S_HHS_2016A 04/20/2016 11:40:24 AM Committee Summary

11:40 AM -- HB 16-1280



Senator Lambert, bill sponsor, presented House Bill 16-1280. The bill gives the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (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 the Commission on Accreditation of Medical Transport Systems, which is no longer directly referenced in statute) or by meeting licensing standards established by 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 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.



11:44 AM -- Michelle Reese, CDPHE, testified in support of the bill. Ms. Reese responded to questions.



11:48 AM



Senator Lambert responded to questions about the fee structure and referred to the bill's fiscal note.



11:49 AM -- Richard Martin, State Emergency Medical and Trauma Services Advisory Council, spoke in support of the bill.







11:50 AM -- Duane Rorie, Air Ambulance Task Force, spoke in support of the bill.



11:52 AM



Senator Lambert made closing comments.

11:56 AM -- HB 16-1377



Senator Lambert, bill sponsor, presented House Bill 16-1377 and discussed amendments L.001, L.002, and L.004 (Attachments A, B, and C). The bill creates a task force in the Department of Human Services (DHS) to examine the collection and security of digital images of evidence of child abuse and neglect. The task force is required to examine current practices by county departments of human services, best practices and safeguards concerning digital images, the role of law enforcement and medical professionals, and to make recommendations. The task force is to consist of no more than 21 members, including representatives from the DHS, child welfare-related agencies in the Judicial Department, and various persons appointed by the Governor, the Speaker of the House, and the President of the Senate. Task force members serve without compensation or reimbursement of expenses. The DHS is required to provide staff support and office space to the task force as necessary. The task force must submit an initial report to specified state and local officials and committees of the General Assembly by December 1, 2017, and a final report by December 1, 2018. The task force is repealed on July 1, 2019.



160420 AttachA.pdf160420 AttachB.pdf160420 AttachC.pdf



12:03 PM -- Director Linda Weinerman, Office of the Child's Representative, spoke in support of the bill.



12:08 PM -- Director Terraine Bailey, Office of the Respondent Parents' Counsel, spoke in support of the bill.















12:13 PM



Committee discussion followed concerning parental rights and the age at which a child may consent to specific actions taken during the investigation of abuse and neglect.



12:17 PM -- Paige Rosemond, Colorado Department of Human Services, spoke in support of the bill.



12:19 PM



Senator Lambert made closing comments.

12:24 PM



The committee adjourned.