House Bill 265: Health Care Services by Telehealth Signed into Law

On July 13th, Governor Dunleavy signed House Bill (HB) 265 Health Care Services by Telehealth introduced by Rep. Spohnholz. As a result of the unity of the Alaska Tribal Health System (ATHS), and the strength in Tribal and stakeholder partnerships, this legislation was successfully passed. The Alaska Native Health Board (ANHB) celebrates the passage and signing of this historic legislation alongside the entire ATHS to bring more equitable access to health and behavioral health services for Alaska Native people across the state. The bill signing was attended by representatives of the ATHS both in-person and virtually via Zoom, including ANHB, Southcentral Foundation, Maniilaq Association, Norton Sound Health Corporation, and ANTHC. To read the full press release on the bill, you can visit the House Coalition webpage here.

Tribal partners with Rep. Spohnholz (center) at HB 265 bill signing. Left to right: Ted Madsen, Policy Analyst for Corporate and Intergovernmental Affairs at Southcentral Foundation (SCF); Michelle Baker, Acting Vice President for Behavioral Health Services at SCF; Rep. Ivy Spohnholz, Leanndra Ross, Sr. Director for Corporate and Intergovernmental Affairs at SCF, and Zoe Merculieff, Legislative and Policy Advisor at ANHB.