What is this notice about?
Some details couldn't be confirmed in the official notice text, so they aren't shown here. Check the official notice.
The Alaska Department of Health wants to change how it sets the fee for newborn bloodspot screening, the blood test given to newborn babies. Instead of listing a set dollar amount in the rules, the fee would be figured using a described method. The public can send written comments until 5:00 p.m. on November 2, 2026, or speak at a phone-only hearing on October 22, 2026.
Why was this notice issued?
State law requires public notice and a chance for public comment before the Department of Health changes its regulations. The authority for this change is AS 18.05.040, AS 44.29.020 and AS 44.29.022.
What action is being taken?
The Department of Health proposes to change 7 AAC 80.030 (Fee schedule and procedures) in Title 7 of the Alaska Administrative Code. The change would replace the set newborn bloodspot screening fee amount with a description of the method used to determine the fee. After the comment period, the department may adopt the changes, adopt different rules on the same subject without further notice, or take no action. The changes are not expected to require an increased appropriation (more state funding).
Who is involved: Families of newborns and others who pay or handle the newborn bloodspot screening fee; Alaska Department of Health, Division of Public Health.
How can the public respond?
Respond by Mon, Nov 2, 2026 This deadline has passed.
“Written comments must be received not later than 5:00 p.m. on November 2, 2026.”
Ways to respond
- Mail State of Alaska, Department of Health, Division of Public Health, Attention: Lorrie Folmar, RN, 3601 C Street, Suite 322, Anchorage, Alaska 99503
- Fax (907) 754-3455
- Email doh.newborn.screening@alaska.gov
- Testify at hearing By telephone on October 22, 2026, 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m.: call 1-888-392-4560 (U.S. toll free), participant code 97730062#
What to include
You may comment on the changes, including possible costs to private persons of following them. The hearing is by phone only; there is no in-person attendance. Callers on the line before the hearing starts get priority, and speaking time may be limited. Written questions must be received at least 10 days before the end of the comment period; answers will be posted on the Alaska Online Public Notice System. Comments and questions are public records under the Alaska Public Records Act (AS 40.25.100 - 40.25.295), so do not include anything you do not want made public. People with disabilities needing accommodations should contact Lorrie Folmar by October 14, 2026.
Contact
Lorrie Folmar, RN
State of Alaska, Department of Health, Division of Public Health
lorrie.folmar@alaska.gov
(907) 891-5925
3601 C Street, Suite 322, Anchorage, Alaska 99503
Will there be public meetings?
-
Public hearing (telephone only): Thu, Oct 22, 2026, 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Telephone only; no in-person attendance
Call 1-888-392-4560 (U.S. toll free) and use participant code 97730062#. Priority goes to callers on the line before the hearing begins; the hearing may be extended for those on the line before 12:30 p.m.
Key dates
- Sep 14, 2026: Notice published
- Oct 14, 2026: Deadline to request disability accommodations
- Oct 22, 2026: Telephone public hearing, 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m.
- Nov 2, 2026: Written comment deadline, 5:00 p.m.
Original notice text
This summary was written by an AI model (Claude) from the official notice text. This is general information, not legal advice. Always confirm deadlines and instructions in the official notice. Legal disclaimer.