Representative Gilchrist and Representative Brown, co-prime bill sponsors, presented House Bill 26-1002, concerning measures to increase patient access to behavioral health providers.

Representative Brown reviewed amendment L.001 (Attachment A), which strikes everything below the enacting clause. He also discussed amendment L.002 (Attachment B).

Representative Brown and Representative Gilchrist responded to questions from the committee.

Cara Cheevers, representing Inseparable, testified in support of the bill. Leanne Rupp, representing the National Association of Social Workers - Colorado Chapter, testified to amend the bill. Veronica Bell, representing the Colorado Behavioral Healthcare Council, testified in support of the bill. Dr. Ryan Burkhart, representing the Colorado Counseling Association, testified in support of the bill.

The panelists responded to questions from the committee.

Kevin McFatridge, representing the Colorado Association of Health Plans, testified to amend the bill. Dr. Mark Longshore, representing the Colorado Nurses Association, testified to amend the bill.

The panelists responded to questions from the committee.

Kate Rawlinson, representing themself, testified in a neutral position on the bill. William Richards, representing Colorado Mad Moms, testified in a neutral position on the bill. Alexis Alltop, representing Healthier Colorado, testified in support of the bill. Amanda Carlson, representing the Colorado Consumer Health Initiative, testified in support of the bill. Erica Pike, representing Children's Hospital Colorado, testified in support of the bill. Deborah Kinder, representing Colorado Mad Moms, testified in support of the bill.

The panelists responded to questions from the committee.

Representative Brown further discussed amendment L.002.

Representative Gilchrist and Representative Brown responded to questions from the committee about amendment L.001.

Representative Gilchrist and Representative Brown provided concluding remarks on the bill.

Committee members commented on the bill.