s_hhs_2016a_2016-04-20t11:40:24z0 Hearing Summary

Date: 04/20/2016

11:40 AM -- HB 16-1280



Senator Lambert, bill sponsor, presented House Bill 16-1280. The bill gives the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) additional authority to establish state-level licensing of air ambulances that allows for air ambulance operators to receive a license either by gaining accreditation through an approved organization (such as the Commission on Accreditation of Medical Transport Systems, which is no longer directly referenced in statute) or by meeting licensing standards established by CDPHE and the State Board of Health. The bill requires the CDPHE to establish rules by December 31, 2017, for the licensing program, including:



• approval of an accrediting organization;

• medical, staffing, safety, and quality standards;

• recognition of licenses from other states;

• issuance of initial, renewal, provisional, and other licenses; and

• establishment of license fees.



The bill gives CDPHE disciplinary authority to suspend or revoke licenses, impose civil penalties, and issue cease-and-desist orders. Any air ambulance operator that violates licensing rules or operates without a valid license may be subject to civil penalties of up to $5,000 per violation or for each day of a continuing violation. Penalty revenue is deposited into the General Fund.





11:44 AM -- Michelle Reese, CDPHE, testified in support of the bill. Ms. Reese responded to questions.





11:48 AM



Senator Lambert responded to questions about the fee structure and referred to the bill's fiscal note.



11:49 AM -- Richard Martin, State Emergency Medical and Trauma Services Advisory Council, spoke in support of the bill.



11:50 AM -- Duane Rorie, Air Ambulance Task Force, spoke in support of the bill.



11:52 AM



Senator Lambert made closing comments.