HJR 32 is a non-binding resolution expressing Alaska's commitment to the federal rural health transformation program, which awarded the state $272 million in 2025 to improve rural healthcare access. It outlines six key priorities for program implementation: expanding telehealth infrastructure, strengthening maternal and child health services, increasing healthcare access in remote communities, developing the healthcare workforce, modernizing technology, and ensuring fiscal sustainability. The resolution urges the Governor and Alaska's congressional delegation to advocate for continued federal support and signals the legislature's intent to pass enabling legislation by December 2027 to maintain full funding. It does not create new laws but establishes a framework for future policy decisions to address Alaska's unique rural healthcare challenges.
HB 372 requires licensed health care providers who refer patients for 10 specific services (including lab work, therapy, medical equipment, and hospital care) to report financial ties to the Alaska Health Commissioner by September 1, 2026. Service providers must also report billing amounts for referrals linked to financial relationships. The law mandates reporting on both direct financial ties and family connections, while protecting patient and provider confidentiality. This transparency measure aims to track referral patterns and billing for these covered services in Alaska.
SB 266 requires Alaska health insurers to reimburse non-network healthcare providers (like doctors or hospitals not in an insurer's preferred network) for services at a rate of at least 75% of the median rate paid to in-network providers for the same service. This applies to all health care services and supplies provided by non-network providers. The reimbursement rate is calculated using the median of the insurer's own network rates in Alaska at the time the service is delivered. The bill sets a clear minimum standard to ensure non-network providers receive fair compensation without dictating specific dollar amounts.
SB 248 establishes a licensing requirement for genetic counselors in Alaska, meaning they must obtain a license to practice. The bill creates a Genetic Counseling Advisory Council to guide licensing standards, sets rules for telehealth services provided by licensed counselors, and clarifies medical malpractice liability. It also provides immunity from civil claims when counselors offer free health care services and prohibits group health insurance plans from discriminating against genetic counselors. This legislation directly affects genetic counselors, the State Medical Board (which will oversee licensing), and health insurers in Alaska.
HB 347 clarifies and expands the scope of practice for occupational therapists (OTs) and occupational therapy assistants (OTAs) in Alaska. It allows OTs to provide services directly to patients without requiring a referral from another healthcare provider and defines specific services OTs may offer, including pain management, rehabilitation for daily activities, adaptive equipment training, and preventive care. The bill directly affects OTs, OTAs, and patients seeking these services by enabling more direct access to care. Key provisions (Section 08.84.095) detail how OTs can evaluate, treat, and support patients’ functional abilities across daily living, work, and community participation. The bill does not alter licensing or fees but streamlines service delivery within existing regulatory frameworks.
HB 294 limits health care insurance deductibles for plans sold in Alaska. It prohibits insurers from requiring annual deductibles above $1,700 for individual plans or $3,400 for family plans. The bill directly affects health insurance providers and consumers by setting these maximums for covered policies. This is a new restriction on insurer pricing practices, not a funding or benefit change.
HB 326 requires physicians and physician assistants to conduct an in-person physical exam before prescribing abortion-inducing drugs and schedule a follow-up appointment within 14 days to confirm pregnancy termination and assess bleeding. It also prohibits prescribing these drugs based on internet questionnaires or email without an existing patient relationship. The bill directly affects healthcare providers who prescribe abortion-inducing drugs and patients seeking such care in Alaska. These requirements amend existing law to add in-person examination and follow-up mandates for abortion drug prescriptions.
HB 292 requires Alaska health insurers to cover diagnosis, treatment, and prophylaxis for pediatric autoimmune neuropsychiatric disorders (PANDAS) and pediatric acute-onset neuropsychiatric syndrome (PANS). It mandates coverage for specific treatments including antimicrobials, behavioral therapies, immune-related medicines, plasma exchange, and IVIG therapy. The bill prohibits insurers from denying coverage based on prior treatment, using inconsistent guidelines for immune therapies, requiring "trial" therapies before approving immune treatments, or restricting care based on age or out-of-state availability. This directly affects families with children diagnosed with PANDAS/PANS and insurers offering health plans in Alaska, ensuring equitable coverage without discriminatory practices.
HB 241 adopts the Psychology Interjurisdictional Compact (PIC) into Alaska law, allowing psychologists licensed in other participating states to practice in Alaska more easily. It amends licensing rules (AS 08.86.070, AS 08.86.150) to establish "license by credentials" for out-of-state psychologists who meet Alaska's standards, such as holding a doctoral degree in psychology and demonstrating comparable qualifications. This directly affects licensed psychologists seeking to practice across state lines without retaking exams or completing full Alaska licensure. The bill streamlines cross-state practice while maintaining Alaska's licensing requirements for safety and competency.
SB 228 requires Alaska public schools to implement an opioid awareness curriculum for students in grades 6-12. The bill mandates at least 60 minutes of annual instruction covering fentanyl dangers, candy-like opioid pills targeting children, safe prescription use, and early warning signs of addiction. Schools must teach this curriculum during the last week of October each year. The Department of Education must develop the curriculum with input from health officials and families impacted by opioid overdoses.
