H_PHC_2018A 05/08/2018 01:50:23 PM Committee Summary

Representative Pettersen and Representative Wist, bill sponsors, presented Senate Bill 18-270 to the committee.  The bill requires the Department of Human Services (DHS) to establish a statewide program to refer high-risk individuals to community transition services after receiving treatment in an acute treatment center, crisis service facility, withdrawal management facility, or hospital.

Representatives Pettersen and Wist responded to committee questions.

Representative Singer proceeded with witness testimony on the bill.

Joshua Ewing, Colorado Hospital Association, testified in support of the bill.

Evan Silverman, representing himself, testified in support of the bill and distributed a handout (Attachment A).  

Camille Harding, DHS, testified in support of the bill.

Moe Keller, Mental Heath Colorado, testified in support of the bill.

Ms. Harding and Mr. Silverman responded to committee questions.

Representatives Wist and Pettersen gave concluding remarks on the bill.

Representative McLachlan and Representative Carver, bill sponsors, presented Senate Bill 18-272 to the committee.  The bill codifies the existing Office of Suicide Prevention into law and creates the crisis and suicide prevention training grant program in the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) to provide assistance to public schools and school districts to annually provide comprehensive crisis and suicide prevention training for all teachers and staff.

Representatives McLachlan and Carver responded to committee questions

Representative Singer proceeded with witness testimony on the bill.

Susan Marine, Suicide Prevention Coalition Colorado, testified in support of the bill.  Ms. Marine reponded to committee questions.

Representative McLachlan responded to committee questions.

Representatives Carver and McLachlan gave concluding remarks on the bill.