The Alaska Senate Health and Social Services Committee convened on April 29, 2025, to discuss Senate Bill 147, which aims to expand the prescribing authority of pharmacists. This bill, introduced by Vice Chair Senator Giesel, has been under review since its initial hearing on April 15 and has undergone public testimony on April 22.

Senator Giesel clarified that the bill is designed to allow pharmacists to independently prescribe medications and devices for minor illnesses, chronic disease management, and preventive care, strictly within the scope of their education. Importantly, the bill does not permit pharmacists to prescribe abortion-inducing medications, a restriction already established in Alaska law.

During the meeting, the committee received no amendments to the bill. After a brief discussion, Senator Dunbar moved to advance Senate Bill 147 from the committee with individual recommendations and an attached fiscal note. The motion passed without objection, allowing the bill to move forward in the legislative process.

The committee also announced its next meeting scheduled for May 1, 2025, where it will hear public testimony on Senate Bill 178 and Senator Grama Jackson's SCR 4. This ongoing legislative activity reflects a continued focus on healthcare reforms in Alaska, particularly in enhancing the role of pharmacists in patient care.