Date: 02/06/2006
Final
BILL SUMMARY for HB06-1170
HOUSE COMMITTEE ON HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES
| Votes: View--> | Action Taken: |
| <none> | <none> |
06:10 PM -- House Bill 06-1170
Representative Weissmann, sponsor, presented the bill defining "alternative health care provider" and establishing a scope of practice. He answered questions about the bill's applicability to accupuncturists, the bill's statute of limitations, the board referred to in the bill, and provider recommendations to discontinue medications.
The following persons testified.
06:19 PM -- Dr. Mark Johnson, citizen, spoke in opposition to the bill. He stated many suggestions made by physicians can be considered alternative and complimentary (e.g., vitamins and exercise). Representative Weissmann discussed a recent sunrise review of alternative care providers.
06:28 PM -- Susan Grubb, American Massage Therapy Association, stated her opposition to the bill and distributed a document to members (Attachment U). She stated her opposition to the bill's definition of massage therapy. She described the association's ethics code regarding sexual misconduct. Representative Weissmann answered questions about amendments he has requested to be drafted.
06:35 PM -- Larry Sarner, National Council Against Health Fraud, stated his opposition to the bill. He stated the bill will gut all health care professional regulation. He described the Health Freedom Act and stated it will allow unlicensed providers to practice medicine. He answered questions about the council and stated it is a non-profit organization of medical professionals and laypersons. He discussed his definition of what it means to practice medicine.
06:46 PM -- Charlie Hebeler, Colorado Dental Association, stated her support for amendments to the bill.
06:51 PM -- Les Sweeney, Associated Bodywork and Massage Professionals, stated massage therapy is not regulated by the state of Colorado. Certification typically comes with graduation from a program. He stated the bill's current definition of massage therapy may create confusion for the public.
06:56 PM -- Joanie Sevcik-Weichbrodt, Colorado Coalition for Natural Health, spoke in support of the bill. Persons she represents stood up in the audience and stated their names.
06:57 PM -- Kim Green, Colorado Citizens for Health Freedom, spoke in support of the bill.
07:00 PM -- Greg McHugh, Colorado Association of Psychotherapists, discussed the practice of psychotherapy. He stated concerns regarding unlicensed providers practicing psychotherapy.
07:03 PM -- Boyd Landry, Coalition for Natural Health, described his work in other states to draft legislation similar to HB 1170. He stated the bill recognizes the need for consumers to have choice as well as safety in their health care.
07:09 PM
Representative Boyd pulled the bill off the table for action at a later date.