topAlaska Health Policy Review
comprehensive, authoritative, nonpartisan
February 11, 2011 - Vol 5, Issue 5
In This Issue
Important Information About this Newsletter
Health Care Lobbying in Alaska
Please Respect Our Copyright
Alaska Ranks 30th on State Scorecard on Child Health System Performance
Point Thomson Health Impact Assessment Update
Health Policy Calendar
Bill Watch: Bills on the Move
Bill Watch: Drugs
Bill Watch: Health Professional Workforce and Health Education
Bill Watch: Medical Assistance and Health Insurance
Bill Watch: Mental Health Issues
Bill Watch: State Boards and Issues
Bill Watch: Family Health Issues
Bill Watch: Worker's Compensation
Bill Watch: Public Safety
Bill Watch: General Health Policy
Bill Watch: Bill Tracking Methodology
AHPR Staff and Contributors
Subscribe Now to the Alaska Health Policy Review
Resources
From the Editor

Dear Reader:

I continue to be fascinated by the concept of pre-paid primary care. It works like this -- you pay a flat monthly fee for primary care under an arrangement like a health club. In Seattle it ranges from about $50 to $80 per month, depending on your age. In exchange you get all the primary care you need. You can see the doctor as often as you want, and you can receive a wide range of services, both acute and preventive. Typical time with your doctor ranges from 30-60 minutes! There is no health insurance involved and there are no co-payments or deductibles. You will not be turned down for pre-existing conditions. The only additional fees you might pay would be for certain advanced tests.

Since this is not health insurance, if a patient needs to see a specialist or go into the hospital, then that is beyond the scope of this coverage. However, this type of prepaid primary care is often sold with a "high deductible" type of health insurance that is sold to cover just those kinds of expensive medical events. The total package may cost 10-50 percent less than a standard health insurance-only package. However, unlike health insurance, which discourages visits to the doctor, this plan encourages it because after the flat fee, there are few if any costs. 

In Alaska, health care is generally much more expensive than in the Lower-48. Different studies indicate that it can cost 50 to 100 percent more. So let's add say an additional 70 percent to the Seattle monthly charges. That would bring the range up to $85 to $136, again, depending on age. Let me ask you this question: Would you be willing to pay a monthly fee in that range for all the primary care you want or need in exchange for much cheaper health insurance, assuming you have that coverage? If you cannot afford health insurance, would you be willing and able to pay a monthly fee in that range for unlimited primary care? If you were the owner of a small business, and you had been knocked out of the health insurance game long ago because of the high cost of health insurance, could you get back into the game of paying for primary care for your employees if it were in the range of $85 to $136 per month?

You can find out more by visiting the website of Qliance, a prepaid primary care plan in Seattle. You will likely find the whole site of interest, and don't skip over their press releases. I have no financial or other interest in Qliance, but they are among the first to really embrace this new model and "spread the word." You can also visit the Direct Primary Care website for a list of other pre-pay primary care clinics across the country.

Don't you think this is interesting, and maybe important?

Lawrence D. Weiss PhD, MS
Editor, AHPR
[email protected]

Important Information About this Newsletter

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Health Care Lobbying in Alaska


This article was submitted in December 2010 as a group term project for HS 690 Alaska Health Policy, a graduate course in the Master of Public Health program at the University of Alaska Anchorage. The article was originally submitted as "Midtown Public Policy Consultants Report on Lobbyists' Affect on Health Policy," and was authored by Amanda Cooper, Wendy Parsons, and Jennifer LaCasse. This published version of the article has been edited for length and clarity, and will be presented in two parts over two consecutive weeks. The original version of the article was accompanied by extensive endnotes, which are available via a link at the end of the article.

Part I: Health Care Lobbying in Alaska


Introduction

A lobbyist is someone who tries to seek change in government policies through influencing legislators and officials on behalf of individuals, special interest groups, and businesses.1 Technically, any or all of us can be lobbyists, and most people are a lobbyist at one time or another. Lobbyists have a deep-rooted, established history in our country and are protected by the Constitution under the right to petition. The First Amendment guarantees freedom to "petition the government for a redress of grievances." In doing so, lobbyists play an important and essential role in the legislative process by petitioning for or against specific legislation.2 Sometimes, a lobbyist is someone you hire to protect you from someone you elected. Citizens of the United States have both direct and indirect interest in legislation considered by Congress.

 

For people who feel passionately about an issue and want to express their views to representatives, there is no legal process required to become a lobbyist. Known as volunteer lobbyists, these individuals can make their views known through letters, phone calls, or personal visits to legislators. In most cases, those who are getting paid to lobby will be required to register with the government. The rules for becoming a registered lobbyist vary from state to state.

The State of Alaska differentiates between the following types of lobbyists: representational lobbyists, professional lobbyists, part-time contractual/part-time employee lobbyists, and volunteer lobbyists. APOC defines the various types of lobbyists according to several criteria. A representational lobbyist is a person who attempts to influence government and does not receive any compensation or fee for their activities other than reimbursement for travel. In Alaska, a representational lobbyist must register before engaging in any lobbying activities. Representational lobbyists are not required to file lobbyist reports, pay a registration fee, or to take the lobbyist ethics course.

A professional lobbyist is a lobbyist who represents him/herself as engaging in the influencing of legislative or administrative action as a business, occupation, or profession. Professional lobbyists also must register before engaging in any lobbying activities. Part-time contractual or part-time employee lobbyists are individuals who receive money, either through a contract or as an employee, to communicate directly with public officials to influence legislative or administrative action for more than 10 hours in any 30-day period in a calendar year. Part-time lobbyists are required to register with APOC once their activity level reaches 10 hours in any 30-day period in a calendar year.3

Representational or volunteer lobbyists are not required to register with APOC. As of July 2007 under AS 24.45.041, lobbyists who are required to register with APOC must meet the following criteria:

1) Have not been convicted of a felony crime of moral turpitude
2) Are not the spouse or domestic partner of an Alaska legislator
3) Are not a former member of the legislature (must wait one year) and
4) Have not held any positions listed in AS 39.52.180 (d) in the past year (i.e., Governor, Lt. Gov, Commissioner or Deputy Commissioner, Director, legislative liaison, etc.).4

Lobbying and advocacy are sometimes used interchangeably though they should not be used synonymously. Lobbying can be a component of an advocacy strategy, though advocacy does not necessarily include lobbying. Lobbying refers specifically to advocacy efforts that attempt to influence legislation. Advocacy is the action of advocating, pleading for, or supporting a cause or proposal, though not directly influencing legislation.5 A policy advocate will often ask supporters to call policymakers, send letters, or rally for their position. The advocate may pass out fliers to explain why the stance should be supported or they can more broadly provoke grass-roots movements such as utilizing institutional resources to motivate their members to contact representatives regarding issues of concern.

Influencing Legislators

Lobbyists use various strategies to influence legislators. One such strategy is called friendshipping, according to Pat Luby, Director of Advocacy Services for the Anchorage Chapter of the American Association of Retired Persons (oral communication, October 12, 2010). The lobbyist develops a relationship with one or more legislators through personal encounters, emails, phone calls, and notes to legislators and their staff. Over time, trust and credibility is built up based on honesty and truthfulness. The lobbyist builds on that credibility by providing the legislator information based on research, [and] becomes a resource to the legislator.

Lobbying activities involve researching and analyzing issues, legislation and regulatory proposals, monitoring and reporting on developments, attending congressional and regulatory hearings, working with coalitions interested in the same issues, negotiating on behalf of their organization, and educating the target government officials about the implications of various proposals, according to Shelley Hughes, Government Affairs Director of the Alaska Primary Care Association, (oral communication, October, 28, 2010).

Legislators rely on input from others about the issues they are working on. They have staff who also research and analyze the issues, but they also rely on input from those groups who might be affected by the legislation or whose input provides first-hand knowledge about the issue. It is the lobbyist's job to orchestrate the process of providing the legislator facts, figures, and that personal slant to the issue, according to Pat Luby, Director of Advocacy Services for the Anchorage Chapter of the American Association of Retired Persons (oral communication, October 12, 2010). 

Lobbyists' employers look for people who have a working knowledge of the system, issues, and who have contacts useful to the process. If more than one lobbyist is employed by an organization, the employer looks for those who can work well together and whose combined skills are an asset to the process, according to Debbie Thompson, RN, Executive Director, Alaska Nurses Association, (oral communication, October 22, 2010).

State of Alaska Lobbyist Regulation Policies and Practices

The Alaska Public Offices Commission was established in 1974 under the Alaska State Statute Section 15.13.020 through a citizens' initiative, empowering the commission to regulate campaign and lobbying activities as well as legislative and public official financial disclosure within the state. The commission consists of five members appointed by the governor, two members from each of the two political parties and a fifth member nominated by the four appointed commission members. Members serve staggered terms of five years and may not serve for more than one term. While serving their term, a member may not hold or campaign for elective office, be an officer of a political party, allow their name to be used in support or opposition to a candidate, proposition or question on a ballot, participate or contribute to a campaign, nor lobby or employ or assist a lobbyist. Members are compensated at the rate of $50 a day while attending meetings in addition to per diem and reimbursement for travel expenses.

The commission is entrusted with ensuring that all lobbyists file a registration form online before engaging in lobbying activities. The form asks for the lobbyist's name, address, employer, nature of the lobbying activities, and compensation information. The commission is charged with publishing this information. Prior to registration, professional lobbyists must complete an initial and yearly updated ethics training course, which may be completed in person or online.

Lobbyists are prohibited from serving as campaign managers or treasurers, host a fund-raising event, collect or deliver contributions to any candidate for a legislative office or governorship, or offer gifts other than food or beverages for immediate consumption. A lobbyist may not advocate on behalf of a candidate. A lobbyist may not be married to or be the domestic partner of a legislator or public official. Former legislators, governors, lieutenant governors, commissioners, deputy commissioners, division directors, legislative liaisons, and certain others must wait one year after leaving their position before engaging in lobbying activities.

Lobbyists must report all income, including gross wages, cash payments, reimbursement of expenses, and gifts or exchanges that exceed $100, except for those exchanged by immediate family. A lobbyist must also report all expenses, including food and beverages exceeding $15 spent for a legislator, legislative employee, or member of the Select Committee on Legislative Ethics. Reports are required on a monthly and quarterly basis during the time the legislature is in session. Employers of lobbyists are also required to report on a quarterly basis. Both lobbyists and employers have access to an electronic reporting system for filing financial reports.

Criteria

The process of determining the key health care lobbyists in Alaska was a multi-pronged approach. To ensure that each health care lobbyist was included in the determination process, the 2010 Alaska Public Offices Commission Lobbyist Directory6 was utilized. This directory provided a total of forty-two lobbyists who are employed and/or contracted by various organizations that have a vested interest in health care. Numerous aspects of the health care industry are represented among these organizations including areas related to provider care and facilities, public health, pharmaceutical services, mental health, health insurance and health care policy. In order to achieve a fair determination of Alaska's key health care lobbyists, three criteria were applied and points were awarded to each lobbyist accordingly. The total number of points for each registered lobbyist was then totaled to determine the top five health care lobbyists in Alaska. 

The first criterion employed in the determination process was legislative opinion. As mentioned previously, a lobbyist is one whose main goal is to persuade legislators to vote for particular legislation that will ultimately benefit the lobbyist's employer. This persuasion can take multiple forms including personal visits with the legislator and/or his or her staff, correspondence through standard and electronic mail, telephone calls, and communication with other individuals who may be able to influence a legislator in an informal manner.

Due to the fact that health care related proposed legislation is often referred to the Senate and House of Representatives Health and Social Services standing committees, each member of these committees was contacted via electronic mail and an inquiry was made as to their opinion of who they believe to be a major health care lobbyist in Alaska. The Health and Social Services committee members contacted within the House of Representatives included Representatives Herron, Keller, T. Wilson, Lynn, Seaton, Cissna, and Holmes. Likewise, the Health and Social Services committee members contacted within the Senate included Senators Davis, Paskvan, Ellis, Thomas and Dyson. To ensure a well-rounded response, a random sample of eight additional legislators were contacted including Representatives Joule, Millett, and Gara, as well as Senators McGuire, Meyer, Wielechowski, Bunde, and Menard.

Electronic mail responses were received from four legislators including Representatives Keller, T. Wilson, Gara, and Seaton and one response was received from a staff member to Senator Bunde. Of the five responses, Representatives Wilson and Seaton and staff to Senator Bunde provided specific names of lobbyists with whom they have had contact with and/or they believed to be the most active within the health care arena. With the information gathered from these legislators, each registered lobbyist that was specifically named received one point. 

The second criterion employed in the determination of Alaska's major health care lobbyists was lobbyist's opinion. The Alaska Public Offices Commission regulates over one hundred registered lobbyists with about one-third of those lobbyists working on health related issues.6 Due to the heightened awareness of health care issues and health care reform, there have been several key pieces of proposed legislation before the Alaska State Legislature. Most of these pieces of proposed health care legislation involve organizations and entities on both sides of the issue. For example, a recent bill brought before the Alaska State Legislature was House Bill 50. This particular piece of legislation would limit mandatory overtime for registered nurses.7

Many lobbyists who represent health care institutions expressed their opposition for this piece of legislation while on the other hand, many lobbyists who represent nurses, such as the Alaska Nurses Association, expressed their support of this piece of legislation. Because health care issues are currently at the forefront of everyone's mind, there has been substantial interaction amongst health care lobbyists. This level of interaction would provide health care lobbyists with knowledge pertaining to the activity level, persuasive strength, and key contacts of each health care lobbyist.

Based on this information, several lobbyists were contacted and asked to give their opinion regarding key health care lobbyists. The determination of which lobbyists to contact was made based upon a random sample of specific individuals named by the responding legislators previously mentioned. The random sample included the following lobbyists: Rod Betit, Kent Dawson, Kevin Jardell, Eldon Mulder, Linda Anderson, Mark Hickey, Jerry Mackie, and Regan Mattingly. Each of the preceding lobbyists was contacted either by electronic mail or telephone.

From the eight lobbyists contacted, four responded. Each of the four lobbyists who responded provided great direction and information, but due to various reasons, no specific individuals were named as key health care lobbyists. One respondent, Regan Mattingly, who is the State Affairs Coordinator as well as a lobbyist for the Alaska Primary Care Association8 suggested that those lobbyists who are contracted with hospitals, health care associations and the tribal health care system would be of importance. Out of the forty-two health care lobbyists in Alaska, twenty-two individuals possessed such contracts and thus received one point each.

The third criterion used in the determination process was level of compensation. This criterion was much more subjective than the previous two criteria based on the fact that level of compensation does not always equate level of performance. Nonetheless, a strong argument could be made that those lobbyists who receive higher compensation may in fact produce stronger results than their lower compensated colleagues. With this belief at the base of this criterion, annual compensation fees were calculated for each of the forty-two health care lobbyists. Within this criterion, the decision was made to utilize the 2009 Alaska Public Offices Commission Year-End Lobbyist Summary Report9 rather than the 2010 Mid-Year report based on the fact that some health care lobbyists are paid monthly, bi-annually or annually. The 2010 Mid-Year Lobbyist Report would have produced skewed results because some lobbyists had not been paid at all while others had been paid a portion of or all of their fees.

It is important to note that because the focus of this report is on health care lobbyists and their health care related activities, only those fees associated with a health care organization or entity were included in these calculations. To narrow down the list and simplify the process, only those lobbyists who received the five highest health care lobbying fees totals were awarded one point each.

With the final point totals completed, it was determined that the five key health care lobbyists in Alaska are Eldon Mulder, Wendy Chamberlain, Robert Evans, Charles Miller and Mark Hickey.

To be continued next week in Part Two: Health Care Lobbying in Alaska: Major Alaska Health Care Lobbyists - Earnings, Background, Clients, Activities

Read the .pdf version of this article with full references.

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Alaska Ranks 30th on State Scorecard on Child Health System Performance


Alaska ranks 30th overall in the nation when it comes to children's health care services according to a new report released by the Commonwealth Fund on February 2, 2011. The State Scorecard on Child Health System Performance compares states' performance on 20 key indicators of children's health care access, affordability of care, prevention and treatment, the potential to lead healthy lives, and health system equity. The scorecard provides states with achievable targets for improvement and by moving toward benchmark levels of health system performance, Alaska can improve children's access to quality care. In 2009, Alaska ranked 34th in the nation overall.

Download the full report from the Commonwealth Fund.

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Point Thomson Health Impact Assessment Update


In last week's Alaska Health Policy Review, we reported that for the first time in the history of energy development in Alaska, the state Department of Health and Social Services (DHSS) prepared a health impact assessment (HIA) to accompany the required environmental impact statement (EIS) that is currently in development for the Point Thomson project. The HIA report will be an appendix to the EIS. We just learned that document is expected to be released this summer, perhaps in July.

When it is released, AHPR will summarize the document and provide a link to the full document.

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Health Policy Calendar

This calendar of health policy-related meetings is current as of February 10, 2011, at 1:00 PM. Please visit the Alaska State Legislature's committee schedule for the most current legislative information, as the schedule is subject to change.

Friday, February 11, 2011 8:00 AM

What: House Health and Social Services Finance Subcommittee

Where: House Finance 519; Juneau

Other information: Division of Senior & Disabilities Services, teleconferenced

 

Friday, February 11, 2011 1:00 PM
What: House Judiciary Standing Subcommittee
Where: Capitol 120; Juneau
Other information: HB 7 Synthetic Cannabinoids as Schedule IIA, teleconferenced

 

Monday, February 14, 2011 8:00 AM

What: House Health & Social Services Finance Subcommittee

Where: House Finance 519; Juneau

Other information: Division of Public Assistance; Departmental Support Services, teleconferenced

 

Monday, February 14, 2011 3:30 PM
What: Senate Health & Social Services Finance Subcommittee
Where: Beltz 105 (TSBldg); Juneau
Other information: Department budget overview, testimony by invitation only, teleconferenced 

 

Tuesday, February 15, 2011 10:30 AM

What: House Education & Early Development Finance Subcommittee

Where: Beltz 105 (TSBldg); Juneau

Other information: Student and School Achievement; Alaska Autism Resource Center, teleconferenced

 

Tuesday, February 15, 2011 3:00 PM
What: House Health and Social Services Standing Committee
Where: Capitol 106; Juneau
Other information: Confirmation Hearing-William Streur, commissioner, Dept. of Health & Social Services, teleconferenced

 

Wednesday, February 16, 2011 8:00 AM

What: House Health & Social Services Finance Subcommittee

Where: House Finance 519; Juneau

Other information: Division of Public Health; Health Care Commission, teleconferenced

 

Wednesday, February 16, 2011 1:00 PM
What: House Judiciary Standing Committee
Where: Capitol 120; Juneau
Other information: HB 116 Correct Spelling of Lorazepam, teleconferenced

 

Wednesday, February 16, 2011 3:30 PM

What: Senate Health & Social Services Finance Subcommittee

Where: Beltz 105 (TSBldg); Juneau

Other information: Public Health Testimony (invitation only), teleconferenced

 

Thursday, February 17, 2011 3:00 PM
What: House Health and Social Services Standing Committee
Where: Capitol 106; Juneau
Other information: Presentation-Vitamin D, teleconferenced

 

Friday, February 18, 2011 8:00 AM

What: House Health & Social Services Finance Subcommittee

Where: House Finance 519; Juneau

Other information: Department presents governor's 2011 supplemental budget and 2012 budget amendments, teleconferenced

 

Monday, February 21, 2011 3:30 PM
What: Senate Health & Social Services Finance Subcommittee
Where: Beltz 105 (TSBldg); Juneau
Other information: Behavioral Health - system wide including implications in other areas, not just the Behavioral Health budget component, focus on API, testimony by invitation only, teleconferenced

Wednesday, February 23, 2011 8:00 AM
What: House Health & Social Services Finance Subcommittee
Where: House Finance 519; Juneau
Other information: Draft closeout, teleconferenced

Wednesday, February 23, 2011 3:30 PM
What: Senate Health & Social Services Finance Subcommittee
Where: Beltz 105 (TSBldg); Juneau
Other information: Medicaid, possible Affordable Care Act and impact on Medicaid and the Division of Public Assistance, Home and Community Based Rates, Residential Psychiatric Treatment Center Rates, CMS moratorium, Division of Senior and Disability Services Corrective Action Plan, testimony by invitation only, teleconferenced

Friday, February 25, 2011 8:00 AM
What: House Health & Social Services Finance Subcommittee
Where: House Finance 519; Juneau
Other information: Final closeout, teleconferenced 

 

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Bill Watch: Bills on the Move

Companion bills SB 86 and HB 150 Protection of Vulnerable Adults/Minors were read for the first time in their respective houses and referred to the Judiciary and Finance committees.

On the House side, on 02/09/1, Rep. Gruenberg added his name as a sponsor of HB 15 Student Athlete Traumatic Brain Injuries. HB 21 Suicide Prevention Council Members was heard in the House Finance Committee where its replacement with CSHB 21 (FIN) was recommended, and it was referred to the House Rules Committee on 02/09/11. HB 28 Temp Licenses for Professionals was heard in House Labor and Commerce where the committee recommended its replacement with CSHB 28 (L&C) and it was referred to House Finance on 02/09/11. HB 149 Driver's Licensing; Medical Conditions was read for the first time and referred to House State Affairs and Judiciary committees, 02/09/11.

In the Senate, SB 12 Extend Board of Nursing was heard in Senate Health and Social Services, and it was referred to the Senate Finance Committee on 02/04/11. SB 81 Public Retiree Med. Benefits: Dependents was read for the first time and referred to the Senate Labor and Commerce and Finance committees on 02/07/11.

The information is current as of February 10, at 10:00 AM.

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Bill Watch: Drugs

HB 7 Synthetic Cannabinoids as Schedule IIA
Committees and date of last action: Read for the first time and referred to (H) JUD, 01/28/11
Sponsors: Reps. Munoz, Herron, Kerttula, Gatto, Lynn, Pruitt, Millet, Costello, and Thompson
Description: Section 1. AS 11.71.150(b) is amended to include certain synthetic cannabinoids as schedule IIA controlled substances. Companion bill to SB 17.

HB 42 Prescription Drug Discounts
Committees and date of last action: Read for the first time and referred to (H) HSS, 01/18/11
Sponsor: Rep. Guttenberg
Description: This bill directs the Department of Health and Social Services to conduct a study of the feasibility of providing discounted prescription drug pricing to every person in the state who is not otherwise covered by a prescription drug plan. The Department of Health and Social Services shall, after conducting the study, prepare a report summarizing the study and submit the report to the legislature on or before January 1, 2012.

HB 43 Prescriptions and Generic Drugs
Committees and date of last action: Read for the first time and referred to (H) HSS, 01/18/11
Sponsor: Rep. Guttenberg
Description: This bill amends state statute that directs pharmacists to substitute generic drugs for brand name drugs except under specific circumstances, and directs the Department of Health and Social Services to approve and maintain a publicly available list of therapeutically equivalent drugs.

HB 44 Prescription Drug Program
Committees and date of last action: Read for the first time and referred to (H) HSS, 01/18/11
Sponsor: Rep. Guttenberg
Description: This bill adds a new section to the uncodified law of the State of Alaska that expands the state's role as a participant in the prescription drug marketplace, negotiating voluntary rebates from drug companies, and, subject to appropriation, using the rebates to make prescription drugs more affordable to the medical assistance program and to state residents.

HB 45 Drug Marketing Costs
Committees and date of last action: Read for the first time and referred to (H) HSS, 01/18/11
Sponsor: Rep. Guttenberg
Description: This bill adds a new section to the uncodified law of the State of Alaska that requires manufacturers or labelers of prescription drugs dispensed in this state, with some exceptions, to report marketing costs to the Department of Health and Social Services, and directs the department to provide a written report every two years to the attorney general and the legislature that analyzes the information submitted to the department during the two previous fiscal years.

HB 47 Clinical Trials of Drugs/Biol. Products
Committees and date of last action: Read for the first time and referred to (H) HSS, 01/18/11
Sponsor: Rep. Guttenberg
Description: The Department of Health and Social Services commissioner is directed to establish and maintain a comprehensive repository of information regarding all clinical trials conducted in the state, with some exemptions, including information about the results of clinical trials, regardless of outcome, for access by the public, based on standards established by regulation and information available from the National Institutes of Health, United States Department of Health and Human Services, and from all other credible sources.

HB 50 Access to Licensed Premises
Committees and date of last action: Read for the first time and referred to (H) L&C and JUD, 01/18/11
Sponsor: Rep. Saddler
Description: This bill amends Alaska statute in regard to access by persons under 21 years of age to a club's licensed premises when alcoholic beverages are present.

HB 116 Correct Spelling of Lorazepam
Committees and date of last action: Read for the first time and referred to (H) JUD, 1/21/11
Sponsor: Rules by request of legislative council
Description: An act correcting the spelling in Alaska statute of the word " lorazepam" and providing for an effective date.

SB 17 Synthetic Cannabinoids as Schedule IIA
Committees and date of last action: Read for the first time and referred to (S) HSS and JUD, 01/19/11
Sponsor: Sen. Meyer
Description: Description: Section 1. AS 11.71.150(b) is amended to include certain synthetic cannabinoids as schedule IIA controlled substances. Companion bill to HB 7.

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Bill Watch: Health Professional Workforce and Health Education

HB 28 Temp Licenses for Professionals
Committees and date of last action: Heard in (H) L&C where the committee recommends its replacement with CSHB 28 (L&C) and referred to (H) FIN, 02/09/11
Sponsors: Reps. Thomas and Herron
Description: Except as provided, the Department of Commerce, Community, and Economic Development, with respect to an occupation that it regulates under this title, shall by regulation establish criteria for issuing a temporary courtesy license to a nonresident, so that, on a temporary basis, the nonresident person may lawfully practice the person's occupation. CSHB 28 changes the language in the bill from Sec. 08.01.062. Courtesy licenses to Sec. 08.01.063. Military courtesy licenses.

HB 38 University Institutes of Law and Medicine
Committees and date of last action: Read for the first time and referred to (H) EDC & FIN, 01/18/11
Sponsor: Rep. Kawasaki
Description: Alaska statute is amended to allow the University of Alaska to establish institutes of medicine and law.

HB 78 Incentives for Certain Medical Providers
Committees and date of last action: Read for the first time and referred to (H) HSS, 01/18/11
Sponsor: Rep. Herron
Description: Designed to increase the overall number of health care providers, especially in "very hard-to-fill" locations in Alaska, HB 78 provides for loan repayment assistance to certain medical providers by establishing a program in the Department of Health and Social Services that would provide financial incentive for up to 90 Tier I and Tier II health care professionals per year.

HB 122 Naturopaths
Committees and date of last action: Read for the first time and referred to (H) L&C, HSS, and FIN, 01/26/11
Sponsor: Rep. Munoz
Description: Establishes an Alaska Naturopathic Medical Board; authorizes medical assistance program coverage of naturopathic services; amends the definition of "practice of medicine;" and provides an effective date.

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Bill Watch: Medical Assistance and Health Insurance

HB 1 Policy for Securing Health Care Services
Committees and date of last action: Read for the first time and referred to (H) HSS & JUD, 01/18/11
Sponsor: Rep. Gatto
Description: Alaska statute is amended to add a new section that it is the policy of the State of Alaska that a person has the right to choose or decline any mode of obtaining health care services without penalty or threat of penalty.

HB 11 Colonoscopy: Pub. Employee Retirees
Committees and date of last action: Read for the first time and referred to (H) L&C and FIN, 01/18/11
Sponsor: Rep. Gara
Description: Alaska statute is amended to include colonoscopy coverage for retired public employees and other who receive benefits under AS 14.25.110, AS 22.25, AS 39.35, or former 8 AS 39.37.

HB 29 Public Retiree Medical Benefits Coverage
Committees and date of last action: Read for the first time and referred to (H) L&C and FIN, 01/18/11
Sponsor: Rep. Millet
Description: Alaska statute is amended by adding a new paragraph that reads, "Preventive health services benefits provided to a person receiving retiree medical benefits under AS 14.25, AS 22.25, or AS 39.35 may not be less than the preventive health services medical benefits provided to the active members of the respective system."

HB 79 Ins. Coverage: Autism Spectrum Disorder
Committees and date of last action: Read for the first time and referred to (H) HSS, 01/18/11
Sponsors: Reps. Petersen, Kawasaki, Gruenberg, Gara, Kertulla, and Holmes
Description: HB 79 requires insurance coverage for autism spectrum disorders, describes the method for establishing a covered treatment plan, defines the covered treatment for those disorders, and provides an effective date.

HJR 5 Const. Am: Health Care
Committees and date of last action: Read for the first time and referred to (H) HSS, JUD, and FIN, 01/18/11
Sponsor: Rep. Keller
Description: This resolution proposes amendment to the Constitution of the State of Alaska prohibiting passage of laws that interfere with direct payments for health care services and the right to purchase health care insurance from a privately owned company, and that compel a person to participate in a health care system.

SB 5 Medical Assistance Eligibility
Committees and date of last action: Read for the first time and referred to (S) HSS and FIN, 01/19/11
Sponsors: Sens. Davis, Ellis, French, and Wielechowski
Description: This bill amends Alaska statute to include specific optional groups of persons for whom the state may claim federal financial participation for medical assistance, and the state may require premiums or cost-sharing contributions from recipients eligible for benefits and whose household income is between 150 and 200 percent of the federal poverty line.

SB 70 Alaska Health Benefit Exchange
Committees and date of last action: Read for the first time and referred to (S) L&C and FIN, 01/26/11
Sponsors: Sens. French and Davis
Description: This bill would establish the Alaska Health Benefit Exchange, along with an effective date. This act is designed:                                                        
(1)  to facilitate the purchase and sale of qualified health plans in the individual market in this state;                                                                                                  
(2)  to establish a small business health options program exchange to assist qualified small employers in the state in enrolling employees in qualified health plans offered in the small group market;                                                                                             
(3)  to provide consumer education and assist individuals with access to programs, credits, and cost-sharing reductions;                                                                        
(4)  to reduce the number of uninsured Alaskans by creating an organized, transparent, and easy-to-navigate health insurance marketplace that offers a choice of high value health plans with low administrative costs for individuals and employers; and                                    
(5)  that the Alaska Health Benefit Exchange Board recommend to the legislature and the Office of the Governor methods to keep premium costs low and risk pools strong in the health insurance market place.

SB 74 Ins. Coverage: Autism Spectrum Disorder
Committees and date of last action: Read for the first time and referred to (S) HSS and L&C; Rep. Edgmon was added as cosponsor, 02/02/11
Sponsors: Sens. Ellis, French, and Wielechowski
Description: HB 79 requires insurance coverage for autism spectrum disorders, describes the method for establishing a covered treatment plan, defines the covered treatment for those disorders, and provides an effective date.

SB 81 Public Retiree Med. Benefits: Dependents
Committees and date of last action: Read for the first time and referred to (S) L&C and FIN, 02/07/11
Sponsors: Sens. Davis and Ellis
Description: This bill establishes a requirement that group life and health insurance benefits, in regard to dependents, may not be less than those benefits provided to active members.

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Bill Watch: Mental Health Issues

HB 109 Approp: Mental Health Budget
Committees and date of last action: Read for the first time and referred to (H) FIN, 01/18/11
Sponsor: Rules by request of the governor
Description: This act, a companion bill to SB 48, appropriates $209 million to the state's integrated mental health programs for operating and capital expenses.

SB 48 Approp: Mental Health Budget
Committees and date of last action: Read for the first time and referred to (S) FIN, 01/19/11
Sponsor: Rules by request of the governor
Description: This act, a companion bill to HB 109, appropriates $209 million to the state's integrated mental health programs for operating and capital expenses.

SB 52 Mental Health Care Insurance Benefit
Committees and date of last action: Read for the first time and referred to (S) FIN, L&C, and HSS, 01/19/11
Sponsor: Sen. Davis
Description: This bill would requires parity between health care coverage for mental health, alcoholism, and substance abuse benefits and other medical care benefits.

SB 55 Mental Health Patient Rights & Grievances
Committees and date of last action: Read for the first time and referred to (S) FIN and HSS, 01/19/11
Sponsor: Sen. Davis
Description: This bill would add the right of mental health patients to file a grievance under AS 47.30.855, and the right to a designated representative to assist in filing the grievance under AS 47.30.847.

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Bill Watch: State Boards and Issues

HB 21 Suicide Prevention Council Members
Committees and date of last action: Heard in (H) FIN where its replacement with CSHB 21 (FiN) was recommended, moved out of committee, and referred to (H) RLS, 02/09/11.
Sponsors: Reps. Fairclough, Gardner, and Herron
Description: This bill increases membership of the Statewide Suicide Prevention Council from 16 to 17 and creates an age requirement for the youth member. CSHB 21 further elaborates on requirements for military representative.

HB 46 Alaska Prescription Drug Task Force
Committees and date of last action: Read for the first time and referred to (H) HSS and FIN, 01/18/11
Sponsor: Rep. Guttenberg
Description: This bill adds a new section to the uncodified law of the State of Alaska that establishes the Alaska Prescription Drug Task Force in the Department of Health and Social Services.

HB 126 Omnibus Board Extensions
Committee and date of last action: Read for the first time and referred to (H) L&C and FIN, 01/26/11
Sponsor: Rules by request of Legislative Budget and Audit
Description: Extends termination dates of certain boards, including the Board of Nursing and the Board of Dental Examiners, to June 30, 2019.

SB 12 Extend Board of Nursing
Committees and date of last action: Heard in (S) HSS, fiscal note #1 was attached, and referred to (S) FIN, 02/04/11
Sponsor: Sen. Davis
Description: The bill amends Alaska statute to extend the Board of Nursing until June 30, 2019.

SB 59 Extend Board of Dental Examiners
Committees and date of last action: Heard in the (S) L&C. The committee recommended its replacement with CSSB 59 (L&C), which amends the termination date for the board until June 30, 2019. The committee also attached Fiscal Note 1 and referred it to the Finance Committee, 02/02/11
Sponsor: Senate Labor & Commerce
Description: The bill extends "the termination date of the Board of Dental Examiners: and providing for an effective date."

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Bill Watch: Family Health Issues

HB 15 Student Athlete Traumatic Brain Injuries
Committees and date of last action: Read for the first time and referred to (H) EDC and HSS, 02/09/11
Sponsors: Rep. Doogan, Kerttula, Munoz, Gruenberg, and Johnson
Description: Uncodified law of the State of Alaska is amended to add a new section that directs the governing body of a school district to consult with the Alaska School Activities Association to develop and publish guidelines and other information to educate coaches, student athletes, and parents of student athletes regarding the nature and risks of concussions and other traumatic brain injuries.

HB 94 Student Athlete Traumatic Brain Injuries
Committees and date of last action: Read for the first time and referred to (H) EDC and HSS, 01/31/11
Sponsors: Reps. Johnson, Doogan, Millet, Munoz, and Kerttula
Description: Uncodified law of the State of Alaska is amended to add a new section that directs the governing body of a school district to consult with the Alaska School Activities Association to develop and publish guidelines and other information to educate coaches, student athletes, and parents of student athletes regarding the nature and risks of concussions and other traumatic brain injuries.

HCR 3 Senior Citizen Protections
Committees and date of last action: Read for the first time and referred to (H) HSS, 01/24/11
Sponsor: Rep. Munoz
Description: This resolution acknowledges that support and protection of older Alaskans is a societal responsibility, and it encourages and supports  the efforts of programs in Alaska that work to improve the health and safety of older Alaskans.

SB 3 Funding for School Meals
Committees and date of last action: Read for the first time and referred to (S) EDC and FIN, 01/19/11
Sponsors: Sens. Wielechowski, Ellis, Davis, Egan, French, Kookesh, McGuire, Menard, Paskvan, and Thomas
Description: This bill amends Alaska statute to add a new section that directs state funding to supplement the cost of lunch and breakfast provided to each student who is eligible for a free or reduced-price lunch under 42 U.S.C. 1771 - 1784.

SB 22 Student Athlete Traumatic Brain Injuries
Committees and date of last action: Read for the first time and referred to (S) HSS and FIN, 01/19/11
Sponsor: Sen. McGuire
Description: Uncodified law of the State of Alaska is amended to add a new section that directs the governing body of a school district to consult with the Alaska School Activities Association to develop and publish guidelines and other information to educate coaches, student athletes, and parents of student athletes regarding the nature and risks of concussions and other traumatic brain injuries.

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Bill Watch: Workers' Compensation

HB 12 Workers' Compensation Advisory Council
Committees and date of last action: Read for the first time and referred to (H) L&C and FIN, 01/18/11
Sponsor: Rep. Olson
Description: This bill establishes a Workers' Compensation Advisory Council, describes the membership, and other particulars.

HB 13 Workers' Compensation: Medical Fees
Committees and date of last action: Read for the first time and referred to (H) L&C and FIN, 01/18/11
Sponsor: Rep. Olson
Description: Alaska statute is amended to adjust guidelines relating to fees and other charges for medical treatment or services connected with worker's compensation.

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Bill Watch: Public Safety

HB 22 No Cell Phone Use When Driving
Committees and date of last action: Read for the first time and referred to (H) TRA, JUD, and FIN, 01/18/11
Sponsor: Rep. Munoz
Description: This bill amends Alaska statute to prohibit cellular phone use while driving, with exceptions for hands-free configuration and emergencies to take effect July 1, 2011.

HB 35 Ban Cell Phone Use When Driving
Committees and date of last action: Read for the first time and referred to (H) TRA, JUD, and FIN, 01/18/11
Sponsor: Rep. Doogan
Description: This bill amends Alaska statute to prohibit cellular phone use while driving, with exceptions for emergencies, to take effect July 1, 2011.

HB 57 Bicycle Program
Committees and date of last action: Read for the first time and referred to (H) TRA and FIN, 01/18/11
Sponsor: Rep. Seaton
Description: This bills amends Alaska statute to authorize municipalities and nonprofit groups in Alaska to apply for grant money for programs that promote safe ridership and directs the Department of Transportation to establish grant programs.

HB 68 Ban Cell Phone Use When Driving
Committees and date of last action: Read for the first time and referred to (H) TRA, JUD, and FIN, 01/18/11
Sponsor: Rep. Gruenberg
Description: This bill amends Alaska statute to prohibit cellular phone use while driving, with exceptions for hands-free configuration and emergencies to take effect July 1, 2011. It adds that a peace officer may not stop or detain a motor vehicle to determine compliance with (a) of this section, or issue a citation for a violation of (a) of this section, unless the peace officer has probable cause to stop or detain the motor vehicle other than for a violation of this section.

HB 95 Seat Belt Violation Secondary Offense
Committees and date of last action: Read for the first time and referred to (H) TRA and JUD, 01/18/11
Sponsors: Reps. Wilson, Gardner, and Stoltze
Description: Amends Section 1. AS 28.05.095(e) to read, "(e) Notwithstanding any other provision of law, a peace officer may not stop or detain a motor vehicle to determine compliance with (a) of this section issue a citation for a violation of (a) of this section, unless the peace officer has probable cause to stop or detain the motor vehicle other than for a violation of (a) of this section," and repeals Sec. 2. AS 28.05.095(f).

HB 128 Ban Cell Phone Use By Minors When Driving
Committees and date of last action: Read for the first time and referred to (H) TRA and JUD, 01/28/11
Sponsor: Rep. Gardner
Description: Amends AS 28.35 by adding a new section that prohibits drivers under 18 years of age from using a cell phone while driving a motor vehicle. A peace officer is not authorized to stop or detain a motor vehicle to determine compliance with this provision unless the officer has probable cause to stop or detain the vehicle for reasons other than violation of provision. Effective date is July 1, 2011.

HB 149 Driver's Licensing; Medical Conditions
Committees and date of last action: Read for the first time and referred to (H) STA and JUD, 02/09/11
Sponsor: Rep. Fairclough
Description: Section 2 AS 28.15 is amended by adding a new section that reads: Sec. 28.15.156 Duty to disclose certain medical conditions; reports to department by physicians and other persons regarding persons with certain medical conditions.

HB 150 Protection of Vulnerable Adults/Minors
Committees and date of last action: Read for the first time and referred to (H) JUD and FIN along with fiscal notes and letter from governor, 02/09/11
Sponsor: Rules by request of the governor
Description: From Governor Parnell's letter, "Financial exploitation of the elderly and other vulnerable adults is a growing problem. Victims of financial exploitation may not need a guardian, but may need assistance stopping immediate misuse or theft of their money. ... With a temporary conservator, the vulnerable victim retains autonomy while receiving assistance. The ex parte relief from fraud procedure is similar to the existing domestic violence protection law, providing a means for vulnerable adults to independently obtain straightforward, expedited relief from immediate financial exploitation." Companion bill to SB 86.

SB 86 Protection of Vulnerable Adults/Minors
Committees and date of last action: Read for the first time and referred to (S) JUD and FIN along with fiscal notes and letter from governor, 02/09/11
Sponsor: Rules by request of the governor
Description: From Governor Parnell's letter, "Financial exploitation of the elderly and other vulnerable adults is a growing problem. Victims of financial exploitation may not need a guardian, but may need assistance stopping immediate misuse or theft of their money. ... With a temporary conservator, the vulnerable victim retains autonomy while receiving assistance. The ex parte relief from fraud procedure is similar to the existing domestic violence protection law, providing a means for vulnerable adults to independently obtain straightforward, expedited relief from immediate financial exploitation." Companion bill to HB 150.

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Bill Watch: General Health Policy

HB 61 Advance Health Care Directives Registry
Committees and date of last action: Read for the first time and referred to (H) HSS, JUD, and FIN, 01/28/11
Sponsors: Reps. Holmes and Millet
Description: This bill amends a previous statute by adding that a health care facility will not be subject to civil or criminal liability in the event that they act in reliance to an advance health care directive or fail to check an advance health care directive registry for a patient in their facility. In addition, HB 71 proposes the establishment of an advance health care directive registry within the Department of Health and Social Services, where individuals or their guardians can file advance health directives. This registry would be confidential and may not be used for another purpose.

HCR 1 Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month
Committees and date of last action: Read for the first time and referred to (H) HSS, 01/18/11
Sponsor: Reps. Petersen and Thompson
Description: Proclaims November 2011 as Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month.

SB 14 Object to Providing Health Care Services
Committees and date of last action: Read for the first time and referred to (S) JUD and HSS, 01/19/11
Sponsors: Sens. Dyson and Coghill
Description: This bill amends Alaska statute to include accommodation and protection for health care providers' expressions of conscience pertaining to the delivery of a health care service.

SB 27 Flame Retardants and Toxic Chemicals
Committees and date of last action: Read for the first time and referred to (S) HSS, 01/19/11
Sponsor: Sen. Wielechowski
Description: Amends Alaska statute to prohibit the manufacture, sale, or distribution of products containing certain toxic chemicals in Alaska.

SCR 1 Lupus Awareness Month
Committees and date of last action: Read for the first time and referred to (S) HSS and STA, 01/19/11
Sponsor: Sen. Davis
Description: Proclaims May 2011 as Lupus Awareness Month.

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Bill Watch: Bill Tracking Methodology

Bills listed here were selected based on a series of subjective criteria to determine whether they were "health-policy related." All bills currently sitting in the Senate and House Health and Social Services committees were examined, and any that obviously dealt with non-health-related education or social services issues were eliminated. Every other House and Senate committee was then examined for health-related bills, which were included in the final list.
 
After determining the full set of health-related bills still in committee or pre-filed for the new session, they were divided into several general categories. This was done to facilitate finding bills that dealt with certain key health policy issues and to make overall navigation of the list easier. The remaining bills were categorized as "general" health policy-related because of the wide range of subjects they covered.
 
The information listed for each bill includes the bill number, the short title, the primary sponsor or sponsors, the committee in which the last action on the bill took place, and the date on which the last action on the bill took place. A short summary of each bill is also included.
 
Abbreviations have been used for committee names. The committee names and their abbreviations are:

(H) HSS: House Health and Social Services Committee
(S) HSS: Senate Health and Social Services Committee
(H) L&C: House Labor & Commerce Committee
(S) L&C: Senate Labor & Commerce Committee
(H) EDC: House Education Committee
(S) EDC: Senate Education Committee
(H) FIN: House Finance Committee
(S) FIN: Senate Finance Committee
(H) JUD: House Judiciary Committee
(S) JUD: Senate Judiciary Committee
(H) STA: House State Affairs Committee
(S) STA: Senate State Affairs Committee 
(S) RLS: Senate Rules Committee
(H) CRA: House Community and Regional Affairs Committee
(H) TRA: House Transportation Committee
(S) TRA: Senate Transportation Committee
   
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AHPR Staff and Contributors

Lawrence D. Weiss,
PhD, MS, Editor
Kelby Murphy, Senior Policy Analyst
Jacqueline Yeagle, Newsletter design and editing
Jennifer LaCasse, Proofreader

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The Alaska Health Policy Review is issued electronically, weekly during the regular legislative session and monthly the rest of the year.
 
A standard 12-month subscription to the Alaska Health Policy Review is available for $850. Please inquire about discount rates for multiple recipients in the same organization, legislators, and small nonprofit organizations.
 
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