This bill establishes a comprehensive framework for the licensure and regulation of genetic counselors, respiratory care practitioners, and emergency medical services (EMS) personnel in Alaska. It introduces a new chapter dedicated to genetic counseling, requiring individuals to obtain a license by completing an accredited program and passing a national examination. The bill also includes a temporary licensing option for those awaiting examination results and outlines the responsibilities of licensed genetic counselors. Additionally, it amends existing laws to include genetic counselors and respiratory care practitioners in the definition of health care providers, while establishing the Genetic Counseling Advisory Council to oversee the profession. The bill emphasizes the importance of maintaining professional standards through continuing education and sets forth disciplinary measures for misconduct.

Furthermore, the bill establishes the Interstate Commission for EMS Personnel Practice, facilitating the regulation and licensing of EMS personnel across state lines. It outlines the structure and authority of the Commission, including the ability to promulgate uniform rules and maintain a coordinated database for licensure information. The bill also introduces provisions for expedited licensure for veterans and military service members, enhancing cooperation among member states. Key amendments include the addition of "genetic counselor" and "respiratory care practitioner" to the list of licensed healthcare providers, ensuring their protection from discrimination. Transitional provisions allow current practitioners to continue their practice without a license for a specified period, while the Compact will take effect once enacted by the tenth member state.

Statutes affected:
SB0281A, AM SB 281, introduced 03/25/2026: 08.64.010, 08.64.107, 08.64.101, 08.64.364, 17.30.200, 08.64.253, 08.64.254, 08.64.106, 18.08.089, 08.64.370, U.S.C, 08.64.190, 12.62.160, 12.62.400, 08.64.200, 08.64.230, 08.64.206, 08.64.255, 08.64.250, 08.64.205, 08.64.209, 08.64.270, 08.64.225, 08.64.275, 08.64.279, 08.64.312, 08.64.315, 08.01.065, 08.64.326, 18.16.010, 09.55.535, 08.64.363, 08.64.334, 08.64.336, 44.62.310, 18.23.030, 08.64.360, 08.02.130, 08.64.380, 08.86.070, 08.86.225, 08.86.130, 08.86.140, 08.86.150, 11.71.900, 13.52.390, 18.08.082, 18.08.105, 21.07.010, 23.30.395, 23.30.095, 33.30.901, 47.30.915, 08.68.850, 39.20.180, 44.29.420, 44.29.430, 44.29.410, 44.29.450, 44.29.440, 08.64.170
SB0281B, AM CSSB 281(HSS), introduced 05/01/2026: 08.01.010, 08.02.110, 08.64.380, 08.02.130, 08.90.060, 08.53.150, 08.53.210, 08.53.110, 08.53.120, 08.53.130, 08.53.140, 08.53.160, 08.53.170, 08.01.075, 08.53.180, 39.20.180, 08.53.200, U.S.C, 08.53.220, 08.53.230, 08.53.300, 08.64.101, 08.64.364, 17.30.200, 08.64.253, 08.64.254, 08.64.103, 08.64.130, 08.64.190, 08.64.107, 12.62.160, 12.62.400, 08.64.200, 08.64.225, 08.64.205, 08.64.210, 08.64.209, 08.64.255, 08.64.315, 08.01.065, 08.86.070, 08.86.225, 08.86.130, 08.86.140, 08.86.150, 08.90.020, 08.90.030, 08.90.050, 08.90.070, 08.90.080, R.C.P, 08.90.090, 08.90.100, 08.90.990, 09.55.560, 47.32.900, 09.65.300, 18.08.105, 14.30.141, 18.08.082, 21.36.090, 21.42.365, 44.29.420, 44.29.450, 44.29.410, 08.53.100