ALASKA STATE LEGISLATURE  SENATE HEALTH AND SOCIAL SERVICES STANDING COMMITTEE  APRIL 16, 2026  3:31 P.M.  MEMBERS PRESENT  Senator Forrest Dunbar, Chair Senator Cathy Giessel, Vice Chair Senator Matt Claman Senator Löki Tobin MEMBERS ABSENT  Senator Robert Myers COMMITTEE CALENDAR  CONFIRMATION HEARING(S): Board of Dental Examiners Michael Sanders - Eagle River Travis Perkins - Soldotna Board of Examiners in Optometry Charles Rudstrom - Soldotna Board of Pharmacy Rebekah Balmes - Anchorage Lillian Okpaleke - Bethel Board of Professional Counselors Crystal Herring - Anchorage Board of Certified Direct-Entry Midwives Stacia Miller - Valdez Board of Chiropractic Examiners Edward Barrington - Anchorage Walter Campbell - Anchorage - CONFIRMATIONS ADVANCED PREVIOUS COMMITTEE ACTION  No previous action to record WITNESS REGISTER  MICHAEL SANDERS, Appointee Board of Dental Examiners Eagle River, Alaska POSITION STATEMENT: Testified as the governor's appointee to the Board of Dental Examiners. CHARLES RUDSTROM, Appointee Board of Examiners in Optometry Soldotna, Alaska POSITION STATEMENT: Testified as the governor's appointee to the Board of Examiners in Optometry. REBEKAH BALMES, Appointee Board of Pharmacy Anchorage, Alaska POSITION STATEMENT: Testified as the governor's appointee to the Board of Pharmacy. LILLIAN OKPALEKE, Appointee Board of Pharmacy Bethel, Alaska POSITION STATEMENT: Testified as the governor's appointee to the Board of Pharmacy. CRYSTAL HERRING, Appointee Board of Professional Counselors Anchorage, Alaska POSITION STATEMENT: Testified as the governor's appointee to the Board of Professional Counselors. STACIA MILLER, Appointee Board of Certified Direct-Entry Midwives Valdez, Alaska POSITION STATEMENT: Testified as the governor's appointee to the Board of Certified Direct-Entry Midwives. EDWARD BARRINGTON, Appointee Board of Chiropractic Examiners Anchorage, Alaska POSITION STATEMENT: Testified as the governor's appointee to the Board of Chiropractic Examiners. WALTER CAMPBELL, Appointee Board of Chiropractic Examiners Anchorage, Alaska POSITION STATEMENT: Testified as the governor's appointee to the Board of Chiropractic Examiners. TRAVIS PERKINS, Appointee Board of Dental Examiners Soldotna, Alaska POSITION STATEMENT: Testified as the governor's appointee to the Board of Dental Examiners. ACTION NARRATIVE  3:31:08 PM CHAIR DUNBAR called the Senate Health and Social Services Standing Committee meeting to order at 3:31 p.m. Present at the call to order were Senators Tobin, Giessel, and Chair Dunbar. Senator Claman arrived shortly thereafter. ^CONFIRMATION HEARING(S): CONFIRMATION HEARING(S):  BOARD OF DENTAL EXAMINERS  BOARD OF EXAMINERS IN OPTOMETRY  BOARD OF PHARMACY  BOARD OF PROFESSIONAL COUNSELORS  BOARD OF CERTIFIED DIRECT-ENTRY MIDWIVES  BOARD OF CHIROPRACTIC EXAMINERS  3:31:40 PM CHAIR DUNBAR announced consideration of governor's appointees to boards and commissions. 3:32:36 PM SENATOR CLAMAN joined the meeting. CHAIR DUNBAR asked Michael Sanders to begin his testimony. 3:32:49 PM MICHAEL SANDERS, Appointee, Board of Dental Examiners, Eagle River, Alaska, testified as the governor's appointee to the Board of Dental Examiners. He provided a brief personal and work history. He stated his experience has given him a federal understanding of the legal and regulatory aspects of dentistry including standards of care, documentation, and disciplinary processes. He stated his belief that these skills will directly support the board and its mission. He said he did not seek the position but accepted the appointment to give back to the profession and will serve with full commitment and impartiality. 3:34:42 PM SENATOR TOBIN asked for his thoughts on dental access and hygiene programs in rural Alaska. DR. SANDERS responded that he had practiced in rural Alaska and observed limited access to dental care. He stated that he had lectured at Providence Hospital regarding access to care and what medical residents could expect in rural Alaska. He opined that the Board of Dental Examiners should consider actions that ease regulatory processes and program approvals in rural areas, provided those actions maintain safety. 3:36:10 PM SENATOR CLAMAN asked whether this was his first appointment to the board. DR. SANDERS replied yes. 3:36:57 PM CHAIR DUNBAR invited Charles Rudstrom to begin his testimony. 3:37:09 PM CHARLES RUDSTROM, Appointee, Board of Examiners in Optometry, Soldotna, Alaska, testified as the governor's appointee to the Board of Examiners in Optometry. He stated that he is seeking to serve a second time. He said he values his role as a public member and aims to represent the public. He emphasized the need to ensure safe and accessible optometry services. CHAIR DUNBAR asked him to describe the primary challenges or controversies encountered during service on the board. MR. RUDSTROM stated that the Board of Optometry primarily handled licensing and license renewal. He explained that a key challenge involved balancing high-quality training requirements with accessibility. He reported that the board frequently discussed remote versus in-person training and described the issue as a delicate balance. He emphasized the need to ensure that optometrists in rural areas of Alaska could access required training. 3:38:50 PM SENATOR GIESSEL asked when he previously served on the Board of Optometry. 3:39:12 PM MR. RUDSTROM replied he has served on the board for three years. His term is expiring and he has been nominated for another term. SENATOR GIESSEL stated the website hasn't been updated and thanked him for his response. CHAIR DUNBAR invited Rebekah Balmes to begin her testimony. 3:40:06 PM REBEKAH BALMES, Appointee, Board of Pharmacy, Anchorage, Alaska, testified as the governor's appointee to the Board of Pharmacy. She provided a brief personal and work history. She stated that she had spent the past six years developing expertise in infusion pharmacy while gaining experience operating a small business in a market dominated by large corporations and pharmaceutical companies. She expressed interest in serving on the Board of Pharmacy to support safe, accessible, and high- quality care for all Alaskans. She explained that her training at the University of Colorado emphasized practicing at the top of her license, improving public health, and treating the whole patient, and she described pharmacists as clinicians and integral members of the healthcare team who remain highly accessible yet underutilized. She added that, if confirmed, she aimed to expand timely patient access to care in rural and underserved communities, contribute small business and compounding experience to the board, and advocate for the pharmacy profession while protecting public health. CHAIR DUNBAR said that from her testimony he inferred that she is familiar with the scope of practice bill that the legislature is hearing. Another topic the legislature has discussed is pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs). He asked whether she had any experience working with PBMs and did she have any thoughts on the way they are impacting the state. MS. BALMES stated that pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) created significant challenges for small pharmacy businesses in Alaska. She explained that PBMs often delay patient access to care and impose administrative barriers that complicated service delivery. She noted that these challenges affect patients outside major hubs such as Anchorage and Fairbanks. She added that PBM processes reduce cost-effectiveness for small pharmacies compared to large pharmacy chains. 3:43:38 PM CHAIR DUNBAR asked her to describe lessons from her experience in Colorado that could apply to Alaska. He requested she share any notable differences between pharmacy practice in Colorado and Alaska. MS. BALMES stated that Colorado has led efforts to obtain provider status for pharmacists. She reported that Colorado has achieved success in recent years and noted that Alaska appears to follow that model. She described this development as encouraging. 3:44:19 PM SENATOR CLAMAN asked whether she supports expanding authority for pharmacists. MS. BALMES replied yes. SENATOR CLAMAN commented that he just wanted to confirm her position. SENATOR DUNBAR invited Lillian Okpaleke to begin her testimony. 3:44:59 PM LILLIAN OKPALEKE, Appointee, Board of Pharmacy, Bethel, Alaska, testified as the governor's appointee to the Board of Pharmacy. She provided a brief personal and work history. She stated that she valued Alaska's opportunities and community-oriented residents. She described firsthand experience during Typhoon Halong in October 2025, noting that the community, [health care] providers, and pharmacists collaborated to support patients who lost everything. She emphasized that pharmacists could expand their role during that time of crisis. She added that, if confirmed, she intended to serve Alaska with the highest standards. CHAIR DUNBAR asked how she learned of the position and received appointment. 3:47:39 PM MS. OKPALEKE stated that her interest in the Board of Pharmacy stemmed from her professional relationship with Alaska Native Medical Center (ANMC) pharmacy director Ashley Schaber. She explained that collaboration with Tribal Health Organization (THO) pharmacy directors, including during Typhoon Halong, highlighted the impact of coordinated care. She researched the role and consulted with her vice president then decided serving on the board is a way to serve Alaska. CHAIR DUNBAR noted that she plays pickleball. SENATOR TOBIN commented there is a burgeoning pickleball community in Alaska. 3:49:23 PM SENATOR CLAMAN said he is not part of that community but supports them in their endeavors. CHAIR DUNBAR invited Crystal Herring to begin her testimony. 3:50:14 PM CRYSTAL HERRING, Appointee, Board of Professional Counselors, Anchorage, Alaska, testified as the governor's appointee to the Board of Professional Counselors. She provided a brief work history. She said that if she is confirmed that this would be her first full four-year term on the board. She stated that she sought appointment due to her commitment to the counseling profession and the communities served. She expressed her intent to strengthen the counseling practice by supporting best practices, maintaining high professional standards, and considering necessary regulatory updates. 3:51:18 PM CHAIR TOBIN raised concerns regarding Ms. Herring's role as co- CEO of a company that operated a COVID-19 treatment center at the Golden Lion Hotel during the pandemic. She referenced reports about waived utilities, permit fees, and rent alongside high patient charges. She requested that she address these concerns, discuss lessons learned, and explain how she would uphold high ethical and professional standards in counseling. 3:52:46 PM MS. HERRING stated that she had not expected the question in the context of a chair appointment but acknowledged the concern. She noted that the events occurred some time ago. She asked for clarification on whether the question referred specifically to billing individuals and insurers for monoclonal antibody treatment. CHAIR TOBIN confirmed that the concern involved reports of the company charging premium prices to patients while receiving waivers of fees and using public resources during the pandemic. She emphasized that this issue formed a key part of the published stories. MS. HERRING stated that she had not participated in discussions with the assembly or mayor regarding use of the Golden Lion Hotel. She said she did let the city know that her company had access to monoclonal antibodies, EMTs, and medics. She explained that her company was already providing monoclonal antibody treatments at homes by ambulance and a privately rented warehouse before expanding into the hotel to meet community demand. She emphasized that the company billed insurance and accepted private payments prior to and during use of the hotel and clearly disclosed that services were not part of the state's free program. She added that fee structures and billing practices were communicated and signed by patients in advance, and she maintained that the company followed ethical standards and disclosure practices. She said when people are actively ill, they may not have realized what was disclosed. 3:56:57 PM CHAIR TOBIN stated that Ms. Herring had worked with patients who faced complex medical needs, vulnerability, and mental health distress. She emphasized that service on the Board of Professional Counselors required oversight of similar populations. She requested that Ms. Herring explain lessons learned from the experience, particularly regarding whether fee and insurance disclosures met patient needs. She added that she sought assurance that she would uphold high ethical standards and protect vulnerable community members. 3:58:07 PM MS. HERRING stated that the COVID-19 pandemic required providers to respond quickly under uncertain conditions while striving to meet best practices and ethical standards. She said that disclosure of fees and services represented the primary approach used at the time. She explained that the Board of Professional Counselors relies on statutes and regulations to ensure ethical conduct, including clear disclosure requirements. She added that the board also provides mechanisms for community members to file complaints if concerns arise. CHAIR DUNBAR stated that the board held investigatory powers and relied on the judgment of its members. He noted that he had served on the Anchorage Assembly during the COVID-19 period and referenced her positive recommendation for then Health Director Joe Gerace. He observed that concerns later arose about that individual's employment. He asked what lessons she learned from that experience. 4:00:51 PM MS. HERRING stated that she learned to verify information received from outside sources rather than rely on it without review. She emphasized the importance of independently confirming facts, referencing a "trust but verify" approach. She added that this lesson developed through multiple professional experiences, including business and other roles. CHAIR DUNBAR said he also learned that lesson. 4:01:59 PM SENATOR GIESSEL noted that Ms. Herring's resume listed her as Chief Executive Officer of WEKA LLC, the same organization involved with the Golden Lion site. She observed that the company appeared to operate as a security agency specializing in secure transport while also providing infusions during COVID-19. She asked her to clarify the company's role. 4:02:43 PM MS. HERRING stated that WEKA LLC operated as an umbrella company originally established in 2011 to provide mental health transport services under the state's Title 47 detention, evaluation, and treatment program. She explained that the company expanded over time, and during COVID-19 hired a paramedic who led the development of medical services, including monoclonal antibody treatments, vaccinations, and testing with appropriate licensing and medical direction. She noted that after demand declined, the company transitioned those resources into interfacility medical transport using ambulances. She added that current operations focus on non-emergency transport to fill gaps in patient access, particularly for appointments and hospital discharges. SENATOR TOBIN asked Ms. Herring to clarify the current scope of WEKA LLC's services. She specifically inquired whether the company provides Crisis Now services or any of the behavioral health supports that are provided between facilities. She referenced the company's original role in mental health transport and asked whether that remained part of its operations. MS. HERRING stated that WEKA LLC continues to primarily provide Title 47 mental health transport services, including transporting individuals from the community to designated facilities for evaluation and treatment. She clarified that the company did not participate in the Crisis Now system. She added that Crisis Now services do not fall within either the medical or secure transport operations of the company. 4:07:35 PM SENATOR TOBIN asked whether Ms. Herring's mental health transport services involved aides or licensed professionals who received patients under the Board of Professional Counselors. She inquired whether she held oversight of personnel performing that work. 4:08:25 PM MS. HERRING stated that transport staff interacted with facility personnel such as nurses, physicians, and mental health professionals during patient transfer and custody exchange. She explained that not all individuals involved in receiving patients required licensure under the Board of Professional Counselors. She noted uncertainty about the board's direct oversight of those roles and emphasized that many positions in such settings historically do not require licensure. 4:10:26 PM CHAIR DUNBAR invited Stacia Miller to begin her testimony. 4:11:01 PM STACIA MILLER, Appointee, Board of Certified Direct-Entry Midwives, Valdez, Alaska, testified as the governor's appointee to the Board of Certified Direct-Entry Midwives. She provided a brief personal and work history. She stated that she raised three children who all received midwifery care, which shaped her respect for the profession. She reported that she worked full time as an operations supervisor for the Alyeska Pipeline Service Company in oil spill prevention and response, bringing a strong commitment to safety, accountability, and professional standards. She shared that she experienced the loss of her infant son due to a hospital accident. She emphasized that she supported licensure standards that reflect training credentials and safeguards necessary for midwives to practice safely and effectively. 4:12:14 PM SENATOR GIESSEL asked if Ms. Miller applied for the position. MS. MILLER replied yes. SENATOR GIESSEL asked if she had previously served on the board. MS. MILLER replied that she had served the last month of the prior term. SENATOR GIESSEL said she noticed her appointment date was March 1, 2026, and commented that she seemed very informed. 4:13:19 PM CHAIR DUNBAR asked if the position she applied for was a public seat. MS. MILLER replied yes. CHAIR DUNBAR asked if she knew what controversies and primary issues the board would discuss in the coming term. 4:14:51 PM MS. MILLER replied the board is currently redlining regulations. She described the process as interesting more than difficult. She said she had not experienced anything difficult at this stage of her involvement with the board. 4:15:40 PM CHAIR DUNBAR invited Edward Barrington to begin his testimony. 4:15:57 PM EDWARD BARRINGTON, Appointee, Board of Chiropractic Examiners, Anchorage, Alaska, testified as the governor's appointee to the Board of Chiropractic Examiners. He provided a brief personal and work history. He stated that he served on the board once before but didn't quite complete full tenure. He recollected that it was eight years since he last served. CHAIR DUNBAR thanked him for serving on the Anchorage onsite water and wastewater technical review board. He asked what policy issues or controversies the board will face moving forward. MR. BARRINGTON stated that the Board of Examiners ensures that qualifications for chiropractors practicing in the state remain current and protect public safety. He explained that the Board conducts investigations through the department and makes decisions on cases referred to them. He reported that he also served on the Alaska Chiropractic Society and noted that professional boards in the state review scope issues to stay current with modernization, similar to physician assistants and physical therapists. He stated that the Board of Examiners does not take an active role in scope changes. He stated his belief such changes should occur through public entities with the Board providing advice. He added that the Board participated in Administrative Order (AO) 360 and appreciated the assistance provided during that process. 4:20:18 PM CHAIR DUNBAR invited Mr. Campbell to begin his testimony. 4:20:26 PM WALTER CAMPBELL, Appointee, Board of Chiropractic Examiners, Anchorage, Alaska, testified as the governor's appointee to the Board of Chiropractic Examiners. He provided a brief personal and work history. He stated that his experience in multidisciplinary settings and rural locations where he worked brought valuable perspective to his duties as a board member. He said he viewed board service as service to the people of Alaska. He expressed that it had been an honor to serve previously and, with approval, he looked forward to serving again. CHAIR DUNBAR said he noticed that Mr. Campbell served in 2010- 2018 and then again began serving on the board in 2022. He asked if a term limit was a reason for the gap. MR. CAMPBELL replied that after two consecutive terms it is mandatory to step down for four years. CHAIR DUNBAR noted that he was the board president from 2017- 2018. He asked how the chiropractic profession had changed since he began serving in 2010 and what issues and challenges chiropractic care might encounter. 4:22:49 PM MR. CAMPBELL stated that differences in administration under three governors influenced board priorities, including efforts to streamline regulations. He agreed that scope of practice issues continue to arise, reflecting the holistic nature of chiropractic care. He explained that, aside from clear limits such as drugs and surgery, the field remains broad and statutes require interpretation to define scope. He emphasized that a board composed of experienced professionals and public members supported balanced decision-making and accountability on complex issues. SENATOR GIESSEL asked how many chiropractic visits are allowed under employee health benefits. 4:24:07 PM MR. CAMPBELL stated that the number of visitors allowed varied by plan, typically ranging between 12 and 20. He explained that some plans limit visits based on type of care rather than specifically chiropractic services. He noted that certain modalities overlap with physical therapy, so coverage depends on whether the visit qualifies as chiropractic care or another modality. 4:24:34 PM CHAIR DUNBAR said he didn't understand the response. 4:24:48 PM SENATOR GIESSEL asked Mr. Campbell to clarify what services fell under the purview of chiropractic care and what services fell under physical therapy. MR. CAMPBELL stated that statutory differences primarily relate to how a professional represented services, noting that chiropractic adjustments had specific codes. He explained that many modalities overlap with physical therapy and could be described as physiotherapy, but chiropractic scope includes those modalities. He emphasized that chiropractors could not represent services as physical therapy under statute, even when using similar techniques, and instead use terms such as rehabilitation or therapeutic exercises. He added that chiropractors serve as portal-of-entry providers who can treat patients without referral, reflecting four years of postgraduate training. CHAIR DUNBAR asked Travis Perkins to begin his testimony. 4:27:03 PM TRAVIS PERKINS, Appointee, Board of Dental Examiners, Soldotna, Alaska, testified as the governor's appointee to the Board of Dental Examiners. He gave a brief work history and said he was interested in serving on the board to give back to the community. 4:28:06 PM CHAIR DUNBAR asked when he moved to Alaska. DR. PERKINS replied that he came in 2018. CHAIR DUNBAR asked whether he worked in private practice while in Soldotna. DR. PERKINS replied yes, at that he currently works in Soldotna. CHAIR DUNBAR asked his opinion on the primary challenges the board will encounter. DR. PERKINS stated that Alaska faces significant challenges due to the limited number of providers and hygienists. He emphasized that the number of dentists and broader dental healthcare providers, especially in rural areas, created ongoing issues. 4:29:52 PM CHAIR DUNBAR opened public testimony on the governor's appointees; finding none, he closed public testimony. 4:30:12 CHAIR DUNBAR stated that in accordance with AS 39.05.080, the Senate Health and Social Services Standing Committee reviewed the following and recommends the appointments be forwarded to a joint session for consideration: Board of Dental Examiners Michael Sanders - Eagle River Travis Perkins - Soldotna Board of Examiners in Optometry Charles Rudstrom - Soldotna Board of Pharmacy Rebekah Balmes - Anchorage Lillian Okpaleke - Bethel Board of Professional Counselors Crystal Herring - Anchorage Board of Certified Direct-Entry Midwives Stacia Miller - Valdez Board of Chiropractic Examiners Edward Barrington - Anchorage Walter Campbell - Anchorage Signing the reports regarding appointments to boards and commissions in no way reflects individual members' approval or disapproval of the appointees; the nominations are merely forwarded to the full legislature for confirmation or rejection. 4:31:18 PM There being no further business to come before the committee, Chair Dunbar adjourned the Senate Health and Social Services Standing Committee meeting at 4:31 p.m.