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Committee recommends reappointment of Dr. Brent Taylor to State Medical Board; public comment opposes another nominee
Summary
The committee interviewed Dr. Brent Taylor for reappointment to the State Medical Board and voted to forward his appointment to a joint session. A caller opposed the prospective appointment of physician assistant Samantha Smith and the committee noted Smith will be interviewed on Thursday.
The Alaska Senate Health and Social Services Committee interviewed Dr. Brent Taylor on April 1, 2025, and recommended his appointment to the State Medical Board be forwarded to a joint session for consideration.
Dr. Brent Taylor, a board‑certified general surgeon who said he practiced in the Mat‑Su Valley for nearly three decades, told the committee he volunteered for the board "because I wanted to continue to contribute to healthcare for Alaskans." He described his recent service as board chair after the prior chair had a health emergency and said the role helped him learn statutes and regulations governing the board.
Committee members asked about the board's independence and the application review process. Dr. Taylor said the board follows statutes and regulations to oversee and, when necessary, discipline health care providers while providing due process. He described maintaining a current license and board certification and meeting continuing medical education requirements as ways he stays up to date.
The committee discussed administrative streamlining of initial license approvals; Dr. Taylor said administrative staff has reduced turnaround times and that board members still review applications although the process has been made more efficient.
The committee received one item of public testimony by phone. Rachel Goldberger of Anchorage, who identified herself as a physician assistant, testified in opposition to the appointment of Samantha (Sam) Smith, PA, saying Smith "was lacking in both experience, as a physician assistant and as a PA working in rural Alaska" and that remarks Goldberger described as unprofessional raised concern about Smith's judgment. The committee chair noted Smith will be interviewed on Thursday and the chair had requested public testimony be taken for both appointees that day.
Sen. Tobin moved in accordance with Alaska Statute 39.05.0.08 that the committee recommend Dr. Brent Taylor's appointment to the State Medical Board be forwarded to a joint session. The transcript records the motion and the chair's direction that signing the committee report does not indicate individual members' approval or disapproval of the nomination.
The committee closed the interview and will collect signatures on transmittal documents for the appointment and the earlier resolution before adjourning.
