Date: 03/02/2009

Final
BILL SUMMARY for HB09-1275

HOUSE COMMITTEE ON HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES

Votes: View--> Action Taken:
Moved to adopt prepared amendment L.001 (Attachmen
Moved to refer amended House Bill 09-1275 to the C
Pass Without Objection
PASS



02:39 PM -- House Bill 09-1275

Representative Apuan presented House Bill 09-1275 which allows the Department of Public Health and Environment to issue provisional certifications for emergency medical technicians (EMTs). He explained to the committee that several EMT positions remain open due to the length of time it takes to process an application. He stated that the bill allows the department to issue a 90-day provisional certification for EMTs from other states. He stated that the EMTs who would qualify for the 90-day provisional certification are typically certified in other states, but must go through Colorado's certification in order to practice in the state. Representative Apuan stated that the certification process can take up to three to four months. He explained that after an EMT is certified, there is additional training period all EMTs must complete before he or she may begin employment. He stated that the bill allows EMTs to begin the additional training while under the provisional certification, and that when the EMTs application for certification is processed, he or she may be able to begin employment as soon as possible. He stated that with the healthcare provider shortage, this bill helps increase healthcare providers in a timely manner.

02:47 PM --
James Mason, Denver Health, testified in support of the bill. He stated that he is an EMT at Denver Health. He stated that the bill aids in the competitiveness of the state to bring in health care providers, specifically EMTs who are in dire need in the state.

02:49 PM --
Jennifer Jones, Clinical Manager, America Medical Response, spoke in support of the bill. She stated that the bill allows individuals to start their training sooner so that when their application is processed, they can begin working immediately. She stated this will put more people to work quicker. She explained that potential hirees cannot be reviewed for hire, nor can they start their training, if they do not meet state certification. She explained that typically, those seeking a 90-day provisional certification, are licensed in another state and are seeking to practice in Colorado.

02:57 PM --
Rosemary Singer, Rural/Metro Ambulance, spoke in support of the bill. She provided a timeline on how long it takes to get a application processed. She stated that the bill would allow an applicant to start working approximately one month earlier.

03:04 PM --
Randy Kuykendall, Chief Emergency and Medical Trauma Services Section, Department of Public Health and Environment, testified in support of the bill. Mr. Kuykendall spoke to the need for the bill.

03:17 PM --
Ralph Vickrey, Colorado State Fire Chiefs Association, spoke in support of the bill.

03:18 PM --
Christy Chase, Office of Legislative Legal Services, responded to questions from the committee.
BILL:HB09-1275
TIME: 03:20:07 PM
MOVED:Kefalas
MOTION:Moved to adopt prepared amendment L.001 (Attachment A). The motion passed without objection.

09HouseHHS0302AttachA.pdf
SECONDED:Primavera
VOTE
Acree
Gerou
Green
Kefalas
Kerr J.
McGihon
Nikkel
Excused
Primavera
Swalm
Gagliardi
Riesberg
Not Final YES: 0 NO: 0 EXC: 1 ABS: 0 FINAL ACTION: Pass Without Objection


03:23 PM

Representative Acree proposed a conceptual amendment to change the word may to shall on page 2, line 22. There was some discussion regarding whether the change would drive a fiscal note. Representative Riesberg explained that the committee does not accept conceptual amendments. The sponsor agreed to work with Representative Green regarding her concerns over the bill.
BILL:HB09-1275
TIME: 03:25:36 PM
MOVED:Kefalas
MOTION:Moved to refer amended House Bill 09-1275 to the Committee on Appropriations. The motion passed on a 9-0 roll call vote.
SECONDED:Acree
VOTE
Acree
Yes
Gerou
Yes
Green
Yes
Kefalas
Yes
Kerr J.
Yes
McGihon
Yes
Nikkel
Excused
Primavera
Yes
Swalm
Yes
Gagliardi
Yes
Riesberg
Excused
Final YES: 9 NO: 0 EXC: 2 ABS: 0 FINAL ACTION: PASS