SB 74 Summary

• Allows physicians, dentists, nurses, and other health professionals to provide diagnosis, treatment, and services via telemedicine (audio, video, or data communications) without physical examination, subject to regulatory standards and follow-up care availability.

• Establishes the Alaska Medical Assistance False Claim and Reporting Act creating civil penalties ($5,500-$11,000 per violation) for fraudulent medical assistance claims, with qui tam provisions allowing private citizens to sue on behalf of the state and share in recoveries.

• Requires pharmacists and certain practitioners who dispense controlled substances to register with the controlled substance prescription database; restricts database access to authorized personnel, law enforcement (with court order), and individuals accessing their own records.

• Implements comprehensive medical assistance program reforms including enhanced eligibility verification systems, annual provider audits (minimum 50 per year), mandatory self-reporting of overpayments, authority to assess civil penalties on providers, and medical assistance demonstration projects.

• Authorizes demonstration projects for coordinated care delivery models, hospital-based emergency department reduction initiatives, and expanded telehealth; requires feasibility studies on privatizing certain state services and creating a health care authority.