F108E68BA81D50D3872582200070C4AF Hearing Summary

Senators Jahn and Tate introduced Senate Bill 18-024, concerning expanded access to behavioral health care providers. The bill modifies the Colorado Health Services Corps program to expand the availability of behavioral health care providers in designated shortage areas. The sponsors provided an amendment to the committee (Attachment A).

Steve Holloway, Colorado Department of Public Health & Environment, spoke in favor of the bill. He responded to questions from the committee.

Crystal Colussi, Sobriety House and the Colorado Providers Association (COPA), spoke in support of the bill. She responded to questions from the committee.

Frank Cornelia, Colorado Behavioral Health Council, spoke in support of the bill.

Glory McDaniel, Colorado Association of Addiction Professionals, spoke in support of the bill.

Jose Esquibel, Colorado Attorney General's Office, spoke in support of the bill.

Ed Shackelford, representing himself, spoke about the bill.

Senator Crowder made comments regarding Mr. Shackelford's testimony.

Senator Martinez-Humenik made comments on the preceding testimony.

Christina Johnson, representing herself, spoke about the bill.

Jennifer Miles, COPA and National Association of Social Workers, Colorado, spoke in support of the bill. She provided two handouts to the committee (Attachments B and C).

Senator Tate and Senator Jahn made closing comments on the merits of the bill. They responded to questions from the committee.