HB 278 Summary

• Amends AS 08.64.364 to allow physicians to diagnose, treat, and prescribe non-controlled substances without a physical examination without facing disciplinary sanctions from the medical board.

• Requires that a physician or another licensed health care provider in the physician's group practice be available to provide follow-up care.

• Requires the physician to request patient consent to send all records of the encounter to the patient's primary care provider (if the prescribing physician is not the primary care provider), and to send records if consent is obtained.

• Adds new subsection (c) to allow physicians to prescribe, dispense, or administer controlled substances without a physical examination if an appropriate licensed health care provider is present with the patient to assist with examination, diagnosis, and treatment, and all other requirements in subsection (a) are met.