Bill Summary for Bill Number HB12-1303

Date: 03/07/2012

Final
BILL SUMMARY for HB12-1303

HOUSE COMMITTEE ON FINANCE

Votes: View-->	Action Taken:
Moved Amendment L.005 (Attachment F). The motion p Refer House Bill 12-1303, as amended, to the Commi	Pass Without Objection PASS

03:55 PM -- House Bill 12-1303 - Concerning Speech-Language Pathology

Representative Schafer S., prime sponsor, distributed two letters of support for House Bill 12-1303 (Attachment E) and discussed the provisions of the bill. She explained that House Bill 12-1303 enacts the Speech-Language Pathology Practice Act, and requires that the Division of Registrations (division) in the Department of Regulatory Agencies (DORA), create a certification program for speech-language pathologists. Beginning July 1, 2013, only individuals properly certified by the division may use the title "certified speech-language pathologist" or otherwise represent themselves as such. The committee discussed the exemptions in the bill. Representative Schafer responded saying that speech-language pathologists who are employed by schools and licensed by the Colorado Department of Education as special education services providers are exempt from the certification requirements.

The following persons testified:

04:13 PM -- Ms. Alisa Thomas, representing herself, testified in support of the bill. Ms. Thomas noted her experience with a certified speech-language pathologist. She closed by noting that in other states, these highly-skilled medical personnel are certified. Ms. Thomas closed saying that Colorado needs to license speech-language pathologists.
.
04:18 PM -- Mr. David Grange, representing himself, testified in support of the bill.

04:24 PM -- Ms. MeLea Mihok, representing the Colorado Speech-Language Hearing Association, testified in support of the bill. Ms. Mihok explained the settings in which speech-language pathologists practice and the requirements to be able to practice speech-language pathology. She stated that the bill would include only those speech-language pathologists who work outside of schools and that the bill would be paid for by the practitioners. Ms. Mihok described what speech-language pathologists do related to evaluation, diagnosis, and treatment. Ms. Mihok closed by responding to questions about the current way the profession is regulated.

04:27 PM -- Ms. Kathy Boada, Colorado Speech-Language Hearing Association, testified in support of the legislation. Ms. Boada noted that the state needs to establish certified standards for speech-language pathologists to protect consumers and ensure that certified help is available for persons who need the rehabilitation.

04:53 PM -- Mr. Dino Ioannides, Department of Regulatory Agencies, responded to questions about the certification process and immunity provisions contained in the bill. The committee dialogued about the immunity provisions. Mr. Ioannides responded to questions about the annual renewal fee included in the fiscal note, the need for annual renewals, and the oversight by the Director of Registrations rather than a board. Mr. Ioannides responded to questions about the number of complaints the department has received concerning speech-language pathologists, the need for regulation of speech-language pathologists, and the regulation of speech-language pathologists in other states.


BILL:	HB12-1303
TIME:	05:04:12 PM
MOVED:	Hullinghorst
MOTION:	Moved Amendment L.005 (Attachment F). The motion passed without objection.
SECONDED:	Kefalas
		VOTE
	Acree
	Beezley
	Conti
	Holbert
	Hullinghorst
	Kagan
	Kefalas
	Labuda
	McCann
	Pabon
	Swalm
	Swerdfeger
	DelGrosso

YES: 0 NO: 0 EXC: 0 ABS: 0 FINAL ACTION: Pass Without Objection


BILL:	HB12-1303
TIME:	05:05:07 PM
MOVED:	Hullinghorst
MOTION:	Refer House Bill 12-1303, as amended, to the Committee on Appropriations. The motion passed on a vote of 9-3, with 1 member excused.
SECONDED:	Kagan
		VOTE
	Acree	Yes
	Beezley	No
	Conti	Yes
	Holbert	No
	Hullinghorst	Yes
	Kagan	Yes
	Kefalas	Yes
	Labuda	Yes
	McCann	Yes
	Pabon	Yes
	Swalm	No
	Swerdfeger	Excused
	DelGrosso	Yes

Final YES: 9 NO: 3 EXC: 1 ABS: 0 FINAL ACTION: PASS