription drug manufacturers; relating to prescriptions for epinephrine; relating to the administration of epinephrine; and providing for an effective date." He noted that this was the second hearing of the bill in this committee and requested a brief recap. 2:00:57 PM JANE CONWAY, Staff, Senator Cathy Giessel, Alaska State Legislature, Juneau, Alaska, stated that SB 94 updates statutes relating to the profession of pharmacy. This is a multi-year collaboration over multiple boards and chairs. The Board of Pharmacy worked alongside the Pharmacist's Association to draft this piece of legislation that will modernize statutes regulating pharmacy, an evolving field that experienced changes during the COVID-19 pandemic. 2:03:19 PM CHAIR BJORKMAN opened public testimony on SB 94. 2:03:49 PM EMILY KNOWLES, representing self, Anchorage, Alaska, testified in support of SB 94. She said this bill will significantly impact her practice by providing greater clarity regarding the role of pharmacists in epinephrine accessibility, allowing them to prescribe epinephrine auto-injectors, and making the lifesaving medication more readily available across the state. In addition to relieving redundancy and updates regarding regulatory concerns, SB 94 would reallocate one of two seats on the Board of Pharmacy currently reserved for members of the public to a pharmacy technician, which would otherwise be unfulfilled. Allowing pharmacy technicians, who are integral in day-to-day pharmacy practice, to have a voice on the board is imperative and will serve to further advance the profession. 2:06:14 PM CHAIR BJORKMAN asked how pharmacy technicians' point of view would differ from that of pharmacists seated on the board. 2:06:36 PM MS. KNOWLES answered that the tasks performed by pharmacy technicians and pharmacists are quite different. Additionally, many pharmacy technicians are seeking growth and are dedicated to gaining experience in the field. 2:07:27 PM MARGARET SODEN, representing self, Fairbanks, Alaska, testified in support of SB 94. She is a retired pharmacist who previously served on the Alaska Board of Pharmacy. She said that there are two items in this bill that she is particularly interested in updating. The first is replacing one of the two public member seats with a pharmacy technician seat. Those seats have been difficult to fill and have remained vacant. Pharmacy technicians have become an integral part of the profession and their input is vital. The second item is adoption of regulations for retired pharmacist status, which would bring Alaska into alignment with other states. She obtained her Alaska pharmacy license in 1970 and would like to retire that license. Her license is active, but she is not actively practicing in the pharmaceutical field. 2:09:56 PM CHAIR BJORKMAN closed public testimony on SB 94. He said the public may email written testimony to slac@akleg.gov for this bill or any bill. CHAIR BJORKMAN held SB 94 in committee.