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: May 4, 1998 Contact: Karen Brand, Aide to Senator Dave Donley, at (907) 465-3892.

Juneau – The House Monday passed legislation preventing Health Maintenance Organizations (HMOs) from placing gag orders on physicians and requiring disclosure of treatments that may be denied. Senate Bill 197, sponsored by Senator Dave Donley (R-Anchorage) passed by a vote of 27 to 10.

Because HMOs are not currently in Alaska, SB 197 is a preventative measure that will ensure the rights of Alaskans once HMOs are introduced to the State.

"It’s only a matter of time before HMOs come to Alaska. Unfortunately, HMOs have a negative track history in the area of disclosure. They 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 HMOs appear on the Alaskan scene, we will prevent some of the abuses that have occurred in other states before they happen here."

Areas of public concern regarding HMO practices include:

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

Senate Bill 197 would address these concerns by providing that an enrollee in a HMO has the right to select chiropractic treatment and by prohibiting HMOs from limiting a physician’s freedom of speech thereby allowing physicians to discuss treatment options with their patients.

In addition, SB 197 allows a patient the option of a point of service plan (PSOP) through their HMO. A POSP allows more freedom of access to health care providers without prior HMO approval.

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Broadcast Note: Please call (800) 478-6540 to hear Senator Donley comment on SB 197.
= Dave Donley, 72 K