BILL TO BOOST HEALTH CARE WORKFORCE ADVANCES

DENVER, CO – The Health and Insurance Committee today passed legislation that would boost the health care workforce by extending a tax credit for health care “preceptors,” mentors who coach and encourage new providers to enter the health care workforce. The bill passed committee by a vote of 9 to 2.

“We’re working hard to boost Colorado’s health care workforce this legislative session,” said Rep. Julie McCluskie D-Dillon. “This tax credit will help build healthier, safer communities, especially in rural areas, by encouraging talented individuals to pursue careers in medicine, nursing, counseling, behavioral health and other frontline health care positions. If we learned anything from the pandemic it’s that we can’t do this alone, we need a strong health care workforce to help Colorado recover.”

HB22-1005 builds on the existing state tax credit offered to preceptors working in rural communities by increasing the number of health care preceptorships eligible for the credit. This major expansion includes addiction counselors, pharmacists, registered nurses, clinical social workers and other high demand areas in Colorado’s health care workforce. The health care workforce shortage in Colorado has been exacerbated by the pandemic. This is especially true in rural communities that struggle to fill critical medical positions, including doctors and behavioral health professionals.

The legislation increases the overall number of preceptors allowed to receive the credit and extends the credit until 2033. It is currently set to expire next year.