Alaska

Alaska credentials four levels of addiction counselors. The credentials include counselor technicians, chemical dependency counselor I, chemical dependency counselor II and clinical supervisors. A post-secondary degree is not required for any credential, however those with a higher-level degree need to complete fewer contact hours than those without a degree. Individuals without a degree will need to complete contact hours in specific fields. Alaska Commission for Behavioral Health Certification

A licensed professional counselor may use the application of principles, methods, or procedures of the counseling profession to diagnose or treat mental and emotional disorders that are referenced in the standard diagnostic nomenclature for individual, group, and organizational therapy. Alaska Stat. §08.29.490

As of August 2018, 26 NPs in Alaska have received a federal waiver to treat opioid dependency with buprenorphine-containing products. Consistent with their prescriptive authority and with proper training or experience an NP in Alaska may obtain a federal waiver to dispense buprenorphine-containing products. Alaska Admin. Code §12-44.440 and Alaska Admin. Code §12-44.445

As of August 2018, 16 PAs in Alaska have received a federal waiver to treat opioid dependency with buprenorphine-containing products. In Alaska PAs are authorized to prescribe Schedules II-V controlled substances as documented in a collaborative plan and with the approval of a supervising physician. With proper training or appropriate experience a PA in Alaska can receive a federal waiver to dispense buprenorphine-containing products, as long as the supervising physician is certified, trained, or permitted to treat and manage patients with opioid use disorder. Alaska Admin. Code §12-40.450

Currently, there are no certification requirements for peer support specialists. However, education and training opportunities are available through nonprofit and state agency sources. Medicaid reimbursement for certain peer support services is available through the Alaska Department of Health and Social Services. Alaska Admin. Code §7-135.210

Only physicians are authorized to sign POLST forms. Alaska Stat §13.52.06

Nurse practitioners are not required to have a collaborative agreement and may practice independently, without a physician’s supervision in accordance with the rules of the Alaska Board of Nursing. Alaska Admin. Code §12-44.410

An NP may independently prescribe prescription drugs in accordance with state and federal laws. In addition to prescription drugs, an NP may prescribe Schedules II-V controlled substances. Alaska Admin. Code §12-44.440 and Alaska Admin. Code §12-44.445

NPs are recognized in state policy as primary care providers. An NP must be authorized to practice in one or more population focuses listed in policy (e.g. adult, family, geriatric, women’s health). Alaska Admin. Code §12-44.380

Optometrists may perform all procedures included in their full scope of practice. This includes surgical procedures and laser privileges. Alaska Admin. Code §12-48.040(d)

Optometrists may administer all pharmaceutical agents for the diagnosis and treatment of eye diseases, including epinephrine auto-injections to counter anaphylaxis with expressly stated approval within their license. Alaska Admin. Code §12-48.040(c)

Optometrists may prescribe Schedule III-V controlled substances and also Schedule II hydrocodone or hydrocodone combination medications. Alaska Stat. §08.72.340

A dental hygienist with at least 4,000 hours of clinical experience within a five-year period can provide additional services by entering into a collaborative agreement with a dentist that is approved by the Alaska Board of Dental Examiners. The services provided under a collaborative agreement may be based on the dental hygienist’s own diagnosis and treatment plan, outside the presence of the dentist, and in a setting other than the dentist’s office. Alaska Stat. §08.32.115

Dental Health Aide Therapists can provide culturally appropriate dental education and a limited scope of preventive and restorative services under the supervision of a dentist, but the dentist does not need to be physically present where services are rendered. They practice in remote rural areas of the state, with a focus on increasing access to preventative and basic dental care for the Alaska Native population. Federal law allows for the certification of dental therapists. Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium

Dental Health Aides may provide and be reimbursed for teledentistry services. Alaska Tribal Services Manual, Sec. DHA Services

Alaska has not enacted legislation allowing pharmacists to administer the COVID-19 vaccine. However, the federal PREP Act does allow pharmacists to administer the COVID-19 vaccine through the duration of the public health emergency.

Alaska does not allow pharmacists to modify prescriptions.

Alaska does not allow pharmacists to prescribe hormonal contraceptives.

Alaska does not allow pharmacists to prescribe tobacco cessation aids.

A collaborative relationship and plan is required between the physician assistant and at least one physician. A periodic method of assessment of the quality of practice must be established by the collaborating physician. Assessments must include direct personal contact for a certain amount of time, designated by how long the collaborative plan is in effect. Alaska Admin. Code §12-40.430

A PA may prescribe drugs and Schedules II-V controlled substances with the supervising physician’s approval. The authorization must be documented in the collaborative plan. Alaska Admin. Code §12-40.450

A PA may perform medical diagnosis and treatment if they are licensed by the State Medical Board and only within the scope of practice of the collaborating physician. Alaska Admin. Code §12-40.430