Final
STAFF SUMMARY OF MEETING

HOUSE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC HEALTH CARE & HUMAN SERVICES

Date:02/20/2015
ATTENDANCE
Time:10:13 AM to 11:12 AM
Conti
X
Danielson
X
Place:HCR 0107
Everett
X
Ginal
X
This Meeting was called to order by
Joshi
X
Representative Primavera
Landgraf
X
Melton
X
This Report was prepared by
Moreno
*
Elizabeth Burger
Sias
*
Tyler
X
Windholz
X
Singer
X
Primavera
X
X = Present, E = Excused, A = Absent, * = Present after roll call
Bills Addressed: Action Taken:
HB15-1018Amended, Referred to Appropriations


10:14 AM -- HB 15-1018

Representative Danielson introduced House Bill 15-1018. The bill expands the list of professional persons required to report the abuse or exploitation of a person 70 years of age or older to include victims advocates and employees or contractors of a bus company who has picked up an individual at home (such as Access a Ride). She distributed a handout (Attachment A). She noted that both professions have requested to be included on the list of professions that must report abuse of elderly adults, and stated that adding these persons to the list of mandatory reporters will provide the professions with training and clarity regarding their reporting responsibilities. She distributed amendments L.005 and L.006 (Attachments B and C) and explained the amendments. Representative Danielson explained the bill's fiscal note and responded to questions from the committee regarding the penalty for failure to report.

150220 AttachA.pdf150220 AttachA.pdf150220 AttachB.pdf150220 AttachB.pdf150220 AttachC.pdf150220 AttachC.pdf

10:27 AM -- Jane Walsh, Assistant District Attorney for the 20th Judicial District, testified in support of the bill. She stated the enactment of a mandatory reporting law has resulted in a large increase in the number of elder abuse reports filed with her office. She said the law has removed some uncertainty regarding abuse reporting and discussed the penalties for failure to report. She responded to questions from the committee regarding whether additional training has contributed to the increased number of abuse reports, the penalties for failure to report, and the investigation process for reports of abuse.


10:44 AM -- Hank Braaksma, Seniors' Resource Center, testified in support of the bill. He spoke regarding the transportation services provided by his organization and noted that drivers often develop a close relationship with their clients and thus sometimes are in a position to become aware of abuse or exploitation. He responded to questions from the committee.

10:49 AM -- Peg Ackerman, Colorado Sheriffs of Colorado, testified in support of the bill and stated that the mandatory reporting program for elder abuse is working.

10:51 AM -- Ed Shackelford, Colorado Senior Lobby, testified in support of the bill and spoke regarding his belief that transportation providers for seniors should be included on the list of mandatory reports. He responded to questions from the committee.

10:56 AM -- Rich Mauro, Denver Regional Council of Governments, testified in support of the bill.

10:58 AM -- Rene Rivera, National Association of Social Workers - Colorado Chapter, testified in support of the bill and regarding amendment L.006 (Attachment C).
BILL:HB15-1018
TIME: 11:01:53 AM
MOVED:Danielson
MOTION:Adopt amendment L.005 (Attachment B). The motion passed without objection.
SECONDED:Singer
VOTE
Conti
Danielson
Everett
Ginal
Joshi
Landgraf
Melton
Moreno
Sias
Tyler
Windholz
Singer
Primavera
YES: 0 NO: 0 EXC: 0 ABS: 0 FINAL ACTION: Pass Without Objection


BILL:HB15-1018
TIME: 11:03:03 AM
MOVED:Danielson
MOTION:Adopt amendment L.006 (Attachment C). The motion passed without objection.
SECONDED:Singer
VOTE
Conti
Danielson
Everett
Ginal
Joshi
Landgraf
Melton
Moreno
Sias
Tyler
Windholz
Singer
Primavera
YES: 0 NO: 0 EXC: 0 ABS: 0 FINAL ACTION: Pass Without Objection



11:04 AM

Representative Danielson gave concluding remarks regarding the bill. Members of the committee commented on the bill.
BILL:HB15-1018
TIME: 11:11:25 AM
MOVED:Danielson
MOTION:Refer House Bill 15-1018, as amended, to the Committee on Appropriations. The motion passed on a vote of 9-4.
SECONDED:Singer
VOTE
Conti
Yes
Danielson
Yes
Everett
No
Ginal
Yes
Joshi
No
Landgraf
No
Melton
Yes
Moreno
Yes
Sias
No
Tyler
Yes
Windholz
Yes
Singer
Yes
Primavera
Yes
Final YES: 9 NO: 4 EXC: 0 ABS: 0 FINAL ACTION: PASS

11:12 AM

The committee adjourned.