S_HHS_2020A 03/05/2020 01:30:47 PM Committee Summary

Gary Reiff, UC Health, introduced the appointees to the University of Colorado Hospital Authority Board of Directors.

Elizabeth Chambers, appointee, told the committee about her professional background and why she wants to serve on the broad.   The Board of Regents' appointment letter may be found in Attachment A.

Ronald Williams, appointee, told the committee about his professional background and why he wants to serve on the board. The Board of Regents' appointment letter may be found in Attachment A.

Steve Meyer, appointee, told the committee about his professional background and why he wants to serve on the board.  The Board of Regents' appointment letter may be found in Attachment A.

Senator Danielson, bill sponsor, presented Senate Bill 20-165. This bill renames Section 24-34-805, C.R.S., which concerns family preservation safeguards for families that include a parent with a disability, as the "Carrie Ann Lucas Parental Rights for People with Disabilities Act." Committee discussion followed.

Dan Burke, National Federation of the Blind (NFB), testified in support of the bill.

Jenn Purrington, Colorado Bar Association and Disability Law, testified in support of the bill.

Amy Robertson, Civil Rights Education and Enforcement Center, testified in support of the bill.

Anaya Robinson, Association of Colorado Centers for Indendent Living, testified in support of the bill.

Melissa Thompson, Office of Respondent Parents' Counsel, testified in support of the bill.

Senator Danielson read a letter from Scott LaBarre, NFB (Attachment B).  Senator Danielson made closing comments.

Senators Hisey and Todd, bill sponsors, presented House Bill 20-1101.  The bill requires an agreement between an assisted living residence referral agency and a prospective resident to be in writing and include:

• the right of the prospective resident or their representative to terminate the referral agency's services for any reason and at any time; and
• a requirement that, if the prospective resident terminates the services of the referral agency, that the referral agency must communicate this termination to any assisted living residences to which the prospective resident was referred.

The bill prohibits an assisted living residence from paying a fee to a referral agency if the agreement between the referral agency and prospective resident or their representative was terminated. Additionally, assisted living residences may not sell a prospective resident's contact information without written consent. This bill also expands the definition of assisted living residence to include facilities for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, long-term care facilities, and any other similar facility.

Lyle Campbell, Colorado Assisted Living Association, testified in support of the bill.  Cindy Koch, representing herself, testified in support of the bill.  Eileen Doherty, Colorado Gerontological Society, testified in support of the bill.  The witnesses panel responded to questions.

Marnie Biln, Greater Denver Placement and Referral Alliance, testified in support of the bill.

Jeanette Hensley, Colorado Senior Lobby, testified in support of the bill.

Senator Sonnenberg, bill sponsor, presented Senate Bill 20-173. The bill directs the State Board of Medical Services (board) to adopt rules to increase Medicaid reimbursement for secure alternative care facilities (ACF) with higher staffing ratios in order to serve individuals requiring memory care. The board is directed to engage stakeholders to assist in determining the appropriate level of reimbursement to achieve the increases in capacity needed to serve the state's needs. The Department of Health Care Policy and Financing (HCPF) is directed to seek any federal authorization necessary to receive federal financial participation.

The witness panel responded to questions.

Committee questions and discussions continued.

Eileen Doherty, Colorado Gerontological Society, testified in support of the bill.

Senator Sonnenberg responded to questions and made closing comments.