As Colorado’s 120-day legislative session continues in its third month, many bills are set for committee review, with several already advancing toward appropriations. Here are the latest updates on key healthcare legislation:
Physician Continuing Education
HB 24-1153 would require Colorado physicians to complete 40 hours of Continuing Medical Education (CME) during the two years preceding license renewal, reinstatement, or reactivation. The Colorado Medical Board would set rules for this requirement. The bill is slated for consideration by the Health & Human Services Committee today.
Health Insurers Contract with Qualified Providers Act
Introduced on January 10, the Health Insurers Contract with Qualified Providers Act (HB 24-1005) would require health insurance carriers in Colorado to incorporate qualified primary care providers into their networks by January 1, 2027. It proposes a reimbursement schedule to ensure fair payment to providers, with considerations for regional costs and incentives for integrated care. This bill also aims to support continuity of care by allowing providers moving to independent practice to notify patients of their new location. Sponsored by four members of the Democratic majority, it was presented to the Health & Human Services (HHS) Committee on February 21 and is currently under consideration.
Medical Malpractice Actions Cap on Noneconomic Damages
SB 24-130 proposes to gradually raise the cap on noneconomic damages in medical malpractice cases from $300,000 to $500,000 over five years, effective January 1, 2025. This bipartisan bill awaits review by the Judiciary Committee.
Universal Healthcare Payment System
HB 24-1075 would direct the Colorado School of Public Health to evaluate the feasibility of a single-payer healthcare system in Colorado, with findings due by October 1, 2025. It proposes the formation of a 21-member advisory task force to guide the school during its analysis. The bill passed the Health & Human Services Committee on February 7 and now advances to the Committee on Appropriations.
Support for Living Organ Donors
The CARE for Living Organ Donors Act (HB 24-1132) would provide living organ donors with certification, expense compensation, workplace protections, tax credits, and a special license plate. Additionally, it would designate April 11 as “Living Organ Donor Recognition Day” and mandate transplant centers’ participation in organ voucher programs. This bipartisan bill will be heard by the Health & Human Services Committee on March 12.
Prior Authorization Requirements Alternatives
The Prior Authorization Requirements Alternatives Act (HB 24-1149) would extend healthcare prior authorizations a calendar year, require insurance carriers and Pharmacy Benefit Managers to “substantially modify prior authorization requirements” in consultation with providers, and require that carriers publish claims processing metrics publicly. The bipartisan bill was amended and passed by the Committee on Appropriations on March 1 and is now scheduled to be heard today in the House.
Discounted Care for Indigent Patients
SB 24-116 would revise discounted care regulations for indigent patients by adding a residency attestation requirement. It allows facilities to deny discounted care to patients presumptively eligible for Medicaid and introduces sliding fee scales in rural counties. Introduced on February 5 with high-powered sponsors within the Democratic majority (Majority Caucus Chair and Majority Co-Whip), the bill was reviewed by the Health & Human Services Committee on February 22, amended, and sent to the Committee on Appropriations.
Out-of-State Telehealth Providers
SB 24-141 would authorize eligible out-of-state healthcare providers to offer telehealth services to Colorado patients. It does not allow these providers to establish physical locations in Colorado without adhering to existing protocols. This bill was heard by Senate Committee on Finance on February 27 and then was referred unamended to the Committee on Appropriations.
Prohibition Against Employee Discipline
HB 24-1260 would ban employers from mandating attendance at religious or political meetings and from penalizing non-participation. It would permit necessary job-related communications, allow legal action for violations, and require workplace rights notices. This bill was introduced in the House and assigned to the Business Affairs & Labor Committee to be heard on March 20.
Other Health Policy News
On February 8, Governor Jared Polis announced the appointment of Dannette R. Smith as commissioner of the Colorado Behavioral Health Administration. Smith has a Master’s of Social Work and previously led the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services, where she explored the use of Medicaid funds to pay for behavioral health services. She succeeds interim Commissioner Michelle Barnes.
