Alaska 32nd Legislature (2021-2022) Status: In Committee

SB 175 — An Act relating to telehealth; relating to the practice of medicine; relating to medical assistance coverage for services provided by telehealth; and providing for an effective date.

Last action — (S) <Pending Referral> -- MEETING CANCELED --

Track this bill free

No card. One bill, free forever — alerts when it moves.

  1. ✓
    Introduced
  2. 2
    In Committee
  3. 3
    Passed Senate
  4. 4
    Passed House
  5. 5
    To Executive
  6. 6
    Enacted

This bill died with 32nd Legislature (2021-2022). It reached “In Committee” and never advanced before the session ended, so it can no longer move — a new version would have to be reintroduced in the current session.

This bill is no longer active — its legislative session has ended, so there is no live prognosis. It would have to be reintroduced in the current session to move again.

Bill Text

What changed in the latest version

187 added · 388 removed

Plain-language change summary

The changes to Bill SB 175 expanded the eligibility for providing telehealth services in the state. Now, any licensed health care provider can offer telehealth consultations without the need for an in-person exam, while previously only in-state licensed providers were allowed more flexibility in caring for patients remotely. This matters because it increases access to healthcare services, especially for patients who might have difficulty visiting a provider in person, improving overall patient care access and convenience.

→
Previous
Latest
32-LS1421\G CS FOR SENATE BILL NO.
32-LS1421\A SENATE BILL NO.
175(HSS) IN THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF ALASKA THIRTY-SECOND LEGISLATURE - SECOND SESSION BY THE SENATE HEALTH AND SOCIAL SERVICES COMMITTEE Referred:
175 IN THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF ALASKA THIRTY-SECOND LEGISLATURE - SECOND SESSION BY SENATOR WILSON Introduced:
Labor and Commerce Sponsor(s):
2/1/22 Referred:
SENATOR WILSON A BILL FOR AN ACT ENTITLED "An Act relating to telehealth;
Health and Social Services, Labor and Commerce A BILL FOR AN ACT ENTITLED "An Act relating to telehealth;
relating to the practice of medicine and the practice of nursing;
relating to the practice of medicine;
(a) A health care provider other than a physician licensed in another state may provide health care services within the health care provider's authorized scope of practice to a patient in this state through telehealth without first conducting an in-person visit.
(a) A health care provider may provide health care services within the health care provider's authorized scope of practice to a patient in this state through telehealth without first conducting an in-person examination if the health care provider holds a license in good standing.
(b) A physician licensed in another state may provide health care services within the physician's authorized scope of practice through telehealth to a patient located in the state if (1) the physician and the patient have an established physician-patient relationship;
If a health care provider is licensed in another state, the health care provider may provide services under this section only to a patient who is referred by a health care provider licensed under this title or a federal or tribal health care program.
SB0175B -1- CSSB 175(HSS) New Text Underlined [DELETED TEXT BRACKETED] 32-LS1421\G (2) the physician has previously conducted a physical examination of the patient in person;
(b) If a health care provider determines in the course of a telehealth encounter with a patient under this section that some or all of the encounter will extend beyond SB0175A -1- SB 175 New Text Underlined [DELETED TEXT BRACKETED] 32-LS1421\A the health care provider's authorized scope of practice, the health care provider shall advise the patient that the health care provider is not authorized to provide some or all of the services to the patient, recommend that the patient contact an appropriate provider for the services the health care provider is not authorized to provide, and limit the encounter to only those services the health care provider is authorized to provide.
and (3) the health care services provided through telehealth consist of ongoing treatment or follow-up care related to health care services previously provided by the physician to the patient.
(c) If a health care provider determines in the course of a telehealth encounter with a patient under this section that some or all of the encounter will extend beyond the health care provider's authorized scope of practice, the health care provider shall advise the patient that the health care provider is not authorized to provide some or all of the services to the patient, recommend that the patient contact an appropriate provider for the services the health care provider is not authorized to provide, and limit the encounter to only those services the health care provider is authorized to provide.
(d) A fee for a service provided through telehealth under this section must be reasonable and consistent with the ordinary fee typically charged for that service and may not exceed the fee typically charged for that service.
(c) A fee for a service provided through telehealth under this section must be reasonable and consistent with the ordinary fee typically charged for that service and may not exceed the fee typically charged for that service.
(e) A physician, podiatrist, osteopath, or physician assistant licensed under AS 08.64 may prescribe, dispense, or administer through telehealth under this section a prescription for a controlled substance listed in AS 11.71.140 - 11.71.190 if the physician, podiatrist, osteopath, or physician assistant complies with AS 08.64.364.
(d) A physician, osteopath, physician assistant, or advanced practice registered nurse may examine, diagnose, and provide treatment through telehealth under this section for opioid use disorder.
(f) An advanced practice registered nurse licensed under AS 08.68 may prescribe, dispense, or administer through telehealth under this section a prescription for a controlled substance listed in AS 11.71.140 - 11.71.190 if the advanced practice registered nurse complies with AS 08.68.710.
No other person licensed under this title or licensed in another state may examine, diagnose, or provide treatment through telehealth under this section for opioid use disorder.
(g) Except as authorized under (e) and (f) of this section, a person licensed under this title or in another state may not prescribe, dispense, or administer through telehealth under this section a controlled substance listed in AS 11.71.140 - 11.71.190.
(e) A physician, podiatrist, osteopath, or physician assistant may prescribe, dispense, or administer through telehealth under this section a prescription for a controlled substance listed in AS 11.71.140 - 11.71.190 or a botulinum toxin if the physician, podiatrist, osteopath, or physician assistant complies with AS 08.64.364.
(h) A health care provider may not be required to document a barrier to an in- person visit to provide health care services through telehealth.
An advanced practice registered nurse may prescribe, dispense, or administer through telehealth under this section a prescription for a controlled substance listed in AS 11.71.140 - 11.71.190 other than buprenorphine to a patient if the advanced practice registered nurse first conducts an in-person examination of the patient.
The department or a board may not limit the physical setting from which a health ca re provider may CSSB 175(HSS) -2- SB0175B New Text Underlined [DELETED TEXT BRACKETED] 32-LS1421\G provide health care services through telehealth.
No other person licensed under this title or in another state may prescribe, dispense, or administer through telehealth under this section a prescription for a controlled substance listed in AS 11.71.140 - 11.71.190 or a botulinum toxin.
(i) Nothing in this section requires the use of telehealth when a health care provider determines that providing health care services through telehealth is not appropriate or when a patient chooses not to receive health care services through telehealth.
(f) Nothing in this section requires the use of telehealth when a health care provider determines that providing health care services through telehealth is not appropriate or when a patient chooses not to receive health car e services through telehealth.
(j) In this section, (1) "health care provider" means (A) an audiologist or speech-language pathologist licensed under AS 08.11;
(g) In this section, SB 175 -2- SB0175A New Text Underlined [DELETED TEXT BRACKETED] 32-LS1421\A (1) "health care provider" means an audiologist or speech-language pathologist licensed under AS 08.11 or in another state;
a behavior analyst licensed under AS 08.15;
a behavior analyst licensed under AS 08.15 or in another state;
a chiropractor licensed under AS 08.20;
a chiropractor licensed under AS 08.20 or in another state;
a professional counselor licensed under AS 08.29;
a professional counselor licensed under AS 08.29 or in another state;
a dental hygienist licensed under AS 08.32;
a dental hygienist licensed under AS 08.32 or in another state;
a dentist licensed under AS 08.36;
a dentist licensed under AS 08.36 or in another state;
a dietitian or nutritionist licensed under AS 08.38;
a dietitian or nutritionist licensed under AS 08.38 or in another state;
a naturopath licensed under AS 08.45;
a naturopath licensed under AS 08.45 or in another state;
a marital and family therapist licensed under AS 08.63;
a marital and family therapist licensed under AS 08.63 or in another state;
a physician licensed under AS 08.64;
a physician, podiatrist, osteopath, or physician assistant licensed under AS 08.64 or in another state;
a podiatrist, osteopath, or physician assistant licensed under AS 08.64;
a direct- entry midwife certified under AS 08.65 or in another state;
a direct-entry midwife certified under AS 08.65;
a nurse licensed under AS 08.68 or in another state;
a nurse licensed under AS 08.68;
a dispensing optician licensed under AS 08.71 or in another state;
a dispensing optician licensed under AS 08.71;
an optometrist licensed under AS 08.72 or in another state;
an optometrist licensed under AS 08.72;
a pharmacist licensed under AS 08.80 or in another state;
a pharmacist licensed under AS 08.80;
a physical therapist or occupational therapist licensed under AS 08.84 or in another state;
a physical therapist or occupational therapist licensed under AS 08.84;
a psychologist or psychological associate licensed under AS 08.86 or in another state;
a psychologist or psychological associate licensed under AS 08.86;
or a social worker licensed under AS 08.95 or in another state;
or a social worker licensed under AS 08.95;
(2) "telehealth" has the meaning given in AS 47.05.270(e).
or (B) a physician licensed in another state;
(2) "licensed" means holding a current license in good standing;
(3) "telehealth" has the meaning given in AS 47.05.270(e).
(b) The board may not impose disciplinary sanctions on a physician or physician assistant for prescribing, dispensing, or administering a prescription drug that is a controlled substance or botulinum toxin if the requirements under (a) of this section and AS 08.64.363 are met [AND THE PHYSICIAN OR PHYSICIAN ASSISTANT PRESCRIBES, DISPENSES, OR ADMINISTERS THE CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE OR BOTULINUM TOXIN WHEN AN APPROPRIATE LICENSED HEALTH CARE PROVIDER IS PRESENT WITH SB0175B -3- CSSB 175(HSS) New Text Underlined [DELETED TEXT BRACKETED] 32-LS1421\G THE PATIENT TO ASSIST THE PHYSICIAN OR PHYSICIAN ASSISTANT WITH EXAMINATION, DIAGNOSIS, AND TREATMENT].
(b) The board may not impose disciplinary sanctions on a physician or physician assistant for prescribing, dispensing, or administering a prescription drug that is a controlled substance or botulinum toxin if the requirements under (a) of this section and AS 08.64.363 are met [AND THE PHYSICIAN OR PHYSICIAN ASSISTANT PRESCRIBES, DISPENSES, OR ADMINISTERS THE CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE OR BOTULINUM TOXIN WHEN AN APPROPRIATE LICENSED HEALTH CARE PROVIDER IS PRESENT WITH THE PATIENT TO ASSIST THE PHYSICIAN OR PHYSICIAN ASSISTANT WITH EXAMINATION, DIAGNOSIS, AND TREATMENT].
Show all 186 changed rows (146 more)
Previous
Latest
AS 08.68 is amended by adding a new section to article 6 to read:
Sec.
08.68.710.
Prescription of drugs without physical examination.
(a) The board may not impose disciplinary sanctions on an advanced practice registered nurse for rendering a diagnosis, providing treatment, or prescribing, dispensing, or administering a prescription drug that is not a controlled substance to a person without conducting a physical examination if (1) the advanced practice registered nurse or another licensed health care provider in the medical practice is available to provide follow-up care;
and (2) the advanced practice registered nurse requests that the person consent to sending a copy of all records of the encounter to the person's primary care provider if the prescribing advanced practice registered nurse is not the person's primary care provider and, if the person consents, the advanced practice registered nurse sends the records to the person's primary care provider.
(b) The board may not impose disciplinary sanctions on an advanced practice registered nurse for prescribing, dispensing, or administering a prescription drug that is a controlled substance if the requirements under (a) of this section and AS 08.68.705 are met and the advanced practice registered nurse prescribes, dispenses, or administers the controlled substance.
(c) Notwithstanding (a) and (b) of this section, an advanced practice registered nurse may not prescribe, dispense, or administer a prescription drug in response to an Internet questionnaire or electronic mail message to a person with whom the advanced practice registered nurse does not have a prior provider-patient relationship.
(d) In this section, (1) "controlled substance" has the meaning given in AS 11.71.900;
(2) "prescription drug" has the meaning given in AS 08.80.480;
(3) "primary care provider" has the meaning given in AS 21.07.250.
* Sec.
4.
(a) An individual certified or licensed under this chapter may practice within the individual's authorized scope of practice under this CSSB 175(HSS) -4- SB0175B New Text Underlined [DELETED TEXT BRACKETED] 32-LS1421\G chapter through telehealth with a patient in this state if the individual's certification or license is in good standing.
(a) An individual certified or licensed under this chapter may practice within the individual's authorized scope of practice under this chapter through telehealth with a patient in this state if the individual's certification or SB0175A -3- SB 175 New Text Underlined [DELETED TEXT BRACKETED] 32-LS1421\A license is in good standing.
(d) An individual certified or licensed under this chapter may not be required to document a barrier to an in-person visit to provide health care services through telehealth.
(d) Nothing in this section requires the use of telehealth when an individual certified or licensed under this chapter determines that providing services through telehealth is not appropriate or when a patient chooses not to receive services through telehealth.
The department or the council may not limit the physical setting from which an individual certified or licensed under this chapter may provide health care services through telehealth.
(e) In this section, "telehealth" has the meaning given in AS 47.05.270(e).
(e) Nothing in this section requires the use of telehealth when an individual certified or licensed under this chapter determines that providing services through telehealth is not appropriate or when a patient chooses not to receive services through telehealth.
(f) In this section, "telehealth" has the meaning given in AS 47.05.270(e).
5.
4.
(a) The department shall pay for services covered by the medical assistance program provided through telehealth in the same manner as if the services had been provided in person, including (1) behavioral health services;
(a) The department shall pay for services provided through telehealth in the same manner as if the services had been provided in person.
(2) services covered under home and community-based waivers;
Except as provided in (b) of this section, the department shall pay for all services covered by the medical assistance program, including (1) behavioral health services;
(3) services covered under state plan options under 42 U.S.C.
(2) services covered under federal waivers or demonstrations;
1396 - SB0175B -5- CSSB 175(HSS) New Text Underlined [DELETED TEXT BRACKETED] 32-LS1421\G 1396p (Title XIX, Social Security Act);
(3) services provided by a community health aide or a community health practitioner certified by the Community Health Aide Program Certification Board;
(4) services provided by a community health aide or a community health practitioner certified by the Community Health Aide Program Certification Board;
(4) services provided by a behavioral health aide or behavioral health practitioner certified by the Community Health Aide Program Certification Board;
(5) services provided by a behavioral health aide or behavioral health practitioner certified by the Community Health Aide Program Certification Board;
(5) services provided by a dental health aide therapist certified by the SB 175 -4- SB0175A New Text Underlined [DELETED TEXT BRACKETED] 32-LS1421\A Community Health Aide Program Certification Board;
(6) services provided by a dental health aide therapist certified by the Community Health Aide Program Certification Board;
(6) services provided by a chemical dependency counselor certified by the Alaska Commission for Behavioral Health Certification;
(7) services provided by a chemical dependency counselor certified by a certifying entity for behavioral health professionals in the state specified by the department in regulation;
(7) services provided by a rural health clinic or a federallyqualified health center;
(8) services provided by a rural health clinic or a federallyqualified health center;
(8) services provided by an individual or entity that is required by statute or regulation to be licensed or certified by the department or that is eligible to receive payments, in whole or in part, from the department;
(9) services provided by an individual or entity that is required by statute or regulation to be licensed or certified by the department or that is eligible to receive payments, in whole or in part, from the department;
(9) services provided through audio, visual, or data communications, alone or in any combination, or through communications over the Internet or by facsimile, telephone, including a telephone that is not part of a dedicated audio conference system, electronic mail, text message, or two-way radio;
(10) services provided through audio, visual, or data communications, alone or in any combination, or through communications over the Internet or by telephone, including a telephone that is not part of a dedicated audio conference system, electronic mail, text message, or two-way radio;
and (10) assessment, evaluation, consultation, planning, diagnosis, treatment, case management, and the prescription, dispensing, and administration of medications, including controlled substances.
(11) assessment, evaluation, consultation, planning, diagnosis, treatment, case management, and the prescription, dispensing, and administration of medications, including controlled substances;
and (12) services covered under federal waivers or demonstrations other than home and community-based waivers.
Regulations calculating the rate of payment for a rural health clinic or federally qualified health center must treat services provided through telehealth in the same manner as if the services had been provided in person, including calculations based on the rural health clinic or federally qualified health center's reasonable costs or on the number of visits for recipients provided services, CSSB 175(HSS) -6- SB0175B New Text Underlined [DELETED TEXT BRACKETED] 32-LS1421\G and must define "visit" to include a visit provided by telehealth.
Regulations calculating the rate of payment for a rural health clinic or federally qualified health center must treat services provided through telehealth in the same manner as if the services had been provided in person, including calculations based on the rural health clinic or federally qualified health center's reasonable costs or on the number of visits for recipients provided services.
(2) determines, based on substantial medical evidence, that the service cannot be safely provided using telehealth or using the specified mode;
(2) determines, based on substantial medical evidence, that the service cannot be safely provided using telehealth or using the speed mode;
or (3) determines that providing the service using the specified mode would violate federal law or render the service ineligible for federal financial participation under applicable federal law.
or SB0175A -5- SB 175 New Text Underlined [DELETED TEXT BRACKETED] 32-LS1421\A (3) determines that providing the service using the specified mode would violate federal law or render the service ineligible for federal financial participation under applicable federal law.
(c) All services delivered through telehealth under this section must comply with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (P.L.
(c) In this section, (1) "federally qualified health center" has the meaning given in 42 U.S.C.
104-191).
(d) In this section, (1) "federally qualified health center" has the meaning given in 42 U.S.C.
(3) "state plan" means the state plan for medical assistance coverage developed under AS 47.07.040;
(3) "telehealth" has the meaning given AS 47.05.270(e).
(4) "telehealth" has the meaning given AS 47.05.270(e).
6.
5.
AS 47.07.069(a), enacted by sec.
5 of this Act, is amended to read:
(a) The department shall pay for services covered by the medical assistance program provided through telehealth if the department pays for those services when [IN THE SAME MANNER AS IF THE SERVICES HAD BEEN] provided in person, including (1) behavioral health services;
(2) services covered under home and community-based waivers;
SB0175B -7- CSSB 175(HSS) New Text Underlined [DELETED TEXT BRACKETED] 32-LS1421\G (3) services covered under state plan options under 42 U.S.C.
1396 - 1396p (Title XIX, Social Security Act);
(4) services provided by a community health aide or a community health practitioner certified by the Community Health Aide Program Certification Board;
(5) services provided by a behavioral health aide or behavioral health practitioner certified by the Community Health Aide Program Certification Board;
(6) services provided by a dental health aide therapist certified by the Community Health Aide Program Certification Board;
(7) services provided by a chemical dependency counselor certified by a certifying entity for behavioral health professionals in the state specified by the department in regulation;
(8) services provided by a rural health clinic or a federallyqualified health center;
(9) services provided by an individual or entity that is required by statute or regulation to be licensed or certified by the department or that is eligible to receive payments, in whole or in part, from the department;
(10) services provided through audio, visual, or data communications, alone or in any combination, or through communications over the Internet or by telephone, including a telephone that is not part of a dedicated audio conference system, electronic mail, text message, or two-way radio;
(11) assessment, evaluation, consultation, planning, diagnosis, treatment, case management, and the prescription, dispensing, and administration of medications, including controlled substances;
and (12) services covered under federal waivers or demonstrations other than home and community-based waivers.
* Sec.
7.
AS 47.07.069(b), enacted by sec.
5 of this Act, is amended to read:
(b) The department shall adopt regulations for services provided by telehealth, including setting rates of payment.
The department may set a rate of payment for a service provided through telehealth that is different from the rate of payment for the same service provided in person.
[REGULATIONS CALCULATING THE CSSB 175(HSS) -8- SB0175B New Text Underlined [DELETED TEXT BRACKETED] 32-LS1421\G RATE OF PAYMENT FOR A RURAL HEALTH CLINIC OR FEDERALLY QUALIFIED HEALTH CENTER MUST TREAT SERVICES PROVIDED THROUGH TELEHEALTH IN THE SAME MANNER AS IF THE SERVICES HAD BEEN PROVIDED IN PERSON, INCLUDING CALCULATIONS BASED ON THE RURAL HEALTH CLINIC OR FEDERALLY QUALIFIED HEALTH CENTER'S REASONABLE COSTS OR ON THE NUMBER OF VISITS FOR RECIPIENTS PROVIDED SERVICES, AND MUST DEFINE "VISIT" TO INCLUDE A VISIT PROVIDED BY TELEHEALTH.
THE DEPARTMENT MAY NOT DECREASE THE RATE OF PAYMENT FOR A TELEHEALTH SERVICE BASED ON THE LOCATION OF THE PERSON PROVIDING THE SERVICE, THE LOCATION OF THE ELIGIBLE RECIPIENT OF THE SERVICE, THE COMMUNICATION METHOD USED, OR WHETHER THE SERVICE WAS PROVIDED ASYNCHRONOUSLY OR SYNCHRONOUSLY.] The department may exclude or limit coverage or reimbursement for a service provided by telehealth, or limit the telehealth modes that may be used for a particular service, only if the department (1) specifically excludes or limits the service from telehealth coverage or reimbursement by regulations adopted under this subsection;
(2) determines, based on substantial medical evidence, that the service cannot be safely provided using telehealth or using the specified mode;
or (3) determines that providing the service using the specified mode would violate federal law or render the service ineligible for federal financial participation under applicable federal law.
* Sec.
8.
AS 47.30 is amended by adding a new section to read:
Sec.
47.30.585.
Telehealth.
(a) An entity designated by the department under AS 47.30.520 - 47.30.620 may provide community mental health services authorized under AS 47.30.520 - 47.30.620 through telehealth to a patient in this state.
(b) If an individual employed by an entity designated by the department under AS 47.30.520 - 47.30.620, in the course of a telehealth encounter with a patient, determines that some or all of the encounter will extend beyond the community mental health services authorized under AS 47.30.520 - 47.30.620, the individual shall advise SB0175B -9- CSSB 175(HSS) New Text Underlined [DELETED TEXT BRACKETED] 32-LS1421\G the patient that the entity is not authorized to provide some or all of the services to the patient, recommend that the patient contact an appropriate provider for the services the entity is not authorized to provide, and limit the encounter to only those services the entity is authorized to provide.
The entity may not charge a patient for any portion of an encounter that extends beyond the community mental health services authorized under AS 47.30.520 - 47.30.620.
(c) A fee for a service provided through telehealth under this section must be reasonable and consistent with the ordinary fee typically charged for that service and may not exceed the fee typically charged for that service.
(d) An entity permitted to provide telehealth under this section may not be required to document a barrier to an in-person visit to provide health care services through telehealth.
The department may not limit the physical setting from which an entity may provide health care services through telehealth.
(e) Nothing in this section requires the use of telehealth when an individual employed by an entity designated by the department under AS 47.30.520 - 47.30.620 determines that providing services through telehealth is not appropriate or when a patient chooses not to receive services through telehealth.
(f) In this section, "telehealth" has the meaning given in AS 47.05.270(e).
* Sec.
9.
AS 47.37 is amended by adding a new section to read:
Sec.
47.37.145.
Telehealth.
(a) A public or private treatment facility approved under AS 47.37.140 may provide health care services authorized under AS 47.37.030 - 47.37.270 through telehealth to a patient in this state.
(b) If an individual employed by a public or private treatment facility approved under AS 47.37.140, in the course of a telehealth encounter with a patient, determines that some or all of the encounter will extend beyond the health care services authorized under AS 47.37.030 - 47.37.270, the individual shall advise the patient that the facility is not authorized to provide some or all of the services to the patient, recommend that the patient contact an appropriate provider for the services the facility is not authorized to provide, and limit the encounter to only those services the facility is authorized to provide.
The facility may not charge a patient for any portion of an encounter that extends beyond the authorized health care services under CSSB 175(HSS) -10- SB0175B New Text Underlined [DELETED TEXT BRACKETED] 32-LS1421\G AS 47.37.030 - 47.37.270.
(c) A fee for a service provided through telehealth under this section must be reasonable and consistent with the ordinary fee typically charged for that service and may not exceed the fee typically charged for that service.
(d) A facility permitted to practice telehealth under this section may not be required to document a barrier to an in-person visit to provide health care services through telehealth.
The department may not limit the physical setting from which a facility may provide health care services through telehealth.
(e) Nothing in this section requires the use of telehealth when an individual employed by a facility approved under AS 47.37.140 determines that providing services through telehealth is not appropriate or when a patient chooses not to receive services through telehealth.
(f) In this section, "telehealth" has the meaning given in AS 47.05.270(e).
* Sec.
10.
(a) To the extent necessary to implement this Act, the Department of Health and Social Services shall amend and submit for federal approval the state plan for medical assistance coverage consistent with AS 47.07.069, enacted by sec.
To the extent necessary o t implement this Act, the Department of Health and Social Services shall amend and submit for federal approval the state plan for medical assistance coverage consistent with AS 47.07.069, enacted by sec.
5 of this Act.
4 of this Act.
(b) To the extent necessary to implement this Act, the Department of Health shall amend and submit for federal approval the state plan for medical assistance coverage consistent with AS 47.07.069(a), as amended by sec.
6 of this Act, and AS 47.07.069(b), as amended by sec.
7 of this Act.
11.
6.
REGULATIONS.
(a) Each applicable board responsible for licensing a profession authorized to provide telehealth services under sec.
1 of this Act shall adopt regulations necessary to implement sec.
1 of this Act.
The licensing boards shall adopt the regulations not later than June 30, 2023.
(b) The State Medical Board shall adopt regulations necessary to implement sec.
2 of this Act.
The State Medical Board shall adopt the regulations not later than June 30, 2023.
SB0175B -11- CSSB 175(HSS) New Text Underlined [DELETED TEXT BRACKETED] 32-LS1421\G (c) The Department of Health shall adopt regulations necessary to implement secs.
4, 5, 8, and 9 of this Act.
The Department of Health shall adopt the regulations not later than June 30, 2023.
* Sec.
12.
The uncodified law of the State of Alaska is amended by adding a new section to read:
(a) Section 5 of this Act takes effect only if, on or before June 30, 2023, the United States Department of Health and Human Services (1) approves amendments to the state plan for medical assistance coverage under AS 47.07.069, enacted by sec.
(a) Section 4 of this Act takes effect only if, on or before January 1, 2023, the United States Department of Health and Human Services (1) approves amendments to the state plan for medical assistance coverage under AS 47.07.069, enacted by sec.
5 of this Act;
4 of this Act;
5 of this Act, is not necessary.
4 of this Act, is not necessary.
(b) The commissioner of health shall notify the revisor of statutes in writing within 30 days after the United States Department of Health and Human Services approves amendments to the state plan or determines that approval is not necessary under (a)(1) or (2) of this section.
(b) The commissioner of health and social services shall notify the revisor of statutes in writing within 30 days after the United States Department of Health and Human Services approves amendments to the state plan or determines that approval is not necessary under (a)(1) or (2) of this section.
(c) Sections 6 and 7 of this Act take effect only if sec.
5 ofthis Act takes effect as provided in (a) of this section and if, after June 30, 2023, and on or before June 30, 2030, the United States Department of Health and Human Services (1) approves amendments to the state plan for medical assistance coverage under AS 47.07.069(a), as amended by sec.
6 of this Act, and AS 47.07.069(b), as amended by sec.
7 of this Act;
or (2) determines that its approval of the amendments to the state plan for medical assistance coverage under AS 47.07.069(a), as amended by sec.
6 of this Act, and AS 47.07.069(b), as amended by sec.
7 of this Act, is not necessary.
(d) The commissioner of health shall notify the revisor of statutes in writing within 30 days after the United States Department of Health and Human Services approves amendments to the state plan or determines that approval is not necessary under (c)(1) or (2) of this section.
13.
7.
Sections 10(a) and 11(a) and (b) of this Act take effect immediately under AS 01.10.070(c).
* Sec.
14.
Section 11(c) of this Act takes effect July 1, 2022.
CSSB 175(HSS) -12- SB0175B New Text Underlined [DELETED TEXT BRACKETED] 32-LS1421\G * Sec.
15.
5 of this Act takes effect under sec.
4 of this Act takes effect, it takes effect on the day after the date the revisor of statutes receives notice from the commissioner of health and social services under sec.
12(a) of this Act, it takes effect June 30, 2023.
6(b) SB 175 -6- SB0175A New Text Underlined [DELETED TEXT BRACKETED] 32-LS1421\A of this Act.
16.
8.
If secs.
Except as provided in sec.
6 and 7 of this Act take effect under sec.
7 of this Act, this Act takes effect immediately under AS 01.10.070(c).
12(c) of this Act, they take effect June 30, 2030.
SB0175A -7- SB 175 New Text Underlined [DELETED TEXT BRACKETED]
* Sec.
17.
Except as provided in secs.
13 - 16 of this Act, this Act takes effect June 30, 2023.
SB0175B -13- CSSB 175(HSS) New Text Underlined [DELETED TEXT BRACKETED]
⬇ Download PDF
View plain text versions (2)

How this bill changes current law

7 changes Share ↗

AI-generated reading aid from the bill's amendatory text — verify against the official bill.

The bill expands the provision of telehealth services by allowing various healthcare providers, including out-of-state physicians, to deliver care without requiring an in-person visit under specific conditions.

  • AS 08.01

    Sec. 08.01.085. Telehealth. (a) A health care provider other than a physician licensed in another state may provide health care services within the health care provider's authorized scope of practice to a patient in this state through telehealth without first conducting an in-person visit.

    This addition allows non-physician healthcare providers to use telehealth without prior in-person visits.

  • AS 08.01

    Sec. 08.01.085. (b) A physician licensed in another state may provide health care services within the physician's authorized scope of practice through telehealth to a patient located in the state if (1) the physician and the patient have an established physician-patient relationship; (2) the physician has previously conducted a physical examination of the patient in person; and (3) the health care services provided through telehealth consist of ongoing treatment or follow-up care related to health care services previously provided by the physician to the patient.

    This clause permits out-of-state physicians to provide telehealth services to established patients under specific conditions.

  • AS 08.01

    Sec. 08.01.085. (h) A health care provider may not be required to document a barrier to an in-person visit to provide health care services through telehealth.

    This provision eliminates the requirement for healthcare providers to document reasons for not providing in-person services when using telehealth.

  • AS 08.64.364(b)

    AND THE PHYSICIAN OR PHYSICIAN ASSISTANT PRESCRIBES, DISPENSES, OR ADMINISTERS THE CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE OR BOTULINUM TOXIN WHEN AN APPROPRIATE LICENSED HEALTH CARE PROVIDER IS PRESENT WITH THE PATIENT TO ASSIST THE PHYSICIAN OR PHYSICIAN ASSISTANT WITH EXAMINATION, DIAGNOSIS, AND TREATMENT.

    This change allows physicians and physician assistants to prescribe controlled substances without requiring another provider to be present.

  • AS 08.68

    Sec. 08.68.710. (b) The board may not impose disciplinary sanctions on an advanced practice registered nurse for prescribing, dispensing, or administering a prescription drug that is a controlled substance if the requirements under (a) of this section and AS 08.68.705 are met and the advanced practice registered nurse prescribes, dispenses, or administers the controlled substance.

    This section allows advanced practice registered nurses to prescribe controlled substances under certain conditions without in-person examinations.

  • AS 18.08

    Sec. 18.08.100. Telehealth. (a) An individual certified or licensed under this chapter may practice within the individual's authorized scope of practice under this chapter through telehealth with a patient in this state if the individual's certification or license is in good standing.

    This addition allows individuals certified or licensed under AS 18.08 to provide telehealth services.

  • AS 47.07

    Sec. 47.07.069. Payment for telehealth. (a) The department shall pay for services covered by the medical assistance program provided through telehealth in the same manner as if the services had been provided in person.

    This section mandates that telehealth services are reimbursed the same as in-person services by the medical assistance program.

Action History

  1. (S) <Pending Referral> -- MEETING CANCELED --

  2. (S) FINANCE at 09:00 AM SENATE FINANCE 532

  3. (S) Minutes (SL&C)

  4. (S) Scheduled but Not Heard

  5. (S) LABOR & COMMERCE at 01:30 PM BELTZ 105 (TSBldg)

  6. (S) -- Invited & Public Testimony -- -- MEETING CANCELED --

  7. (S) LABOR & COMMERCE at 01:30 PM BELTZ 105 (TSBldg)

  8. (S) REFERRED TO LABOR & COMMERCE

  9. (S) FN4: ZERO(DHS/DOH)

  10. (S) FN3: (DHS/DOH)

  11. (S) FN2: (DHS/DOH)

  12. (S) FN1: (CED)

  13. (S) DP: WILSON, COSTELLO, HUGHES

  14. (S) HSS RPT CS 3DP NEW TITLE

  15. (S) Minutes (SHSS)

  16. (S) Moved CSSB 175(HSS) Out of Committee

  17. (S) HEALTH & SOCIAL SERVICES at 01:30 PM BUTROVICH 205

  18. (S) Minutes (SHSS)

  19. (S) Heard & Held

  20. (S) HEALTH & SOCIAL SERVICES at 01:30 PM BUTROVICH 205

  21. (S) Minutes (SHSS)

  22. (S) <Bill Hearing Canceled>

  23. (S) HEALTH & SOCIAL SERVICES at 01:30 PM BUTROVICH 205

  24. (S) Minutes (SHSS)

  25. (S) Heard & Held

  26. (S) HEALTH & SOCIAL SERVICES at 01:30 PM BUTROVICH 205

  27. (S) Minutes (SHSS)

  28. (S) Heard & Held

  29. (S) HEALTH & SOCIAL SERVICES at 01:30 PM BUTROVICH 205

  30. (S) Minutes (SHSS)

  31. (S) HEALTH & SOCIAL SERVICES at 01:30 PM BUTROVICH 205

  32. (S) HSS, L&C

  33. (S) READ THE FIRST TIME - REFERRALS

Sponsors

  • WILSON · Primary

Sponsorship breakdown

Export CSV (upgrade) →

1 sponsors · 0 co-sponsors · 64 not signed on

Sponsors (1)

  • WILSON

Co-sponsors (0)

None.

Not signed on (64)

64 members have not signed on to this bill.

Show all 64 →

"Not signed on" means a member has not sponsored or co-sponsored this bill — it does not imply opposition. Members flagged Voted No have a recorded No vote on this bill.

Whip count is in markup. Polling the chamber and every recorded vote this session. Only the first open is slow. It’s instant for you after this. Calling the roll · Tallying · Engrossing

Subjects

healthcare health-insurance technology
Cross-referencing the record. Reading this bill against every other bill in the corpus by meaning, not keywords. Only the first open is slow. It’s instant for you after this. Matching · Ranking · Engrossing

Frequently asked questions

Who sponsors SB 175?
SB 175 is sponsored by WILSON.
What is the current status of SB 175?
This bill died with 32nd Legislature (2021-2022). It reached “In Committee” and never advanced before the session ended, so it can no longer move — a new version would have to be reintroduced in the current session.
Where can I track SB 175?
Track SB 175 free on One Click Politics — get push/email alerts when it moves.

Make your voice heard on SB 175

Find the representatives who decide this bill and tell them where you stand — for yourself, or mobilize your whole list in one click with One Click Politics advocacy software.

Find my representatives → Run a campaign

Stay ahead of SB 175

Last checked for changes 3 months ago · updated continuously

One Click Politics tracks every bill in Congress and all 50 states.

Track this bill →