AK SB166

Creates Board of Medical Laboratory Science Professionals in the Department of Commerce, Community, and Economic Development, consisting of five members (four licensed medical laboratory science professionals and one public member), with three-year terms.

Establishes licensing requirements for medical laboratory scientists, medical laboratory technicians, medical laboratory assistants, and phlebotomy technicians, requiring applicants to submit approved applications, pay fees, and provide evidence of competency through certification by board-approved credentialing agencies.

Defines scope of practice for each license category, with medical laboratory scientists performing the broadest range of independent duties and supervising other laboratory professionals, while lower categories work under supervision.

Provides exemptions from licensing for certain personnel including U.S. government employees, students in approved programs, researchers, newly hired persons (up to six months), nonresident temporary workers (up to 13 weeks), point-of-care testing personnel under certain conditions, and those working under pathologist supervision.

Establishes grounds for license denial or disciplinary action including material misstatements, violations, felony convictions, unprofessional conduct, incompetence, and improper fee-splitting arrangements; also provides two-year transition period for currently employed laboratory testing professionals who are nationally certified.