Alaska 33rd Legislature (2023-2024) Status: Enacted Bipartisan · 3 D · 1 I cosponsors

SB 91 — An Act relating to telehealth; relating to multidisciplinary care teams; and relating to the practice of medicine.

Last action — (S) LEG FINANCE APPROPRIATION MESSAGE REVISED 10/15

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

This bill has been enacted into law. Introduced March 06, 2023. Enacted.

Signed by Governor Mike Dunleavy (Republican) on October 09, 2024.

Odds of enactment

High chance

Based on the sponsor, cosponsors, and committee posture, this bill has a high chance of becoming law.

Upgrade to see the exact probability and what's driving it.

A statistical estimate from our own model of past outcomes — an insight, not a guarantee. Policymaking is volatile.

Prognosis

Likely to advance 78% · high confidence

  • Enacted

    Current position in the legislative process.

  • 4 sponsors

    1 primary, 3 co-sponsors signed on.

  • Bipartisan support

    Sponsored across 2 parties (3 D · 1 I) — cross-party backing.

  • Mixed recorded votes

    3 passed, 1 failed in recorded votes so far.

Based on stage, sponsorship breadth, committee status, recorded votes, and cross-state momentum — a description of the observable signals, not a prediction.

Bill Text

What changed in the latest version

175 added · 210 removed

Plain-language change summary

The recent amendments to Senate Bill 91 clarify the conditions under which out-of-state physicians can provide telehealth services to patients in Alaska. The changes emphasize that these services can only be offered if the healthcare service is unavailable in the state and require that the physician has previously established a relationship with the patient. This matters because it aims to ensure that patients receive appropriate care from familiar providers while addressing potential gaps in local healthcare access.

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33-LS0193\A SENATE BILL NO.
LAWS OF ALASKA Source Chapter No.
91 IN THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF ALASKA THIRTY-THIRD LEGISLATURE - FIRST SESSION BY SENATOR CLAMAN Introduced:
CSSB 91(FIN) am H _______ AN ACT Relating to telehealth;
3/6/23 Referred:
Health & Social Services, Finance A BILL FOR AN ACT ENTITLED "An Act relating to telehealth;
and relating to the practice of medicine." BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF ALASKA:
and relating to the practice of medicine.
* Section 1.
_______________ BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF ALASKA:
THE ACT FOLLOWS ON PAGE 1 Enrolled SB 91 AN ACT Relating to telehealth;
relating to multidisciplinary care teams;
and relating to the practice of medicine.
_______________ * Section 1.
A physician shall be [, AND] subject to disciplinary action by the State Medical Board under AS 08.64.333, and a member of the physician's multidisciplinary care team shall be subject to disciplinary action by the department under AS 08.02.140.
A member of a physician's multidisciplinary care team may provide a health care service through telehealth to a patient located in this state if the health care service, as provided by the multidisciplinary care team, is not reasonably available in the state.
The privilege to practice under this subsection extends only to (1) ongoing treatment or follow-up care provided by a physician licensed in another state, or a member of the physician's multidisciplinary care SB0091A -1- SB 91 New Text Underlined [DELETED TEXT BRACKETED] 33-LS0193\A team, that is related to health care services previously provided by the physician to the patient and applies only if (A) the physician and the patient have an established physician- patient relationship;
A physician shall be [, AND] subject to disciplinary action by the State Medical Board under AS 08.64.333, and a member of the physician's multidisciplinary care team shall be subject to disciplinary action by the -1- Enrolled SB 91 department under AS 08.02.140.
The privilege to practice under this subsection extends only to (1) ongoing treatment or follow-up care related to health careservices previously provided by the physician to the patient and applies only if (A) the physician and the patient have an established physician- patient relationship;
or (2) a visit with a physician licensed in another state, or a member of the physician's multidisciplinary care team, regarding a suspected or diagnosed life-threatening condition for which (A) the patient has been referred to the physician licensed in another state, or a member of the physician's multidisciplinary care team, by a physician licensed in this state or by a physician licensed in another state who meets the requirements of (1) of this subsection and that referral has been documented by the referring physician;
[OR] (2) a visit regarding a suspected or diagnosed life-threatening condition for which (A) the patient has been referred to the physician licensed in another state by a physician licensed in this state and that referral has been documented by the referring physician;
and (B) the visit involves communication with the patient regarding diagnostic or treatment plan options or analysis of test results for the life- threatening condition.
and (B) the visit involves communication with the patient regarding diagnostic or treatment plan options or analysis of test results for the life- threatening condition;
or (3) ongoing treatment or follow-up care provided by a physician licensed in another state or a member of the physician's multidisciplinary care team regarding a suspected or diagnosed life-threatening condition.
a physical therapist or occupational therapist licensed under AS 08.84;
a Enrolled SB 91 -2- physical therapist or occupational therapist licensed under AS 08.84;
or a social SB 91 -2- SB0091A New Text Underlined [DELETED TEXT BRACKETED] 33-LS0193\A worker licensed under AS 08.95;
or a social worker licensed under AS 08.95;
or (C) a member of a multidisciplinary care team that includes a physician licensed in another state who meets the requirements of (b)(1) of this section;
or (C) a member of a multidisciplinary care team who is licensed in another state;
AS 08.02 is amended by adding new sections to read:
AS 08.02.130(j) is amended by adding a new paragraph to read:
(5) "member of a multidisciplinary care team" means an audiologist, speech-language pathologist, behavior analyst, professional counselor, dietitian, nutritionist, naturopath, marital and family therapist, podiatrist, osteopath, physician assistant, nurse, pharmacist, physical therapist, occupational therapist, psychologist or psychological associate, advanced nurse practitioner, or social worker who is a member of a team coordinated by a physician licensed in another state who meets the requirements of (b)(3) of this section.
* Sec.
4.
AS 08.02 is amended by adding new sections to article 3 to read:
(B) a class B or class C felony or a crime in another jurisdiction with elements similar to a class B or class C felony in this jurisdiction if the felony or other crime is substantially related to the qualifications, functions, or duties of the member;
(B) a class B or class C felony or a crime in another jurisdiction -3- Enrolled SB 91 with elements similar to a class B or class C felony in this jurisdiction if the felony or other crime is substantially related to the qualifications, functions, or duties of the member;
(6) intentionally or negligently permitted the performance of patient care by persons under the member's supervision that does not conform to minimum SB0091A -3- SB 91 New Text Underlined [DELETED TEXT BRACKETED] 33-LS0193\A professional standards even if the patient was not injured;
(6) intentionally or negligently permitted the performance of patient care by persons under the member's supervision that does not conform to minimum professional standards even if the patient was not injured;
in this paragraph, "sexual misconduct" includes sexual contact, or attempted sexual contact with a patient outside the scope of generally accepted methods of examination or treatment of the patient, regardless of the patient's consent or lack of consent, during the term of the health care provider-patient relationship, unless the patient was the member's spouse at the time of the contact or, immediately preceding the health care provider-patient relationship, was in a dating, courtship, or engagement relationship with the member;
in this paragraph, "sexual misconduct" includes sexual contact, or attempted sexual contact, with a patient outside the scope of generally accepted methods of examination or treatment of the patient, regardless of the patient's consent or lack of consent, during the term of the health care provider-patient relationship, unless the patient was the member's spouse at the time of the contact or, immediately preceding the health care provider-patient relationship, was in a dating, courtship, or engagement relationship with the member;
(10) has violated any code of ethics adopted imposed by the department;
(10) has violated any code of ethics adopted by the department;
(11) has denied care or treatment to a patient or person seeking assistance from the member if the only reason for the denial is the failure or refusal of the patient to agree to arbitrate as provided in AS 09.55.535(a);
(11) has denied care or treatment to a patient or person seeki ng Enrolled SB 91 -4- assistance from the member if the only reason for the denial is the failure or refusal of the patient to agree to arbitrate as provided in AS 09.55.535(a);
SB 91 -4- SB0091A New Text Underlined [DELETED TEXT BRACKETED] 33-LS0193\A (13) exceeded the scope of the member's privilege to practice in this state under AS 08.02.130;
(13) exceeded the scope of the member's privilege to practice in this state under AS 08.02.130;
(b) In a case finding grounds for sanction under AS 08.02.135(12), the final findings of fact, conclusions of law, and order of the authority that suspended or revoked a license or certificate constitute a prima facie case that the license or certificate was suspended or revoked and the grounds under which the suspension or revocation was granted.
-5- Enrolled SB 91 (b) In a case finding grounds for sanction under AS 08.02.135(12), the final findings of fact, conclusions of law, and order of the authority that suspended or revoked a license or certificate constitute a prima facie case that the license or certificate was suspended or revoked and the grounds under which the suspension or revocation was granted.
The department may require a member on probation to SB0091A -5- SB 91 New Text Underlined [DELETED TEXT BRACKETED] 33-LS0193\A (1) report regularly to the department on matters involving the reason for which the member was placed on probation;
The department may require a member on probation to (1) report regularly to the department on matters involving the reason for which the member was placed on probation;
(e) The department shall take measures to recover from a member the cost of proceedings resulting in a sanction under (a) of this section, including the costs of investigation by the department, and hearing costs.
(e) The department shall take measures to recover from a member the cost of proceedings resulting in a sanction under (a) of this section, including the costs of investigation by the department and hearing costs.
(f) The department may prohibit a member from practicing in the state upon receiving a certified copy of evidence that a license or certificate to practice within the member's scope of practice in another state or territory of the United States or province or territory of Canada has been suspended or revoked.
(f) The department may prohibit a member from practicing in the state upon receiving a certified copy of evidence that a license or certificate to practice within the member's scope of practice in another state or territory of the United States, or a Enrolled SB 91 -6- province or territory of Canada, has been suspended or revoked.
SB 91 -6- SB0091A New Text Underlined [DELETED TEXT BRACKETED]
* Sec.
5.
AS 44.33.381(b) is amended to read:
(b) The department shall maintain the registry of businesses performing telemedicine services in the state.
The registry must include the name, address, and contact information of businesses performing telemedicine services in the state.
The department may renew every two years the registration of a business that meets all renewal requirements established by regulation and pays a renewal fee every two years.
Show all 48 changed rows (8 more)
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* Sec.
6.
AS 44.33.381 is amended by adding a new subsection to read:
(d) The department shall charge the following fees for businesses performing telemedicine services in the state:
(1) initial registration fee, $100, adjusted for inflation in a manner determined by the department;
(2) renewal fee, $100, adjusted for inflation in a manner determined by the department;
(3) fee to report changes in the business's registration information, $50.
-7- Enrolled SB 91
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Action History

  1. (S) LEG FINANCE APPROPRIATION MESSAGE REVISED 10/15

  2. (H) LEG FINANCE APPROPRIATION MESSAGE REVISED 10/15

  3. (H) FN4: (CED)

  4. (H) FN(S) ATTACHED TO APPROP. BILL HB 268

  5. (H) LEG FINANCE APPROPRIATION MESSAGE 8/30/24

  6. (S) LEG FINANCE APPROPRIATION MESSAGE 8/30/24

  7. (S) EFFECTIVE DATE(S) OF LAW 10/16/24

  8. (S) LAW W/O GOV SIGNATURE 7/19 CH 13 SLA 24

  9. (S) 12:45 P.M. 6/25/24 Transmitted to Governor

  10. (S) MANIFEST ERROR(S)

  11. (S) CONCUR AM OF (H) Y20 N-

  12. (S) CONCUR MESSAGE READ AND TAKEN UP

  13. (H) VERSION: CSSB 91(FIN) AM H

  14. (H) TRANSMITTED TO (S) AS AMENDED

  15. (H) PASSED Y38 N1 A1

  16. (H) READ THE THIRD TIME CSSB 91(FIN) AM H

  17. (H) HELD TO 5/15 CALENDAR

  18. (H) MOVED TO BOTTOM OF CALENDAR

  19. (H) CROSS SPONSOR(S): MINA, JOSEPHSON, SCHRAGE

  20. (H) ADVANCED TO THIRD READING 5/14 CALENDAR

  21. (H) AM NO 4 FAILED Y1 N37 E1 A1

  22. (H) AM NO 3 OFFERED AND WITHDRAWN

  23. (H) AM NO 2 OFFERED AND WITHDRAWN

  24. (H) AM NO 1 ADOPTED UC

  25. (H) READ THE SECOND TIME

  26. (H) RULES TO CALENDAR 5/13/2024

  27. (H) <Pending Referral> -- MEETING CANCELED --

  28. (H) RULES at 06:00 PM GRUENBERG 120

  29. (H) FN4: (CED)

  30. (H) NR: STAPP

  31. (H) DP: TOMASZEWSKI, CRONK, COULOMBE, JOSEPHSON, HANNAN, GALVIN, FOSTER

  32. (H) FIN RPT 7DP 1NR

  33. (H) Minutes (HFIN)

  34. (H) Moved CSSB 91(FIN) Out of Committee -- Delayed to 4:00 PM --

  35. (H) FINANCE at 01:30 PM ADAMS 519

  36. (H) Scheduled but Not Heard -- Please Note Time Change --

  37. (H) FINANCE at 09:00 AM ADAMS 519

  38. (H) -- Public Testimony -- -- MEETING CANCELED --

  39. (H) FINANCE at 01:30 PM ADAMS 519

  40. (H) FN3: (CED)

  41. (H) NR: SUMNER

  42. (H) DP: FIELDS, RUFFRIDGE, MCCORMICK, MINA, PRAX

  43. (H) HSS RPT 5DP 1NR

  44. (H) Moved CSSB 91(FIN) Out of Committee

  45. (H) HEALTH & SOCIAL SERVICES at 03:00 PM DAVIS 106

  46. (H) HSS, FIN

  47. (H) READ THE FIRST TIME - REFERRALS

  48. (S) VERSION: CSSB 91(FIN)

  49. (S) TRANSMITTED TO (H)

  50. (S) PASSED Y16 N- E4

  51. (S) READ THE THIRD TIME CSSB 91(FIN)

  52. (S) ADVANCED TO THIRD READING 3/22 CAL

  53. (S) FIN CS ADOPTED UC

  54. (S) READ THE SECOND TIME

  55. (S) RULES TO CALENDAR 3/20/2024

  56. (S) FN2: (CED)

  57. (S) NR: WILSON, MERRICK

  58. (S) DP: OLSON, BISHOP

  59. (S) FIN RPT CS 2DP 2NR SAME TITLE

  60. (S) Minutes (SFIN)

  61. (S) Moved CSSB 91(FIN) Out of Committee -- Please Note Time Change --

  62. (S) FINANCE at 01:30 PM SENATE FINANCE 532

  63. (S) Minutes (SFIN)

  64. (S) Heard & Held -- Please Note Time Change --

  65. (S) FINANCE at 09:30 AM SENATE FINANCE 532

  66. (S) FN1: (CED)

  67. (S) DNP: GIESSEL

  68. (S) NR: WILSON, TOBIN, KAUFMAN, DUNBAR

  69. (S) HSS RPT CS 1DNP 4NR SAME TITLE

  70. (S) Minutes (SHSS)

  71. (S) Moved CSSB 91(HSS) Out of Committee

  72. (S) HEALTH & SOCIAL SERVICES at 03:30 PM BUTROVICH 205

  73. (S) Minutes (SHSS)

  74. (S) Heard & Held

  75. (S) HEALTH & SOCIAL SERVICES at 03:30 PM BUTROVICH 205

  76. (S) Minutes (SHSS)

  77. (S) Heard & Held

  78. (S) HEALTH & SOCIAL SERVICES at 03:30 PM BUTROVICH 205

  79. (S) HSS, FIN

  80. (S) READ THE FIRST TIME - REFERRALS

Sponsors

Sponsorship breakdown

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1 sponsors · 3 co-sponsors · 61 not signed on

Sponsors (1)

Co-sponsors (3)

Not signed on (61)

61 members have not signed on to this bill.

Show all 61 →

"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

Votes

Subjects

healthcare 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 91?
SB 91 is sponsored by Calvin Schrage (N), Andy Josephson (D), Genevieve Mina (D), and Matt Claman (D).
What is the current status of SB 91?
This bill has been enacted into law. Introduced March 06, 2023. Enacted.
Where can I track SB 91?
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