H_HI_2022A 02/09/2022 01:33:39 PM Committee Summary

Representative Tipper introduced House Bill 22-1008 concerning the federal requirements for the implementation of fertility coverage under health benefit plans.

Representatives asked follow up questions of the sponsor.

Ms. Valeria Pernas, representing self, testified in support of the bill.

Ms. Leslie Appiah, representing self, testified in support of the bill.

Ms. Amanda Massey, representing Colorado Association of Health Plans, testified to amend the bill. She testified that she is in support of the amendment to clarify the timing of the legislation.

Members of the committee asked the witnesses questions.

Ms. Alison Butler, representing Colorado Cross-Disability Coalition and Disability Community Members, testified in support of the bill.

Committee members asked follow-up questions regarding disabilities and infertility.

Commissioner Michael Conway, representing Division of Insurance, was available to answer committee questions. Written testimony was submitted to the committee (Attachment A).

Representative Tipper gave closing remarks on House Bill 22-1008. Members of the committee gave final remarks.

Representative Ricks introduced House Bill 22-1050, concerning facilitating the integration of international medical graduates into the Colorado health-care workforce.

Members of the committee asked questions regarding the bill and proposed amendments.

Dr. Mohamed Khalif, representing self, testified in support of the bill. Carrie Miller, representing the Spring Institute for Intercultural Learning, testified in support of the bill. Mr. Michael Zimmer, representing World Education Services, testified in support of the bill.

Members of the committee asked follow-up questions of the witnesses.

Discussion continued between witnesses and members of the committee.

Mr. Zimmer also responded to questions from the committee.

Ms. Kit Taintor, representing self, testified in support of the bill.
Ms. Reham Abukhalifa, representing self, testified in support of the bill.
Dr. Jamal Moloo, representing self, testified in support of the bill.
Ms. Wafa El-Ejmi, representing self, testified in support of the bill.

Dr. Maki Gboro, representing self, testified in support of the bill. Ms. Sara Leahy, representing Colorado Rural Health Center, testified in support of the bill. Mr. Nate Brown, representing Department of Regulatory Agencies, Division of Professions and Occupations, testified in support of the bill.

Dr. Maki Gboro, representing self, testified in support of the bill. Ms. Sara Leahy, representing Colorado Rural Health Center, testified in support of the bill. Mr. Nate Brown, representing Department of Regulatory Agencies, Division of Professions and Occupations, testified in support of the bill. Written testimony was submitted to the committee (Attachment C).

Representative Ricks explained amendment L.001.

Ms. Jennifer Lockwood, representing the Department of Regulatory Agencies, gave a brief overview of sunset reports and testified on the Health Care Work Force Data Advisory Group. A copy of the sunset report and related draft bill were distributed to the committee (Attachments F and G).

Mr. Stephen Holloway, representing Department of Public Health and Environment, made himself available for questions.

Ms. Christy Chase, Office of Legislative Legal Services, gave an overview of the sunset process.

Mr. Bryan Jameson, representing the Department of Regulatory Agencies (DORA), testified on the State Board of Optometry sunset report and the recommendations made in the report. A Copy of the sunset report and related draft bill were distributed to the committee (Attachment H and I).

Dr. Leo Seibold, representing the Colorado Society of Eye Physicians and Surgeons, testified against the recommended changes in the sunset report. Dr. Zafar Gill, representing self, testified on his experience as a resident. Mr. Chet Seward, representing the Colorado Society of Eye Physicians and Surgeons, testified on the sunset report.

Committee members asked follow-up questions of the panel regarding their concerns with the sunset recommendations.

Dr. Deanna Alexander, representing Colorado Optometric Association, testified.
Dr. Heather Gitchell, representing Colorado Optometric Association, testified.
Dr. Jon Pederson, representing Colorado Optometric Association, testified.
Members of the panel testified in support of recommendations which allow Optometrists to perform additional procedures.

Sponsors: Representatives Lontine, Soper, McCormick, Ortiz, Titone