Senators Frizell and Exum, primary bill sponsors, introduced House Bill 26-1244, which directs the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment and the Colorado Department of Health Care Policy and Financing to distribute grants from the Nursing Home Penalty Cash Fund based on federal priorities and allowable uses established by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. The Nursing Home Innovations Grant Board must also make recommendations for grant approval that align with federal grant cycle processes and allowable uses. The bill further expands the scope of these grants to include education and training of nursing facility staff, and removes the restriction that prevents government entities from applying for a grant from the fund.

Ms. Leah McMahon, representing Office of the State Long-Term Care Ombudsman, testified in support of the bill. Joseph Dubroff, representing LeadingAge Colorado, testified in support of the bill. Alexandra Haas, representing Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment, testified in support of the bill. Dr. Pradeep Rai, representing PALTmed-Colorado, testified in support of the bill. Mr. Alan Horowitz, representing Colorado PALTmed (Post Acute and Long-Term Medical Association), testified in support of the bill. Ms. Amanda Leck, representing Long Term Care Ombudsman Program, testified in support of the bill. Ms. Jenny Albertson, representing Colorado Health Care Association, testified in support of the bill.

The primary bill sponsors provided closing remarks.