House Committee on Health, Insurance & Environment (04/09/2013)

Final
STAFF SUMMARY OF MEETING

HOUSE COMMITTEE ON HEALTH, INSURANCE & ENVIRONMENT

Date:	04/09/2013	ATTENDANCE

Time:	11:24 AM to 11:59 AM	Conti	X
		Fields	X
Place:	HCR 0107	Ginal	X
		Humphrey	X
This Meeting was called to order by		Joshi	X
	Representative McCann	Primavera	X
		Stephens	X
This Report was prepared by		Swalm	X
	Amanda King	Young	X
		Schafer	X
		McCann	X
		X = Present, E = Excused, A = Absent, * = Present after roll call

Bills Addressed:		Action Taken:
SB13-178		Referred to the Committee of the Whole

11:25 AM -- Senate Bill 13-178

Representative Hamner presented Senate Bill 13-178 concerning authorizing Red Rocks Community College to confer a graduate degree on students who complete the physician assistant studies program.

11:28 AM -- Dr. John Witwer, Red Rocks Community College, testified in support of the bill. He discussed the Red Rocks Community College Physician Assistant Program. Dr. Witwer responded to questions about Red Rocks Community College's partnership with St. Francis University in Pennsylvania, whether applicants for the physician assistant program are required to possess a bachelor's degree, and the competitiveness of the Red Rocks Community College Physician Assistant Program.

11:32 AM -- Dr. Deb Nickell, Red Rocks Community College, testified in support of the bill. She referenced materials provided in a packet that was distributed to the committee (Attachment A). Dr. Nickell stated that a master's degree is the terminal degree in the physician assistant profession. She said the bill allows Red Rocks Community College to continue the Physician Assistant Program. Dr. Nickell stated that the Red Rocks Community College Physician Assistant Program could not reapply for accreditation if it is lost, and she discussed the accreditation process. Dr. Nickell responded to questions about competition between the physician assistant programs at Red Rocks Community College and University of Colorado and the tuition costs of the Red Rocks Community College Physician Assistant Program. She responded to questions about how many Red Rocks Community College Physician Assistant Program graduates work in health professional shortage areas and the availability of preceptors for program graduates. She responded to questions about whether the students are aware of the partnership with St. Francis University, health professional shortage areas, and the length of the program. Dr. Nickell responded to questions about the accreditation process.

130409 AttachA.pdf

11:47 AM -- Dr. Virgilio Licona, Colorado Community Health Network, testified in support of the bill. He discussed workforce issues and physician assistants working in health professional shortage area. He discussed his experience working with Red Rocks Community College Physician Assistant Program graduates and the loan-repayment opportunities for physician assistants.

11:54 AM -- Becky Gallardo and Jason Valderrama, Red Rocks Community College, testified in support of the bill. Ms. Gallardo discussed being a mother and student. Mr. Valderrama discussed his desire to practice in a rural area after he graduates from the physician assistant program.

11:56 AM -- Dr. Jan Kief, Colorado Medical Society, testified in support of the bill.

11:57 AM

Representative Schafer made a comment about Red Rocks Community College. Representative Hamner made concluding remarks on the bill.


BILL:	SB13-178
TIME:	11:58:31 AM
MOVED:	Schafer
MOTION:	Refer Senate Bill 13-178 to the Committee of the Whole. The motion passed on a vote of 10-0, with one member excused.
SECONDED:	Swalm
		VOTE
	Conti	Yes
	Fields	Excused
	Ginal	Yes
	Humphrey	Yes
	Joshi	Yes
	Primavera	Yes
	Stephens	Yes
	Swalm	Yes
	Young	Yes
	Schafer	Yes
	McCann	Yes

Final YES: 10 NO: 0 EXC: 1 ABS: 0 FINAL ACTION: PASS

11:59 AM

Representative McCann adjourned the committee.