s_sa_2017a_2017-05-04t10:40:16z7 Hearing Summary

Date: 05/04/2017

Location: SCR 352

11:48 AM -- HB17-1121



Senator Todd, sponsor, presented House Bill 17-1121. Beginning July 1, 2018, the reengrossed 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:



• 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.



Senator Todd discussed amendment L.013 (Attachment G).



17SenateState0504AttachG.pdf



11:54 AM -- Doug Farmer, representing the Colorado Health Care Association, testified against the bill.



11:56 AM -- Amber Burkhart, representing the Colorado Hospital Association, testified against the bill.



11:57 AM -- Joe Neguse, Executive Director of DORA, testified in support of the bill.





12:01 PM



Senator Todd wrapped up her presentation of the bill.