s_hhs_2016a_2016-04-21t13:33:53z1 Hearing Summary

Date: 04/21/2016

02:09 PM -- HB 16-1047



Senator Newell, bill sponsor, presented House Bill 16-1047 and provided two handouts to the committee (Attachments A and B). This reengrossed bill enacts the Interstate Medical Licensure Compact (compact) and authorizes the Governor to enter into the compact on behalf of Colorado. Under the compact, physicians licensed in a member state may obtain an expedited license in other member states, allowing them to practice in Colorado or in another member state. The compact is governed by the Interstate Medical Licensure Commission (interstate commission). The compact outlines the process for obtaining an expedited license, including:



160421 AttachA.pdf160421 AttachB.pdf



• eligibility requirements;

• the designation of a state of principal licensure;

• the application, issuance, and renewal processes; and

• the fees charged by member states.



The compact allows member states to investigate and discipline physicians, including as part of joint investigations with other member states. The interstate commission is required to maintain a database of all licensed physicians in member states. Member states are required to report certain disciplinary actions and complaints against licensed physicians to the interstate commission. In addition, member states are required to share information about disciplinary actions and complaints at the request of another member state.



Nationally, the compact becomes effective and binding upon enactment of the compact by at least seven states. Under the bill, the interstate compact takes effect in Colorado once the compact is fully operational nationally and member states are able to issue licenses to physicians through the compact. Colorado representatives to the interstate commission may begin participating upon passage of this bill. The compact outlines the processes for member states to withdraw from the compact voluntarily, or for the interstate commission to terminate the membership of a state that defaults on its obligations under the compact.



The Colorado Medical Board must facilitate the licensure of physicians under the compact, including obtaining a set of fingerprints from an applicant for a fingerprint-based criminal history record check. Physicians licensed under the compact are subject to the Michael Skolnik Medical Transparency Act of 2010.



Committee discussion followed about the provisions of the bill.



02:16 PM -- Fred Thomas, Children's Hospital Colorado, testified in support of the bill.



02:20 PM -- Ellen Stern, Children's Hospital Colorado, testified in support of the bill.



02:24 PM



Committee discussion followed about the cost of the program.



02:26 PM -- Tanah Wagenseller, Colorado Community Health Network, testified in support of the bill.



02:29 PM -- A.W. Schnellbacher, AARP Colorado, testified in support of the bill.





02:32 PM



Senator Newell made closing comments and distributed amendment L.005 (Attachment C).



160421 AttachC.pdf