HB 172 & Report to Legislature

As a part of ongoing efforts to improve Alaska's response to individuals experiencing a behavioral health crisis, changes to Alaska's Title 47 laws were made through the introduction and passage of HB172. 

Below you will find materials and links associated with House Bill 172,introduced by Governor Dunleavy in April 2021, passed by the Legislature, and signed into law in July 2022. 

FAQs - Crisis Stabilization in Alaska: Understanding HB172  (Department of Health, Sept. 2022)

HB 172 also provides an opportunity to address concerns regarding psychiatric patient rights by directing the Department of Health, the Department of Family and Community Services, and the Trust to submit a report to the legislature and the public. The report includes recommendations related to statutory and policy changes, patient rights, and data availability.

Report to the Legislature, October 2023:

• HB 172 –Psychiatric Patient Rights in Alaska 
• HB 172 –Psychiatric Patient Rights in Alaska Supplemental Material 

For more information about this report, including the timeline and public input opportunities, see: Overview: HB172 Report to the Legislature.

HB 172

• Transmittal Letter (Sponsor Statement)
• Bill Text
• Fiscal Notes
• Supplemental Documents
• HB172 Presentation Slides, Senate Finance Committee, 5.12.22
• Infographic: Changes to Involuntary Commitment with Statutory Changes

For more information about efforts to improve Alaska's Behavioral Health Crisis response, please visit: https://alaskamentalhealthtrust.org/alaska-mental-health-trust-authority/what-we-do/crisis-continuum-of-care/ 

If you have any questions, please contact Katie Baldwin Johnson, Chief Operating Officer:  Katie.Johnson@alaska.gov.