Date: 02/05/2009

Final
BILL SUMMARY for HB09-1028

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 09-1028 to the C
Pass Without Objection
PASS



02:32 PM -- House Bill 09-1028

Representative Riesberg spoke to House Bill 09-1028 and stated that it came out of the interim Health Care Task Force. He asked Representative Frangas to describe the original intent of the bill and then describe the strike below. Representative Frangas stated that the original bill was to create an accountability board in the Department of Health Care Policy and Financing (DHCPF) for the Colorado Indigent Care Program (CICP). He stated that the intent of the bill is to establish a complaint process for those who access the CICP program. He explained to the committee that the department does not have to authority to engage with clients in addressing complaints because the program is a financing mechanism, rather than an entitlement program. Representative Riesberg stated that the indigent care population is told that they are getting some care and to not complain about receiving it. He spoke to the financial benefits that could come out of a dialogue with the clients that are served. He stated that the money that will be shifted from the Comprehensive Primary Care Grant fund to the newly established accountability board is a worthwhile investment. Representative Frangas spoke to the strike below, amendment L.001 (Attachment D). He stated that the Medical Services Board currently take complaints by individuals served by the program. There was some discussion regarding the strike below and the difference between the original bill. Representative Gerou asked why the bill needed a strike below since it was vetted through the Health Care Task Force. Representative Frangas stated that the current financial crisis is what spurred the change.

09HouseHHS0205AttachD.pdf

02:51 PM --
Donna Sablan, client of the Colorado Indigent Care program, testified in support of the bill. She stated she was turned away from the University of Colorado Hospital. She stated that she tried to file a complaint, but that the department told her that they did not have the authority to process the complaint. She stated there was no where to go. There was some discussion regarding the circumstances of Ms. Sablan's case.

03:02 PM --
Barbara Smith, client of the Colorado Indigent Care program, testified in support of the bill. Ms. Smith recounted her personal story. She stated she is a certified nurse. She stated she has a nervous system disorder. She stated that she has been on controlled substances for five years. She stated that she had difficulties filling her prescriptions. She stated that she moved counties and because of that she did not see her previous provider and that when she tried to get her prescription filled in the new county, she was unable to get it filled. Currently, Ms. Smith is being treated through the Department of Human Services - Vocational Rehabilitation.

03:15 PM --
Julie Reiskin, Colorado Cross Disability Coalition (CCDC), testified in support of the bill. She stated that CCDC has supported establishing an accountability board for quite some time. Ms. Reiskin provided a packet including her written testimony in support of the bill and data concerning the CICP to the committee (Attachment E). Ms. Reiskin spoke to the financing of the pilot program. There was some discussion regarding the fiscal note impact.

03:31 PM --
Rebecca Jones, Deacon, Colorado Episcopal Diocese, Hunger for Justice, Lutheran Advocacy, and Colorado Catholic Conference, testified in support of the bill. Chris Sandoval, member of the public policy group, Episcopal Diocese, testified in support of the bill.

03:36 PM --
Ross Brooks, Chief Operating Officer, Colorado Community Health Network (CCHN), testified neutral to the bill. He stated that CCHN objects to using the Comprehensive Primary and Preventative Care (CPPC) grant fund moneys for establishing an accountability board. He stated that CPPC provides primary care to the uninsured, and it is unrealistic that $2 million will establish a board for a program that has over $300 million in funds.

03:42 PM --
Chris Underwood, Division Director, Department of Health Care Policy and Financing, direct oversight of CPPC program. He explained the CICP program, as well as the CPPC grant program. He stated the CICP is essentially a grant program. There was some discussion regarding how individuals lodge complaints against providers. Mr. Underwood clarified that the bill does not establish a complaint board, but allows an entity (hospitals or health care clinics) to apply for a grant that would evaluate how to establish an accountability board. He stated that the General Assembly decides the role of the CICP program, which is a financing vehicle for individuals needing care.


04:08 PM

Representative Frangas provided a wrap-up to the bill.
BILL:HB09-1028
TIME: 04:10:45 PM
MOVED:Green
MOTION:Moved to adopt prepared amendment L.001 (Attachment D). Amendment L.001 is a strike below. The motion passed without objection.
SECONDED:Gagliardi
VOTE
Acree
Gerou
Green
Kefalas
Kerr J.
McGihon
Nikkel
Primavera
Swalm
Gagliardi
Riesberg
Not Final YES: 0 NO: 0 EXC: 0 ABS: 0 FINAL ACTION: Pass Without Objection


BILL:HB09-1028
TIME: 04:13:06 PM
MOVED:Green
MOTION:Moved to refer amended House Bill 09-1028 to the Committee of the Whole. The motion passed on a 6-5 roll call vote.
SECONDED:Gagliardi
VOTE
Acree
No
Gerou
Yes
Green
Yes
Kefalas
Yes
Kerr J.
No
McGihon
No
Nikkel
No
Primavera
Yes
Swalm
No
Gagliardi
Yes
Riesberg
Yes
Final YES: 6 NO: 5 EXC: 0 ABS: 0 FINAL ACTION: PASS