h_hie_2016a_2016-05-05t13:36:07z2 Hearing Summary

Date: 05/05/2016

03:44 PM -- SB 16-069



Representative Pabon, bill sponsor, presented Senate Bill 16-069. The bill requires the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) to establish rules governing the scope of practice of community integrated health care service, including the issuance of an endorsement in community integrated health care service to emergency medical service providers. In addition, agencies managing and offering community integrated health care services must be licensed by CDPHE beginning July 1, 2018.



The bill sets minimum standards for community integrated health care service agencies that must be incorporated in rules promulgated by the State Board of Health. These rules must be based on the report issued by the Community Paramedicine/Mobile Integrated Healthcare Task Force and address areas such as staffing, educational, and training requirements. The bill creates the Community Integrated Health Care Service Cash Fund to receive fee payments from licensed agencies. A person operating a community integrated health care service agency without a license commits a misdemeanor offense and is also subject to civil penalties.



The bill also creates the Community Assistance Referral and Education Services (CARES) Program in the CDPHE. Under the CARES Program, licensed ambulance services, local fire departments, fire protection districts, fire protection authorities, special district authorities, health care business entities, and community integrated health care service agencies may establish a program that provides community outreach on health issues and services, and health education to local residents. In addition, these agencies may provide referrals for low-cost medication programs and alternative resources to the 911 system. They may partner with hospitals, licensed home care agencies, other medical care facilities including licensed community integrated health care service agencies, primary care providers, other health care professionals, or social services agencies to provide program services and ensure nonduplication of services.



The community integrated health care service agencies licensure program repeals September 1, 2021, and is subject to a sunset review conducted by the Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies.



03:49 PM



Representative Pabon answered questions from the committee.



03:54 PM -- Chief Ken Watkins, Colorado State Fire Chiefs and Colorado Professional Fire Fighters, testified in support of the bill. He answered questions from committee.



04:00 PM -- Chris Montera, Eagle County Paramedicine Services, testified in support of the bill. He answered questions from the committee.



04:12 PM



Committee discussion with Chief Watkins, Mr. Montera, and Representative Pabon continued.



04:16 PM -- Michael Nicoletti, CDPHE, testified in opposition to the bill.



04:19 PM -- Randy Kuykendall, CDPHE, testified in opposition to the bill. Mr. Kuykendall answered questions from the committee.



04:25 PM -- Gail Finley, Colorado Hospital Association, testified in support of the bill.



04:26 PM -- Anne Montera, Central Mountain Regional Emergency Medical and Trauma Advisory Council, testified in support of the bill.



04:29 PM -- Tim Dienst, Emergency Medical Services of Colorado, testified in support of the bill. Mr. Dienst answered questions from the committee.



04:39 PM -- Aubrey Hill, Colorado Coalition for the Medically Underserved, testified in support of the bill.



04:42 PM -- Ellen Caruso, Home Care Association, testified in a neutral capacity on the bill.



04:45 PM -- Betsy Murrary, Home Care Association, testified in a neutral capacity on the bill.



04:45 PM -- John Welton, Colorado Nurses Association, testified in a neutral capacity on the bill.



04:48 PM -- Gini Pingenot, Colorado Counties, Inc., testified on the bill.



04:52 PM



Representative Pabon explained amendment L.012 (Attachment D). Representative Pabon answered questions from the committee.



160505 AttachD.pdf

04:54 PM



Representative Pabon explained amendment L.014 (Attachment E).



160505 AttachE.pdf

04:55 PM



Representative Pabon explained amendment L.015 (Attachment F). Committee discussion about amendment L.015 occurred. Representative Pabon answered questions from the committee about amendment L.015.



160505 AttachF.pdf

05:01 PM



Representative Pabon made concluding remarks on the bill. Committee members made comments about the bill.