Alaska

Prior authorization requirements are up to the discretion of the state Medicaid program or insurance company.

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

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

Full independent practice and prescriptive authority.

The Board of Nursing recognizes advanced and specialized acts of nursing practice as those described in the scope of practice statements published by national professional nursing associations. CNM scope of practice in Alaska is therefore classified as independent as defined by the American College of Nurse-Midwives’ (ACNM). Alaska Admin. Code §12-44.430

CNMs may independently prescribe legend drugs and Schedule II-V controlled substances. Alaska Admin. Code §12-44.440 and Alaska Admin. Code §12-44.445

Full independent practice and prescriptive authority.

Nurse practitioners (NPs) 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

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

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.

Collaboration allowed with a physician for practice and prescriptive authority.

A person may perform medical diagnosis and treatment as a PA only if licensed by the board and only within the scope of practice of the collaborating physician. ALASKA ADMIN. CODE tit.12, § 40.430(a)

A PA with a valid DEA registration number may order, administer, dispense and write a prescription for a schedule II, III, IV or V controlled substance only with the authorization of the physician assistant’s primary collaborating physician. The authorization must be documented in the physician assistant’s current collaborative plan on file with the division. ALASKA ADMIN. CODE tit.12, § 40.450

Alaska does not currently have any provisions related to a limit on the number of PAs a physician can supervise.

Alaska does not currently have any provisions related to chart review or co-signatures.

Alaska does not currently have any provisions related to adaptable proximity requirements.

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