FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Nov. 5, 2004
Informed Consent provider requirements on hold for Web site
Providers must continue to meet previous reporting mandates until Web site operational
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(Juneau, Alaska) - The Department of Health and Social Services, Division of Public Health has informed the Alaska State Medical Board that since the Web site required by Conference Committee Substitute Senate Bill 30 (CCS SB30) is not yet operational, its related requirement for physician reporting cannot be met at this time. CCS Senate Bill 30, passed by the 23rd Alaska State Legislature, outlines requirements for DHSS to create a Web site providing scientific and resource information regarding pregnancy and pregnancy alternatives, and to provide a form for reporting informed consent and review of the information on the DHSS Web site.
Until the Web site is available, providers should continue to meet the requirements of AS 18.50.245 by submitting to the state registrar the required information related to the induced termination of pregnancy on the present form. Once new regulations have been approved and the Web site is operational, a new form will be available for physicians to report the additional information.
CCS SB 30 calls for the Department of Health and Social Services to create a Web site providing scientific and resource information regarding pregnancy and pregnancy alternatives. The statute requires the Alaska State Medical Board to designate an advisory committee to review and approve the information for medical accuracy on the Web site, to ensure that the information is objective, nonjudgmental, scientific and medically accurate.
Recently the Alaska State Medical Board sent a letter to obstetrical
and gynecological specialists in the state asking for volunteers
to serve on the committee. The Board hopes that the committee will
be in place and hold its first meeting in early December.
The Division of Public Health is working with the Alaska State
Medical Board to get the Web site up and running. After the appointed
Board committee has reviewed the Web site information, regulations
must be put forward for comment. It is anticipated that this
process will be completed and the Web site operational by spring
2005.
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For more information, please contact
Sherry Hill
Special Assistant to the Commissioner
Juneau Office: (907) 465-1618
Anchorage: (907) 269-7800
Cell: (907) 321-2838
Email: sherry_hill@health.state.ak.usJeff Kasper
Project Director
Juneau Office: (907) 465-8194
Email: jeff_kasper@health.state.ak.us
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