S_HHS_2018A 01/17/2018 09:46:40 AM Committee Summary

Senator Smallwood called the meeting to order.  Senator Garcia, bill sponsor, presented Senate Bill 18-020 to the committee.  The bill allows registered psychotherapists to practice auricular acudetox if they have documented that they have met certain training requirements.  Under current law, only licensed mental health care professionals and level III certified addiction counselors may practice this technique.  Auricular detoxification is the placement of acupuncture needles at certain points in the ear for persons undergoing detoxification for a substance use disorder. Senator Garcia responded to questions from the committee regarding the aricular acudetox procedure.

Dr. Scott Richardson, representing Acupuncture Association of Colorado, testified in a neutral capacity of the bill.  Dr. Richardson responded to questions from the committee.

Dick Young, representing the United Veterans Committee, testified in support of the bill.

Terri Hurst, representing the Colorado Criminal Justice Reform Coalition, testified in support of the bill.

Dr. Libby Stuyt, representing herself, testified in support of the bill.  Dr. Stuyt responded to questions from the committee.

Senator Garcia responded to committee questions regarding the bill.  Committee discussion with Dr. Stuyt and Senator Garcia ensued.  Senator Garcia gave concluding remarks on the bill.

Senator Smallwood, bill sponsor, presented Senate Bill 18-050 to the committee.  Under current law, fire stations and hospitals are safe havens in which staff are allowed to take temporary custody of infants 72 hours old or younger when the infant is voluntarily surrendered by a parent.  Senate Bill 18-050 adds free-standing emergency facilities to the list of safe haven facilities.

Committee members commented on the bill.  Senator Smallwood responded to committee questions.  Committee members discussed possible amendments to the bill.  Senator Martinez Humenik recessed the committee.

Senator Martinez Humenik called the committee back to order and reopened witness testimony on the bill.

Jim Cole, UCHealth, testified in support of the bill.

Senator Martinez Humenik recessed the committee.

Senator Martinez Humenik called the meeting back to order.  Senator Aguilar discussed amendment L.002 (Attachment A) with the committee. 

Senator Smallwood gave concluding remarks on the bill.  Committee members commented on the bill.