Alaska Senate rejects health care licensing compact bill

The Alaska Senate rejected a health care licensing bill Wednesday, ending the measure on a 9-11 vote during the final day of regular-session floor work.

Senate CS for House Bill 110, Finance, failed after senators split over whether Alaska should join or expand interstate health care compacts that would allow licensed providers from other states to practice in Alaska.

Supporters said the bill could help bring more providers into Alaska. Opponents said interstate compacts could allow providers to practice in the state without the same Alaska-specific preparation or experience with Indigenous communities.

One senator opposing the bill said during floor debate that providers from outside Alaska may not understand "our unique needs and the diversity of our state."

The failed vote means HB 110 did not clear the Senate before adjournment. The vote was 9 yeas and 11 nays.