This issue brief provides an overview of minors’ rights to deny others access to medical records under the federal Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA) and Colorado state law.  It also discusses state law pertaining to the ability of minors to consent to...

The Colorado Department of Early Childhood (CDEC), Colorado’s newest state department, began operations in July 2022 to provide a range of programs and services that support young children, families, and the professionals that serve them.  This issue brief provides an overview of the...

During the 2022 legislative session, the General Assembly considered numerous bills related to child & domestic matters.  

During the 2022 legislative session, the General Assembly considered measures related to human services, including bills concerning seniors and protected persons, assistance programs, and repurposing the Ridge View campus.

During the 2022 legislative session, the General Assembly considered measures related to behavioral health, including several bills recommended by Behavioral Health Transformational Task Force to address gaps in the continuum of care using federal American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds, as well...

The Governor and  General  Assembly  formed  the Behavioral Health Transformational Task  Force and  Subpanel to  develop  recommendations  in 2021. Comprised  of legislators, executive branch representatives, and  diverse behavioral health practitioners  and  experts, the Task  Force and  ...

Final Report to the Colorado General Assembly by the Legislative Oversight Committee Concerning the Treatment of Persons with Mental Health Disorders in the Criminal and Juvenile Justice Systems.

The General Assembly considered several measures during the 2021 legislative session related to human services, including behavioral health and long-term care.

During the 2021 legislative session, the General Assembly considered several measures related to children and domestic matters, including foster care, child care, and child welfare.

The following are the safety protocols for the First Regular Session of the 73rd General Assembly.  These protocols are adopted after consultations with a bi-partisan group of legislators, non-partisan legislative staff, the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment, the National...

To date, Colorado and eight other states have enacted paid family and medical leave laws.  The other states include California, Connecticut, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, Oregon, Rhode Island, and Washington.  In addition, Hawaii has a paid medical leave law.  This memorandum provides a...

Colorado's Adult Protective Services (APS) system, first established in 1983, protects at-risk adults who, because of mental or physical ability, are unable to obtain services or otherwise protect their own health, safety, and welfare.  This issue brief provides an overview of the APS...