Stephen J. Cox

The Public Safety Action Plan for the State of Alaska outlines a collaborative approach among public safety agencies to address rising crime rates and enhance overall safety. The plan focuses on four key areas: improving outcomes in the criminal justice system, identifying public safety resource needs, enhancing access to mental health and substance misuse treatment, and combating the drug epidemic and trafficking. It details specific short-term and long-term actions to achieve these objectives, aiming to turn the corner on the state's crime wave.

The board adopted 4 AAC 11.111 and 4 AAC 11.112 as written in the March 18, 2017, draft regulation.

The committee discussed the progress of SB54, which includes provisions for scheduling tramadol and a "sober law" for court-ordered custody. Information was shared on the State's Public Safety Action Plan, including a new statewide drug prosecutor position and the creation of high-intensity drug trafficking areas (HIDTA). An update was provided on the Office of Substance Misuse and Addiction Prevention (OSMAP) and its efforts to address the opioid crisis, including plans for a long-term strategic plan. The committee also discussed Medicaid coverage for inmates upon re-entry, the creation of a strategic plan to address opioid issues and justice-involved populations, and the challenges of building peer support within the community. The need for a comprehensive plan addressing various aspects of addiction treatment and community support was emphasized, along with the importance of law enforcement efforts and the potential for public/private partnerships. Finally, the committee briefly discussed the emerging drug kratom.

The Controlled Substances Advisory Committee (CSAC) reviewed and approved a white paper titled "Increasing the Effectiveness of Alaska's Prescription Drug Monitoring Program (PDMP)". Key discussion points included mandatory registration within the annual licensing process, addressing concerns from the Alaska State Medical Association (ASMA), and the implementation of mandatory use of the PDMP. The committee also discussed the challenges of registering traveling nurses and the potential use of MyAlaska for online registration. The CSAC approved a letter to Governor Walker regarding nine proposed modifications to Alaska's PDMP, as outlined in the white paper. Several edits were made to the white paper, including clarification on the American Medical Association Task Force, the addition of a footnote concerning Federal Schedule 1 medications, and typographical corrections.

The Controlled Substance Advisory Committee meeting focused on the committee's ethical responsibilities, open meeting act requirements, and its purpose and duties as defined in AS 11.71.100-.110. Discussions centered on controlled substance schedules, the rescheduling process, and the need for information regarding current federal schedules. The committee also explored the possibility of the Department of Health and Social Services acting as a regulatory agency for controlled substances, considering the collateral consequences of such a move. The impact of rescheduling on street-level drug issues and the state's high rate of accidental drug deaths were discussed. The committee also discussed the Prescription Drug Monitoring Program, its access, and funding issues. Assignments were given to committee members to research national resources for state schedules, contact the University of Washington for successful regulations, follow up with DHSS, communicate with the Board of Pharmacy, and inquire about the Prescription Drug Monitoring Program.