36595F43B974F40D87258218005C3BD2 Hearing Summary

Senator Smallwood called the meeting to order.  Senator Garcia, bill sponsor, presented Senate Bill 18-020 to the committee.  The bill allows registered psychotherapists to practice auricular acudetox if they have documented that they have met certain training requirements.  Under current law, only licensed mental health care professionals and level III certified addiction counselors may practice this technique.  Auricular detoxification is the placement of acupuncture needles at certain points in the ear for persons undergoing detoxification for a substance use disorder. Senator Garcia responded to questions from the committee regarding the aricular acudetox procedure.

Dr. Scott Richardson, representing Acupuncture Association of Colorado, testified in a neutral capacity of the bill.  Dr. Richardson responded to questions from the committee.

Dick Young, representing the United Veterans Committee, testified in support of the bill.

Terri Hurst, representing the Colorado Criminal Justice Reform Coalition, testified in support of the bill.

Dr. Libby Stuyt, representing herself, testified in support of the bill.  Dr. Stuyt responded to questions from the committee.

Senator Garcia responded to committee questions regarding the bill.  Committee discussion with Dr. Stuyt and Senator Garcia ensued.  Senator Garcia gave concluding remarks on the bill.