HB24-1149 Prior Authorization Requirements Alternatives passes committee 10-2!

Last week, on Feb. 21, 2024, the House Health and Human Services Committee passed HB24-1149, sponsored by Rep. Shannon Bird (D-Westminster) and Rep. Lisa Frizell (R-Castle Rock), on a 10-2 bipartisan vote. This bill aims to streamline and improve Colorado’s prior-authorization system, empowering patients and providers to make important medical decisions and reducing the financial costs, patient trauma, and wasted valuable provider hours caused by delayed care. Learn more about the bill here.

This bill will be sponsored in the Senate by Sen. Dylan Roberts (D-Frisco) and Sen. Barbara Kirkmeyer (R-Brighton). 

CMS physicians came to support this bill and stand for prior authorization reform. 

Prior authorization reform in the news: 

• Fox 31 interviewed Dr. Mubarak on HB24-1149. 

• The Denver Business Journal also covered HB24-1149 in "State lawmakers tackle a hot issue for doctors, carriers" (login/subscription required).

• KRDO highlighted CMS physicians at the Capitol last week at the end of a news story, "Patients and health care providers report growing frustration with Medicare Advantage." 

• Colorado Politics featured an opinion piece by Rep. Bird and Rep. Frizell "Medical decisions should be made between patient and provider." 

Liability caps and professional review confidentiality are under attack; we need everyone in the fight!

As we have reported, the liability climate in Colorado is under attack. This is bad for all Coloradans: Patients, physicians and the business community. 

Initiative #150 proposes sweeping changes that would not only impact personal injury claims but also exacerbate general liability concerns for businesses statewide. This initiative's ramifications extend beyond the medical sector, affecting all businesses, leading to increased operational costs, including insurance expenses. As stated by Loren Furman, president and CEO of the Colorado Chamber, “Colorado’s legal climate has been deteriorating...the consequences of encouraging even more costly lawsuits across the state will be felt by everyone.”

Rising costs of property and casualty insurance will translate into higher expenses for businesses, ultimately passed down to consumers. Consequently, this will diminish the quality and affordability of life for all Coloradans.

It’s imperative to take action now and inform your friends in the business community. The Colorado Medical Society urges everyone to join the fight to preserve high-quality, affordable health care in Colorado. Your support is critical in defeating these detrimental ballot initiatives and ensuring a favorable legal environment for businesses and healthcare providers alike.

You can make a difference today:

• Send contributions to the Colorado Medical Society's Liability Defense Fund by mailing a check to the CMS office: 7351 E. Lowry Blvd, Ste. 110, Denver, CO 80230.
• Call the CMS office at 720-859-1001 to make secure contributions using your credit card.

Together, let’s safeguard Colorado’s medical community and ensure continued access to quality health care for all residents. Act now to protect our state’s future.

Senator Mullica honored with AMA Award for Outstanding Government Service

State Senator Kyle Mullica, a former real estate professional turned trauma nurse, advocates for physician-led health care, science, and vaccines and opposes scope of practice expansions that could harm patients. Despite facing push back and threats, Sen. Mullica remains steadfast in his advocacy for public health. He represents District 24 in the Colorado State Senate and previously served two terms in the Colorado House of Representatives.

Legislative update - where are we so far? 

The 2024 legislative session has been very busy so far with over 300 bills introduced in the first month. The Colorado Medical Society has taken positions on 23 of these bills, ranging from different levels of support, monitoring, and opposition. 

 A few highlights of the bills CMS is working: 

• HB24-1149 aims to reform prior authorization; it passed out of the Health and Human Services Committee and is now headed to the Appropriations Committee. 
• SB24-087 will reduce waste and save patients money by helping to allow certain unused medications to be sent home with patients upon discharge when required for continued treatment. It is supported by the Colorado Society of Eye Physicians and Surgeons and CMS.
• HB24-1171 would enable naturopathic doctors to prescribe all legend drugs and Schedule III-V drugs.
• HB24-1153 would create a new maintenance of licensure framework for Colorado physicians, including a CME requirement.
• SB24-062 to prohibit attorney fees on personal injury interest has been indefinitely postponed. It was one of two bills thus far that are before this year's legislature to protect Colorado's stable liability climate. The other bill, SB24-130, to modernize the medical non-economic damage cap, is being sponsored by Sen. Mullica. The bill has not been scheduled for hearing yet. 

This session has hit the ground running, with numerous high-interest bills. To learn more about all 23 positions, see our bill tracker below. 

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