Stephen J. Cox

The committee reviewed committee responsibilities and received updates on the Alaska Prescription Drug Monitoring Program and counterfeit synthetics. Significant discussion took place regarding the scheduling of kratom, mitragynine, and 7OH as 2A controlled substances, resulting in a motion to draft and send a formal recommendation letter to the Governor. The committee also discussed issues related to gabapentin, synthetic benzodiazepines, and the classification of fentanyl-related substances, while identifying future needs for addressing addiction treatment provider shortages and staffing.

The committee discussed potential scheduling of gabapentin and the need to gather more information from medical and legal communities regarding the potential impact on healthcare providers. Additionally, they reviewed statutory modifications for fentanyl analogs, addressed provider shortages in mental health and treatment, and provided updates on the ongoing kratom scheduling letter and legislative bill SB 233, which proposes moving the committee's administrative control.

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.