h_hie_2017a_2017-03-02t13:36:23z1 Hearing Summary

Date: 03/02/2017

Location: RM 271

03:19 PM -- HB 17-1121



Representative Buckner presented House Bill 17-1121 to the committee and distributed three handouts (Attachments G, H, and I). This bill requires current licensees and certificate holders and future applicants for initial licensure or certification to submit to a criminal history record check in the following professions:



170302 AttachG.pdf170302 AttachH.pdf170302 AttachI.pdf



• podiatrists;

• dentists and dental hygienists;

• medical doctors, physician assistants, and anesthesiologists;

• nurses;

• certified nurse aides;

• optometrists; and

• veterinarians.



After receiving the findings of the criminal history record check, a regulatory board in the Department of Regulatory Agencies (DORA) may deny licensure or certification if an applicant was convicted of, pled guilty or nolo contendere to, or received a deferred sentence, in any state, to any of the following charges:



• unlawful sexual behavior;

• the transfer of any controlled substance from a permissible to an illicit channel of distribution or use; or

• the transfer of a substance with effects similar to the effects of a controlled substance from a permissible to an illicit channel or distribution or use.



The bill repeals the current "Nurse Licensure Compact" and adopts the "Enhanced Nurse Licensure Compact". Applicants under the Enhanced Nurse Licensure Compact must comply with disclosure requirements under the "Medical Transparency Act of 2010". The new compact requires background checks and allows nurses under the compact to provide telehealth nursing services.



The bill eliminates the nurse alternative to discipline program. The bill also requires an employer to report any action that results in the termination of a certified nurse aide (CNA), including resignation in lieu of termination, to the Nursing Board within 30 days. An employer that fails to report such termination may be fined $500 to $5,000 per violation.



Representative Buckner distributed amendments L.006 and L.008. (Attachments J and K).



170302 AttachJ.pdf170302 AttachK.pdf





03:23 PM -- Director Joe Neguse, representing DORA, testified in support of the bill.



03:28 PM -- Patricia Skolnik, representing Citizens for Patient Safety, testified in support of the bill.



03:31 PM -- Michelle Shelley, representing herself, testified in support of the bill.



03:38 PM -- Nicole Campuzano, representing herself, testified in support of the bill.



03:41 PM -- Ronne Hines, representing DORA, testified in support of the bill.



04:16 PM -- Dr. Aubrey Lavizzo, representing himself, testified in support of the bill and presented a handout (Attachment L).



170302 AttachL.pdf



04:25 PM -- Barbara Williams, representing Fresenius Kidney Care, testified in support of the bill and presented a handout (Attachment M).



170302 AttachM.pdf



04:29 PM -- Leo Boyle, representing the Colorado Veterinary Medical Association and Colorado Society of Oral Surgeons, testified in support of the bill.



04:33 PM -- Kris Geraths, representing Background Information Services, testified against the bill and presented a handout (Attachment N).



170302 AttachN.pdf



04:43 PM -- Deborah Lively, representing Leading Age Colorado, testified against the bill.



04:50 PM



Mr. Neguse returned to answer committee questions.



05:00 PM



Clare Pramuk, representing Legislative Council Staff, answered questions regarding the fiscal note.



05:02 PM -- David Bolin, representing AOI Homecare, testified against the bill.



05:10 PM



Chris Andrst and Teresa Mucha, representing Colorado Bureau of Investigation, answered committee questions.



05:18 PM



Ms. Pramuk returned to answer committee questions.



05:21 PM



Mr. Neguse returned to answer committee questions.



05:26 PM -- Doug Farmer, representing Colorado Health Care Association, testified against the bill.



05:30 PM -- Amber Burkhart, representing Colorado Hospital Association, testified against the bill.



05:33 PM



Yelana Love, representing the Office of Legislative Legal Services, answered questions regarding the bill amendments.





05:34 PM -- Ryan Zeiger, representing Colorado Long-Term Assistance Service Providers, testified against the bill.



05:42 PM -- Dr. Theresa Buxton, representing the Colorado Nurses Association, testified in a neutral capacity.



05:47 PM



Ms. Hines returned to answer committee questions.



05:50 PM



Mr. Neguse returned to answer committee questions.



05:54 PM



Representative Buckner explained the amendments. Representative Ransom distributed and explained amendment L.010 (Attachment O).





170302 AttachO.pdf

06:05 PM



Ms. Love returned to answer committee questions.

170302 AttachP.pdf



06:09 PM



Representative Buckner wrapped up her presentation to the committee.