h_tra_2016a_2016-03-02t13:31:10z2 Hearing Summary

Date: 03/02/2016

01:56 PM -- HB 16-1280



Representative Winter, prime sponsor, came to the table to present House Bill 16-1280. Under current law, the Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) licenses air ambulances to operate in Colorado that are accredited with the Commission on Accreditation of Medical Transport Systems (CAMTS). This bill gives the CDPHE additional authority to establish state-level licensing of air ambulances that allows for air ambulance operators to receive a license either by gaining accreditation through an approved organization (such as CAMTS, which is no longer directly referenced in statute) or by meeting licensing standards established by the CDPHE and the State Board of Health. The bill requires the CDPHE to establish rules by December 31, 2017, for the licensing program, including:



• approval of an accrediting organization;

• medical, staffing, safety, and quality standards;

• recognition of licenses from other states;

• issuance of initial, renewal, provisional, and other licenses; and

• establishment of license fees.



The bill gives the CDPHE disciplinary authority to suspend or revoke licenses, impose civil penalties, and issue cease-and-desist orders. Any air ambulance operator that violates licensing rules or operates without a valid license may be subject to civil penalties of up to $5,000 per violation or for each day of a continuing violation. Penalty revenue is deposited into the General Fund.



Representative Winter responded to a question from the committee.



01:58 PM -- Randy Kuykendall, representing CDPHE, testified in support of the bill. Mr. Kuykendall responded to questions from the committee.

02:08 PM -- Commissioner Lew Gaiter, representing the State Emergency Medical and Trauma Services Advisory Council (SEMTAC) in CDPHE, testified in support of the bill.

02:09 PM -- David Kearns, representing Flight for Life Colorado, testified in support of the bill. Discussed ensued.

02:11 PM -- Ray Jennings, representing the Emergency Medical Services Association of Colorado (EMSAC), testified in support of the bill.

02:14 PM -- Rich Martin, representing SEMTAC and EMSAC, testified in support of the bill.



02:15 PM



Representative Winter made closing comments on the bill.

02:17 PM



The committee was adjourned.