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Two Ruffridge Bills Become Law

Nick Sorrell

Representative Justin Ruffridge announced last week that HB 309 and HB 371 became laws. Both pieces of legislation received overwhelming support during the 33rd legislature earlier this year.

 

HB 309 allows optometrists to delegate routine tasks to their assistants and requires the Optometry Board to develop regulations, standards, and training requirements. These assistants will still perform all duties under the purview of the licensed optometrist. Representatives commented, “The health of Alaskans is impacted every day in our medical system. HB 309 will allow patients to continue having a greater number of options for optical care in our urban and remote areas of the state.”

 

Without the ability to delegate testing to assistants, the efficiency of Optometric offices would be greatly reduced and could result in the closure of some practices. Office closures could negatively impact areas of the state that may not have many optometrists in a community or region.

 

HB 371 streamlines the medical review organization (MRO) process. MROs exist to examine causes of death, illness, and injuries and compile statistics and reports to reduce such instances in the future which leads to a healthier Alaska.

 

HB 371 further ensures the longevity and lasting effectiveness of medical review organizations by removing the requirement that 75% of the committee members are healthcare providers. The previous requirement excluded some professions such as state troopers, first responders, and social workers often at the forefront of issues being investigated. Ruffridge remarked that “review organizations look at the illness and health issues affecting Alaskans, and this bill will enhance the tools they have to review and make recommendations to improve health outcomes for our residents.”

 

HB 309 and HB 371 add to the freshman representative’s successful session. During this year’s legislative session, four of his authored bills became laws: HB 56, HB 112, HB 309, and HB 371. In addition, Ruffridge carried HB 148, which was signed into law earlier this summer.

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