AK SB249

Adds new subsection (e) to AS 18.23.030 allowing review organizations to publish reports containing data and information about trends, patterns, risk factors, death rates and causes, and intervention or prevention methods, provided the reports comply with federal and state confidentiality laws.

Simplifies the definition of "health care provider" in AS 18.23.070(3) to mean any person licensed, certified, or otherwise permitted by law to provide health care services, removing the previous enumerated list of specific professions.

Modifies the definition of "review organization" in AS 18.23.070(5)(C) to allow committees established by the commissioner of health and approved by the chief medical officer in the Department of Health to review public health issues regarding morbidity or mortality, replacing previous language requiring State Medical Board approval and a 75 percent health care provider membership requirement.

Updates AS 18.23.070(5)(D) to clarify that nationally recognized groups or entities that accredit health care organizations, including JCAHO, qualify as review organizations.