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< Back June 3, 2024 Governor Signs Bills to Increase Federal Funds for Nutrition Support, Save Coloradans Money on Prescription Drugs DENVER, CO – Today, Governor Jared Polis signed two pieces of bipartisan legislation that save Coloradans money on prescription drugs and help fund housing and nutrition services for those on Medicaid. SB24-110 , sponsored by Senate Majority Leader Robert Rodriguez, D-Denver, and Senator Barbara Kirkmeyer, R-Weld County, and Representatives Judy Amabile, D-Boulder, and Emily Sirota, D-Denver, prohibits the Colorado Department of Health Care Policy & Financing from requiring prior authorization for an antipsychotic prescription drug used to treat a mental illness or disorder like schizophrenia or bipolar disorder. “The two bills signed into law today will make life more affordable for families I represent in Denver,” Rodriguez said. “SB-110 removes barriers to prior authorization requirements so that more Coloradans will be able to access the antipsychotic prescription drugs they need to thrive, while HB-1322 will redirect Medicaid funds to housing and nutrition programs. Together, these laws will support Coloradans – especially those from historically marginalized communities.” “Authorization requirements for antipsychotic medications are forcing patients to ration their prescriptions or skip doses entirely, which can be challenging for their recovery,” said Amabile. “This law removes unnecessary authorization requirements for some antipsychotic medications so Coloradans with schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, depression, and other mental health disorders can receive their medications when they need them.” “Many Coloradans with a serious mental health condition don’t have access to specific prescription medication when they need it due to prior authorization requirements,” said Sirota. “This law removes barriers and improves access so Coloradans can receive their antipsychotic prescription on time.” HB24-1322 , sponsored by Representatives Shannon Bird, D-Westminster, and Kyle Brown, D-Louisville, and also Rodriguez and Kirkmeyer, lays the groundwork for redirecting federal Medicaid funds to help Colorado families access nutritious food options and secure housing. This legislation will create a path to redirect Medicaid funding for services that address health-related social needs of Coloradans who already rely on the federal Medicaid program. “With this law, we’re one step closer to securing additional federal funds to help with rental assistance, pantry stocking, and nutrition support that will strengthen our communities,” said Bird. “Everyone deserves access to healthy, nutritious food and a roof over their heads. This law will help and uplift our most vulnerable neighbors, such as youth transitioning out of foster care or older adults seeking nutrition assistance.” “By leveraging federal funds for nutrition and housing support, Colorado can help meet the diverse needs of families in our state,” said Brown . “This law allows Colorado to access Medicaid funding for housing and nutrition programs for existing Medicaid patients,helping someone afford their rent or put food on the table. This law saves Coloradans money by leveraging federal dollars and ensures our most vulnerable neighbors are set up to thrive.” The new law directs the Colorado Department of Health Care Policy & Financing to conduct a feasibility study and pursue a 1115 Waiver so Medicaid can fund housing and nutrition services. The feasibility study determines how Medicaid can pay for specific nutrition-based services such as medically tailored meals and pantry stocking, as well as helping with temporary housing, rent, utility assistance, and eviction prevention and tenant support. Utilizing dollars already spent on housing and nutrition support services through a 1115 Medicaid Waiver would provide Colorado with a federal match and the flexibility to design and improve Medicaid programs to fit the needs of Coloradans. It would also help the state conserve local and state financial resources. This cost-neutral model for redirecting Medicaid funds to housing and nutrition support is successfully used in more than 15 states across the nation, including Arkansas, California, New Jersey and North Carolina. Previous Next

< Back May 2, 2019 BILL TO ADDRESS CAMPUS SEXUAL MISCONDUCT HEADS TO GOVERNOR’S DESK One in five women and one in 16 men are sexually assaulted while in college (May 2) – The House approved a bill sponsored by Rep. Janet Buckner and Rep. Barbara McLachlan that would add more guidelines and protections around sexual misconduct and violence in higher education institutes in Colorado. “Our current policy has a problem when we are seeing studies that one in five women and one in 16 men experience sexual assault during college. And what’s even more troubling is that only about 12 percent of victims actually report their assault,” said Rep. Janet Buckner, D-Aurora. “Sexual misconduct poses a serious threat to the safety of our students and interferes with our students’ ability to learn. This bill ensures a fair and consistent response to sexual misconduct in higher education settings and creates equal rights for reporting and responding to parties in an incident.” SB19-007 creates a fair and consistent response to sexual misconduct in higher education settings to ensure that all students know how to report abuse and know that the administrative process will be fair for both parties. It requires institutions of higher learning to adopt policies that clearly outline the process for survivors of sexual misconduct, to provide support services for survivors and to distribute information across campus to inform students of the institution’s policies and procedures. Additionally, the bill requires the Department of Higher Education to convene a biennial working group that will study best practices in order to prevent and raise awareness surrounding sexual misconduct. “This bill will help get rid of sexual violence and abuse on campus. While we are waiting for the federal government to adopt and clarify the law, we are making sure our state laws are ready to follow and maintain protections for survivors,” said Rep. Barbara McLachlan, D-Durango. “This is not a one-size-fits-all bill but rather puts minimum requirements for policies regarding reporting and procedures for investigations for all higher education institutions.” In 2017, the Trump administration rescinded guidance for institutions of higher education on how they should address sexual assault under the federal law, Title IX. The lack of federal direction means that states like Colorado have to step up to develop policies that promote and ensure the safety of students on campuses around the state or risk losing important protections. SB19-007 passed by a bipartisan vote of 54-9. It passed unanimously out of the House Education committee. The bill now heads to the Governor’s desk. Previous Next

< Back March 20, 2023 House Passes Bill to Allow Remote Participation in Eviction Proceedings DENVER, CO – The House today passed legislation to allow Coloradans to participate remotely in eviction proceedings. This bill, sponsored by Representatives Mandy Lindsay and Iman Jodeh, would help ensure fewer Coloradans receive a default judgment simply because they cannot attend their eviction hearing in person. “We’re working to break down barriers and keep more Coloradans housed,” said Rep. Mandy Lindsay, D-Aurora. “Right now, if you don’t show up to your eviction proceeding in person, you automatically receive a default eviction judgment on your record, and this limits your opportunities to find future housing. This bill would allow all Coloradans to participate in their eviction proceeding remotely, making it easier for working families and those without reliable transportation to attend their hearings.” “Our bill works to remove barriers for Coloradans facing eviction to attend their court hearing by allowing remote participation,” said Rep. Iman Jodeh, D-Aurora. “Whether lack of child care or inability to take time off of work, there are many reasons why someone might not be able to attend their eviction hearing in person. Our legislation allows Coloradans to pre-arrange remote participation which will reduce no-show rates, prevent automatic default judgment, and improve accessibility in Colorado’s court system.” HB23-1186 , which passed by a vote of 44 to 18, would allow individuals in residential eviction cases to participate in county court proceedings remotely. Under this bill, individuals must communicate with the courts if they would like to participate in their hearing remotely or in-person 48-hours before their hearing. HB23-1186 aims to improve accessibility for attending eviction proceedings especially for those living in rural areas, Coloradans with disabilities and additional circumstances that make it difficult to take time off work. Data collected from courts in other states shows that by expanding ways to participate in eviction cases reduces “no-show” rates and improves court procedures. HB23-1186 is expected to decrease the number of Coloradans with a no-show, default eviction by over 7,800. HB23-1186 is supported by ACLU of Colorado, Colorado Poverty Law Project, 9to5 Colorado, Boulder County, AFDC Coalition, Children’s Hospital Colorado, Colorado Fiscal Institute, Colorado Center on Law and Policy, Community Economic Defense Project, and others. Previous Next

< Back June 25, 2020 BIPARTISAN BILL TO REMOVE RED TAPE AND SUPPORT MILITARY FAMILIES SIGNED INTO LAW DENVER, CO — Representative Shannon Bird’s bipartisan bill to streamline Colorado’s credentialing system for dozens of professions today was signed into law by Governor Polis. “The new law signed by Governor Polis today will remove red tape and ensure that Colorado is ready to welcome qualified job seekers and highly skilled professionals, including military spouses, from out of state,” said Rep. Shannon Bird, D-Westminster. “As we work to ensure that Colorado becomes the permanent home of Space Command, it’s crucial that we enact policies to make Colorado a great place for military families to live. That’s exactly what the Occupational Credential Portability Program will do. I’m proud that the legislature took such important steps this session to get Colorado’s strong economy back on track.” HB20-1326 creates the Occupational Credential Portability Program in the Department of Regulatory Agencies to streamline and centralize the credentialing of individuals licensed in another state. The bill will apply to professions ranging from doctors and veterinarians to electricians and barbers. The bill also relocates the existing occupational credential exemption for military spouses to the new occupational credential portability program and strengthens the exemption. Previous Next

< Back May 5, 2023 Legislation to Crack Down on Ghost Guns Advances DENVER, CO - The House today advanced legislation sponsored by Representatives Andrew Boesenecker and Junie Joseph on a preliminary vote to prevent gun violence and save lives prohibiting the possession, sale, or transfer of unserialized firearms, frames, and receivers. “Homemade guns created from untraceable and unserialized parts allow a gun owner to evade federal and state firearm laws that protect communities and prevent crime,” said Rep. Andrew Boesenecker, D-Fort Collins. “All too often, these ghost guns can end up in the hands of people who are at risk of harming themselves or others. This legislation cracks down on ghost guns to better protect our communities from senseless gun violence and improve accountability for victims and their families.” “Gun violence has devastated communities throughout Colorado, and gun crimes are becoming an increasingly common threat,” said Rep. Junie Joseph, D-Boulder. “Now, through DIY kits or 3D printers, almost anyone can access a gun on demand without having to go through a background check process. This bill is a critical step in preventing Colorado youth and criminals from accessing an unserialized gun to protect our communities.” SB23-279 aims to prevent further gun violence by cracking down on “ghost guns”, which are unregulated and untraceable firearms that can be bought online and assembled at home. Ghost guns are designed to avoid all gun laws and are available to purchase without a background check, serial number, sale record, or other protections. Under the bill, if an individual has an unserialized firearm, frame or receiver, they have until January 1, 2024 to have it serialized. A background check would be required before the owner could receive their item after it had been serialized. Serialization records must be kept and available for law enforcement. It also prohibits the possession of a “machine gun conversion device” which turns a firearm into a machine gun and imposes the same penalties as in current law for possessing a machine gun. Ghost guns are often constructed using unfinished frames or receivers and are easily accessible through a 3D printing device. Once assembled, ghost guns look, feel, and function exactly like traditional guns and are equally as deadly and dangerous. These weapons have been connected to suicides, homicides, mass shootings, robberies, and domestic violence throughout the country. Since 2016, the number of ghost guns used in crimes throughout the USA increased by 1000% , yet over 99% of those guns can’t be traced back to a user or owner. When a gun used in a crime is untraceable, it can be impossible for a gun violence victim and their family to seek accountability. Previous Next

< Back May 14, 2019 GOV SIGNS ESGAR BILLS TO HELP END SURPRISE MEDICAL BILLING & ADDRESS OPIOID CRISIS Gov Signs Esgar Bills to Help End Surprise Medical Billing & Address Opioid Crisis (May 14) – Today, Gov. Polis signed legislation sponsored by Rep. Daneya Esgar to help end out-of-network medical billing and address the opioid crisis. “I’m proud we were able to ensure Coloradans aren’t dealing with these surprise medical bills through no fault of their own,” said Rep. Esgar, D-Pueblo. “This is a big, bipartisan win for consumers and hardworking families and a solution to a problem. We responded to the concerns of families, individuals and seniors who have been hit by these surprise and all too often – expensive surprise medical bills.” The bill was signed at the Pueblo Community Health Center this afternoon. HB19-1174 Prohibits providers from charging exorbitant amounts for out-of-network care when the patient unknowingly went out of network. It also requires providers to inform consumers of their rights regarding bills sent to them by out-of-network providers. The bill does not prohibit patients from incurring out-of-network costs when they intentionally go out-of-network for their care but puts safeguards in place to prevent unexpected medical bills in these situations. Out-of-network bills can be more than 30 times the average in-network rate. Fifty-seven percent of patients who encountered out-of-network bills paid the bills in full because they didn’t know of their right to fight these bills. This legislation is meant to help control costs in out-of-network billing situations by setting a reasonable rate of payment for these providers and facilities. The bill was also sponsored by Rep. Marc Catlin, R-Montrose. The Governor also signed bipartisan bill HB19-1287 to help address the opioid crisis in Southern Colorado at the Crossroads Treatment Clinic in Pueblo. “There are significant barriers for individuals who are seeking treatment and want to be in recovery. This bill will give them the tools to break down these barriers,” Rep. Esgar said. “People often encounter barriers when trying to access treatment to overcome their addiction. This new, bipartisan law puts a system in place that is ready to help Coloradans navigate treatment and recovery options and a system that works for everyone involved.” HB19-1287 now directs the Department of Human Services to implement a web-based tracking system to track available treatment capacity at behavioral health facilities and at programs for medication-assisted treatment and medical detoxification for substance use disorders. This law also directs the Department of Human Services to implement a care navigation system to assist individuals to obtain access to treatment for substance use disorders, including medical detoxification and residential and inpatient treatment. Lastly, the new law creates a grant program for substance use disorder treatment in underserved communities to provide services in rural and frontier communities, prioritizing areas of the state that are unserved or underserved. The bipartisan law is a product of the Opioid and Other Substance Use Disorders Study Interim Committee. ### Previous Next

< Back August 11, 2020 GOVERNOR POLIS, STATE LEGISLATIVE LEADERSHIP CALL ON U.S. SENATE TO TAKE REAL ACTION IN RESPONSE TO COVID-19 PANDEMIC DENVER – Gov. Jared Polis and Colorado’s legislative leadership today called on the U.S. Senate to pass a real relief package that provides support to Colorado schools and state and local governments and extends unemployment insurance for Coloradans in response to the challenges created by the COVID-19 global pandemic. “Hardworking Colorado families need real relief and our schools and local governments need additional resources to effectively respond to the unique challenges of this pandemic. Without new federal support, our economy and small businesses will continue to teeter on the edge of a cliff,” said Governor Jared Polis. “We appreciate the collaborative, bipartisan efforts our federal delegation has taken to this point and urge the Senate to move quickly on a real relief package.” The country is facing mounting challenges due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the U.S. House approved a COVID-19 relief package weeks ago but the U.S. Senate is currently on recess for the next few weeks. “Congress must quickly approve a meaningful coronavirus relief package, as thousands of hardworking Coloradans agonize over their economic security and wonder how they will make ends meet,” said House Speaker KC Becker, D-Boulder. “Without additional aid to states and local governments, an extension of unemployment assistance, and support for our schools, Colorado will be forced to reduce services for those who need them the most, school districts will face crippling budget shortfalls, and hardworking families will be left behind.” “Colorado has no time to waste–-we need Congress to pass a robust COVID relief package as soon as possible,” said House Majority Leader Alec Garnett, D-Denver. “The Federal support that our state has received so far has made an enormous difference in the lives of teachers, students, and everyday Coloradans dealing with the fallout of this pandemic. But it has not been enough. Today we’re calling on Congress to deliver a relief package that includes significant direct aid to state and local governments, robust education funding, and an extension of the unemployment benefits that have kept many Colorado families afloat over the past few months.” “Playing power games with people’s lives is unacceptable,” said Senate President Leroy Garcia, D-Pueblo. “The US House passed a bill to help working families, schools, and small businesses months ago, but this critical legislation has been completely stonewalled. Now, everyday that goes by more and more people and institutions are at risk of collapse. We need true, selfless leadership that puts the wellbeing of hardworking Americans above political agendas. That means immediately boosting federal pandemic response efforts and renewing key programs like unemployment assistance. Otherwise, the consequences borne by our most vulnerable will be excruciating and potentially unrecoverable.” Last week before the Senate recessed, Gov. Polis and State Treasurer Dave Young sent a letter to Colorado’s Congressional Delegation calling on them to support a number of key areas that are critical to Coloradans, to act on a bipartisan relief package that addresses these issues instead of President Trump taking executive measures that increases pressure on state and local governments. “Untold numbers of people are facing homelessness, food insecurity, and utility shut-offs because Congress refuses to act,” said Senate Majority Leader Steve Fenberg, D-Boulder. “The funds already allocated have been incredibly helpful in lessening the blow for so many families, but the truth is, they are not nearly enough. Our schools are struggling, our businesses are underwater, and our residents are unable to make ends meet. State relief is the only way we will be able to survive this devastating downturn. It’s time to put politics aside and pass a comprehensive stimulus package that America needs to weather this storm.” House and Senate Democrats have repeatedly called on Congress to provide additional aid to states and local governments, including in a July 31 letter to the Colorado congressional delegation in which the caucuses also urged Washington to extend unemployment assistance, support school districts, and provide housing, utility, nutrition, and small business assistance. Previous Next

< Back September 19, 2019 SPEAKER BECKER ANNOUNCES APPOINTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL CHAMPION GWEN FARNSWORTH TO UTILITY CONSUMERS’ BOARD Senior Energy Policy Advisor at Western Resource Advocates (WRA) has decades of experience in renewable energy, energy efficiency and clean power policies. DENVER, CO– Colorado House Speaker KC Becker today announced that she has appointed Western Resource Advocates Senior Energy Policy Advisor Gwen Farnsworth to the Utility Consumers’ Board. “Gwen is a dedicated advocate for our environment and is exactly the kind of person Coloradans should have advocating for them at the Utility Consumers’ Board,” said Colorado House Speaker KC Becker, D-Boulder. “Gwen has led successful initiatives to reduce our reliance on dirty fuels while increasing the availability of renewable energy. I’m excited to see her continue her advocacy on behalf of small businesses and people across our state who are benefiting from cleaner, cheaper electricity.” “I’m thrilled to get to work on behalf of the people of Colorado,” said WRA’s Farnsworth. “We have an incredible opportunity to continue the progress we’ve made keeping electricity costs low while protecting our air and water and growing our clean energy economy. It’s a privilege to serve on this board, and I look forward to advancing policies that both protect our environment and benefit all Colorado consumers.” The Colorado Utility Consumers’ Board within the Office of Consumer Counsel of the Department of Regulatory Agencies is an 11-member panel that represents the interests of Colorado utility consumers and ratepayers to advocate for them before the Public Utilities Commission. The governor makes seven appointments to the board, one from each of the state’s seven Congressional districts. The four remaining members are appointed by the President of the Senate, the Speaker of the House and the Minority Leaders of the House and Senate. Farnsworth’s appointment became effective September 4, 2019 and ends September 4, 2023. Previous Next

< Back March 20, 2019 HOUSE APPROVES BIPARTISAN BILL TO REDUCE SCHOOL SUSPENSIONS AND EXPULSIONS FOR YOUNG KIDS (Mar. 20) – The House approved Rep. Susan Lontine’s bipartisan bill to reduce preschool and early elementary out-of-school suspensions and expulsions. In Colorado and across the country, young children are being removed from pre-school and early elementary grades at alarming rates “This is about addressing a civil rights issue for Colorado’s youngest learners. Suspensions and expulsions disproportionately impact children of color and children with disabilities and it’s time for that to end,” said Rep. Lontine, D-Denver. “This bill will help reduce the likelihood of dropouts, academic failure and an increased likelihood of entry into the criminal justice system.” Suspensions and expulsions result in the loss of valuable learning and enrichment time for Colorado’s kids. Young students, when they return to school, are often behind their classmates and more likely to be disruptive. The bill will help address behavioral issues of our young children in ways other than suspensions and expulsions to help them grow and succeed. In 2014 the U.S. Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights released data showing that black students are suspended and expelled at three times the rate of white students. That year, the Obama administration issued discipline guidelines aimed at reducing school suspensions of students of color. In 2018, the Trump administration and Sec. Betsy DeVos rescinded those guidelines. The bill aligns with national recommendations that seek to limit school removal for young children while promoting thoughtful exceptions that ensure school safety. HB19-1194 was approved on a bipartisan vote of 43-22 and now heads to the Senate. Previous Next

< Back June 17, 2021 POLIS SIGNS BILLS TO BOOST SKILLS TRAINING AND CRIME PREVENTION AND JOBS INITIATIVES DENVER, CO- – Governor Polis today signed two bills that will expand and provide resources to proven job training programs. The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) Employment First initiative has successfully helped Coloradans who receive SNAP benefits obtain new skills, increase self-sufficiency and reenter the workforce. HB21-1270 , sponsored by Representatives Tony Exum and Yadira Caraveo, leverages $3 million in state funds to draw down an additional $3 million in federal funds to provide a total of $6 million for employment support and job retention services, such as skills training services, to SNAP recipients. The funds may also be used to support work-based learning opportunities and expand third-party partnerships to extend the SNAP employment and training program’s reach. “Today, we are putting funding toward a proven initiative that helps some of Colorado’s most vulnerable workers learn new skills and fill good jobs,” said Rep. Tony Exum, D-Colorado Springs. “The bill the governor signed today will offer more Coloradans the opportunity to get back to work and to help our economy bounce back.” “Colorado can forge a more equitable recovery from the pandemic by boosting workforce training initiatives that help people fill the jobs that are being created as businesses bounce back,” said Rep. Yadira Caraveo, D-Thornton. “This program reaches primarily lower-income workers to provide critical skills training that can help them reenter the workforce, and I’m proud the governor signed this bill today to expand the program to more Coloradans.” HB21-1215 , sponsored by Reps. David Ortiz and Richard Holtorf, R-Akron, expands an existing pilot program known as the Crime Prevention Initiative that provides grants to community-based organizations to reduce crime and recidivism and promote community economic development. The program will also train formerly incarcerated people in business, finance and entrepreneurship and those who graduate from the program will receive access to loans to start their own small business. “The Justice Reinvestment Crime Prevention Initiative has a proven track record of success, and I’m excited to see it expand to new parts of the state with the bill the governor signed today,” said Rep. David Ortiz, D-Littleton. “This initiative prevents recidivism and crime by connecting former inmates with jobs, entrepreneurial tools and funding opportunities to help them start a business and fulfill their second chance while boosting local economies.” Previous Next

< Back August 29, 2022 JOINT RELEASE: STORY, CUTTER & TITONE JOIN LOCAL LEADERS, COMMUNITY MEMBERS FOR TOWN HALL ON ELECTION INTEGRITY Lawmakers tout Colorado Election Security Act championed by Colorado Democrats EVERGREEN, CO – State lawmakers, including Senator Tammy Story, D-Conifer, Representative Lisa Cutter, D-Littleton, and Representative Brianna Titone, D-Arvada, recently held a town hall and community discussion on election integrity at the Evergreen Fire Rescue. The event was also attended by Commissioners Lesley Dahlkemper and Andy Kerr as well as Jefferson County Clerk and Recorder George Stern. Colorado is known for its free and fair gold standard election system, yet Republican-driven election conspiracies in recent years continue to threaten and undermine our democracy. The town hall discussion served as an opportunity for community members to raise their concerns about the impact of these misconceptions as well as learn about the work the state legislature is doing to ensure our elections remain free and fair while continuing to strengthen our democracy. “As state legislators, we must do everything in our power to strengthen our democracy and make sure our elections remain free and fair,” said Story. “Colorado leads the nation in election security, and with the Colorado Election Security Act signed into law this year, we made sure our gold standard election system is even stronger. Every Coloradan should feel comfortable knowing their vote counts and their vote matters. The actions we took this session and the actions we will take going forward will ensure that.” “Our democratic process has been dangerously damaged by lies, and it is more important than ever to stand firm for the truth,” said Cutter. “The truth is that elections in Colorado are amongst the most secure in the nation, and we acted this year to further strengthen our system. Public trust is imperative for a high functioning democracy, so we will continue to pursue commonsense policy solutions so all Coloradans have access to voting and can exercise that right without fear.” "When we passed the Colorado Election Security Act, we took critical steps to defend our elections from those using their positions to undermine and dismantle our free and fair election system," said Titone. "Colorado's voter access and election security are top-tier, and we're pleased to say people who tamper with election equipment or break the laws surrounding elections will be held accountable for their undemocratic actions." This year, Colorado Democrats passed the Colorado Election Security Act , which improves election security by, among other measures, prohibiting anyone from serving as an election official if they have been convicted of any election offense or any offense or conspiracy to commit sedition, insurrection, treason, or conspiracy to overthrow the government. The Colorado Election Security Act further secures Colorado’s gold standard elections by improving training for clerks and election workers, and penalizes anyone who interferes with or obstructs the notification of a potential violation, or retaliates against someone providing notice. The law also prohibits accessing electronic equipment or a reporting system without authorization, makes knowingly publishing passwords or other confidential information a class 5 felony, and directs the Colorado District and Supreme Courts to expedite scheduling and issuance of final rulings of any orders in connection with a violation of election code. Previous Next

< Back May 25, 2021 PUBLIC HEALTH PASSES BILL TO INCREASE MEDICAL PROVIDERS FOR SENIORS DENVER, CO– The House Public and Behavioral Health and Human Services Committee today SB21-158, sponsored by Representatives Brianna Titone and Monica Duran, which seeks to increase the number of geriatrtic medical providers in Colorado. “Colorado’s older population is growing quickly, but we’re already facing a shortage of qualified medical providers who specialize in treating people over the age of 65,” said Rep. Brianna Titone, D-Arvada . “We have to ensure that Colorado has the medical workforce needed to provide care to everyone as they get older. By allowing nurses and physicians assistants who work with geratric patients to participate in loan forgiveness programs, we will incentivise more providers to enter and stay in this critical field.” “We know that Colorado, like the rest of the nation, is facing and will continue to deal with a medical provider shortage unless we take action that encourages more providers to commit to treating older patients,” said Rep. Monica Duran, D-Wheat Ridge. “I’m excited to see legislation move forward that will encourage more people to treat seniors by expanding eligibility for loan repayment to providers that commit to providing geratric care.” SB21-158 changes the Colorado Health Service Corps Program, a loan repayment program, to include geriatrric advanced practice providers. Under the bill, registered nurses and physician assistance with geriatric training or experience could participate in the loan repayment program on the condition they commit to providing geriatric care to older adults in health professional shortage areas. Colorado has an aging population. Colorado has the third fastest growing population over the age of 65, and Coloradans over age 65 are the fastest growing age group in the state. By 2050, the state demography office estimates that more than one in five Coloradans will be over age 65. Not only is there a national doctor shortage, but estimates also expect a significant shortage of providers who treat older patients. Previous Next