In AS 47.25.120 - 47.25.300,
(1) “assistance” means financial assistance to or on behalf of a needy person, including subsistence (food, shelter, fuel, clothing, and utilities) and transportation, medical needs (including, but not limited to, hospitalization, nursing, and convalescent care), burial, and other determined needs;
(2) “department” means the Department of Health and Social Services;
(3) “needy person” means a needy resident of the state who is not eligible for aid from another public agency or department providing similar services in the state;
(4) “public medical institution” means a public hospital or medical institution, except an institution for the treatment of tuberculosis or mental disease.