News from the Senate Majority
Alaska State Legislature

Wendy Lindskoog, Senate Majority Press Secretary
State Capitol
Juneau, AK 99801-1182
Phone: 907/465-4582
http://www.akrepublicans.org
Broadcast Actualities: 800/478-6540

Bill Protects Free Speech and Health Care Options

For Immediate Release: February 23, 1998 Contact: Karen Brand, Aide to Senator Dave Donley, at (907) 465-3892.

Juneau – The Senate Monday passed legislation preventing Health Maintenance Organizations (HMO’s) from placing gag orders on physicians. Senate Bill 197, sponsored by Senator Dave Donley (R-Anchorage), passed by a vote of 17 to 1.

Since HMO’s are not currently in Alaska, Donley said SB 197 is a preventative measure. "It’s only a matter of time before HMO’s come to Alaska. HMO’s have a negative track history in the area of disclosure and have abused the public interest to such an extent that many states have passed initiatives to limit how they operate," said Donley. "By setting guidelines and limits in law before HMO’s appear on the scene, we will prevent some of the abuses that have occurred in other states before they happen here."

SB 197 addresses the following areas of public concern regarding HMO practices.

• HMO’s have issued gag clauses to prohibit physicians from discussing alternative treatment options, financial incentives or second opinions with patients.
• HMO’s have not clearly identified Medical services that may be denied coverage.
• HMO’s have had unclear or non-existent guidelines regarding access to chiropractic care.

In addition, SB 197 allows a patient the option of a point of service plan through their HMO. A POSP allows more freedom of access to health care providers without prior HMO approval but may cost an enrollee of the plan a higher deductible.

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Broadcast Note: Please call 800/478-6540 to hear Senator Donley comment on SB 197.
= Dave Donley, 75 K