H_PHC_2019A 03/27/2019 10:18:27 AM Committee Summary

Representative Cutter, bill sponsor, presented House Bill 19-1237 to the committee.  The bill creates a new system for licensing behavioral health entities.  Under current law, an entity that provides behavioral health services may hold a license from the Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) or the Department of Human Services (DHS).  The bill consolidates these licenses into one behavioral health entity license to be administered by the CDPHE.  In addition, the bill requires certain entities to obtain a behavioral health entity license that are not currently licensed or are subject to voluntary licensure.  The bill sponsor responded to committee questions.

Representative Singer proceeded with witness testimony on the bill.

Lauren Snyder, Mental Health Colorado, testified in support of the bill.

Cristen Bates, DHS, testified in support of the bill.

Melissa Eddelman, Department of Health Care Policy and Financing, testified in support of the bill.

The witness panel responded to committee questions.

Abigail Negley, The Arc of Colorado, testified in support of the bill.

Frank Cornelia, Colorado Behavioral Healthcare Council, testified in support of the bill.

Jacki Kennedy, North Range Behavioral Health, testified in support of the bill.

Jennifer Miles, Colorado Providers Association, testified in support of the bill with amendments.

The witness panel responded to committee questions.

Randy Kuykendall, CDPHE, testified in support of the bill.  Mr. Kuykendall responded to committee questions.

Mike Morgan, Division of Fire Prevention and Control, testified in support of the bill.

Representative Cutter distributed amendment L.002 to the committee (Attachment A).

Representative Landgraf distributed amendment L.001 to the committee (Attachment B).

The committee came back to order.

Jerry Barry, Office of Legislative Legal Services, responded to committee questions regarding the amendment.

Representative Cutter gave closing remarks on the bill.

Committee members commented on the bill.