S_HHS_2017A 04/12/2017 Committee Summary

10:51 AM -- HB 17-1045



Senator Lambert, bill sponsor, presented the House Bill 17-1045 and distributed amendment L.004 (Attachment A). The reengrossed bill continues the Home Care Assistance (HCA) Grant Program, which is set to repeal on July 1, 2017, under current law. The bill extends the program for an indefinite period of time until the state has established a consumer-directed support service delivery option for providing homemaker, personal care, and medical support services for individuals who are receiving home- and community-based services on the Supported Living Services waiver program under Medicaid. The executive directors of the Department of Human Services and the Department of Health Care Policy and Financing must notify the Revisor of Statutes once such a consumer-direct option is available, and the HCA Grant Program is repealed on the date identified in the notice or upon receipt of the notice if no other date is specified.



170412 AttachA.pdf



10:52 AM -- Marijo Rymer, The Arc of Colorado, testified in support of the bill.







10:59 AM



Senator Lambert made closing comments.

11:02 AM -- SB 17-082



Senator Lambert, bill sponsor, presented Senate Bill 17-082, and distributed amendment L.001 (Attachment B). The bill transfers regulation of methadone treatment facilities from the Department of Human Services (DHS) to the Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE). It also establishes several new requirements for methadone treatment facilities operating in the state. Specifically, methadone treatment facilities approved on or after January 1, 2018, must be located more than 1,000 feet from a school, university, seminary, residential child care facility, or public park. The bill specifies that the establishment of methadone clinics is a matter of statewide concern. Municipalities cannot consider a methadone treatment facility as a medical clinic for zoning purposes unless approval is given by the governing body of the municipality.



In addition, methadone clinics are required to report to CDPHE any infractions in this state or another state by the owner of the facility, its holding company, or any other entity within the same holding company. Infractions that must be reported include, but are not limited to, those involving excessive caseload, inadequate treatment plans, or the failure to fully account for all controlled substances. Disclosure of infractions must be made for the preceding three years when submitting an initial or renewal application for licensure. New infractions must be disclosed within 30 days of being discovered.



For clinics seeking an initial or renewal license, CDPHE must deny the application if there are any infractions disclosed, unless approving the clinic would be in the public interest due to lack of capacity at other facilities in the area. For new infractions, CDPHE must investigate to determine whether the public interest requires suspending, revoking, limiting, or restricting the prior license approval. Prior to determining which action to take regarding new infractions or infractions during the license application process, CDPHE must hold a public hearing to solicit input.



11:09 AM -- Kip Kolkmeier, Office of Legislative Legal Services, responded to questions from the committee.



11:12 AM -- Cristen Bates, DHS, testified in a neutral position on the bill.

170412 AttachB.pdf

11:20 AM -- HB 17-1280



Senator Gardner, bill sponsor, presented House Bill 17-1280. The rengrossed bill updates current law concerning disability trusts in order to conform with federal law. Under current law, a disability trust is funded by the assets of an individual under the age of 65 who is disabled, and is established for the benefit of the individual by his or her parent, grandparent, guardian, or the court. This bill amends the definition of a disability trust to include one that is established by the disabled individual.



11:22 AM -- Marijo Rymer, The Arc of Colorado, testified in support of the bill.



11:24 AM -- Leia Ursery, Colorado Bar Association, responded to questions from the committee.





11:30 AM



Senator Gardner made closing comments.

11:31 AM



Senator Smallwood adjourned the meeting.