B50562D6D46155FF8725850E0079A632 Hearing Summary

Representative Caraveo, bill sponsor, introduced House Bill 20-1212. The bill continues the regulation of naturopathic doctors by the Department of Regulatory Agencies (DORA) for nine years and implements the department's recommendations in the sunset report.  Specifically, it provides department staff, consultants, and complainants with immunity from liability for acts occurring while acting in their capacity; removes references to the North American Board of Naturopathic Examiners and the Council of Naturopathic Medical Education; and repeals the requirement that naturopathic doctors enter into a collaborative agreement with a licensed physician before treating children under the age of two.

Deputy Karen McGovern, Department of Regulatory Agencies, testified against portions of the bill.

Deputy McGovern responded to questions from the committee.

Dr. Rachelle Forsberg, Colorado Association of Naturopathic Doctors, testified in support of the bill. She distributed a handout to the committee (Attachment A).

Dr. Ashley Biscoe, Colorado Association of Naturopathic Doctors, testified in support of the bill.

Dr. James Gilchrist, Colorado Association of Naturopathic Doctors, testified about the bill.

Ruth Aponte, Academy of Pediatrics, testified in favor of the bill.

The previous panel of witness responded to questions from the committee.

Representative Caraveo introduced amendment L.001 (Attachment B).

The bill sponsor made closing comments on the bill.