Amendments for SB24-015
Senate Journal, February 16
After consideration on the merits, the Committee recommends that SB24-015 be amended
as follows, and as so amended, be referred to the Committee on Finance with favorable
recommendation.
Amend printed bill, page 3, line 16, after "mental" insert "and behavioral".
Page 3, line 17, after "mental" insert "and behavioral".
Page 3, strike lines 18 through 27.
Strike pages 4 through 8.
Page 9, strike lines 1 and 2 and substitute:
"SECTION 2. In Colorado Revised Statutes, 25-1.5-404, add (1)(d.5)
as follows:
25-1.5-404. Primary care office - powers and duties - rules. (1) The
primary care office has, at a minimum, the following powers and duties:
(d.5) TO ADMINISTER THE DUAL LICENSURE STIPEND PROGRAM
PURSUANT TO SECTION 25-1.5-503.3;
SECTION 3. In Colorado Revised Statutes, 25-1.5-501, amend (1) and
(2); and add (4) as follows:
25-1.5-501. Legislative declaration. (1) The general assembly hereby
finds that there are areas of Colorado that suffer from a lack of health-care
professionals, geriatric advanced practice providers, or AND behavioral
health-care providers to serve and a lack of nursing or other health-care
professional faculty to train health-care professionals to meet AND SERVE the
medical and behavioral health-care needs of communities. The general
assembly further finds that the state needs to implement incentives to encourage
health-care professionals, geriatric advanced practice providers, and behavioral
health-care providers to practice in these underserved areas and to encourage
nursing faculty and other health-care professional faculty to teach health-care
professionals.
(2) It is therefore the intent of the general assembly in enacting this part
5 to create a state health service corps program that uses state money; federal
money, when permissible; and contributions from communities and private
sources to help repay the outstanding education loans that many health-care
professionals, geriatric advanced practice providers, behavioral health-care
providers, candidates for licensure, nursing faculty, and health-care professional
faculty hold. In exchange for repayment of loans incurred for the purpose of
obtaining education in their chosen health-care, geriatric care, and OR
behavioral health-care professions, the health care professionals; geriatric
advanced practice providers, behavioral health-care providers, and candidates
for licensure will commit to provide health care; geriatric care; or behavioral
health-care services, as applicable; in communities with underserved
health-care, geriatric care, or behavioral health-care needs throughout the state,
and the nursing and health-care professional faculty will commit to provide a
specified period of service in a qualified faculty position, AND DUAL LICENSURE
CANDIDATES PURSUING A DUAL LICENSE AS A LICENSED PROFESSIONAL
COUNSELOR WILL AGREE TO SERVE A SPECIFIC NUMBER OF ACADEMIC YEARS IN
A PUBLIC SCHOOL IN A BEHAVIORAL HEALTH POSITION.
(4) IN ADDITION, FOR THE PURPOSES OF INCREASING THE AVAILABILITY
OF LICENSED PROFESSIONAL COUNSELORS WHO HOLD A SPECIAL SERVICE
PROVIDER LICENSE WITH THE APPROPRIATE ENDORSEMENT, THE GENERAL
ASSEMBLY SHALL CREATE A STIPEND PROGRAM TO REDUCE THE BARRIERS FOR
SCHOOL COUNSELORS WHO ARE SEEKING DUAL LICENSURE AS LICENSED
PROFESSIONAL COUNSELORS. PROVIDING FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE TO SUPPORT
SCHOOL COUNSELORS WHO SEEK DUAL LICENSURE AS LICENSED PROFESSIONAL
COUNSELORS WILL HELP ALLEVIATE THE MENTAL AND BEHAVIORAL
HEALTH-CARE WORKFORCE SHORTAGE AND WILL PROVIDE MENTAL AND
BEHAVIORAL HEALTH-CARE SUPPORTS TO STUDENTS.
SECTION 4. In Colorado Revised Statutes, 25-1.5-502, add (1.8),
(3.5), (3.6), (6.6), (6.7), and (10.5) as follows:
25-1.5-502. Definitions. As used in this part 5, unless the context
otherwise requires:
(1.8) "CLINICAL SUPERVISION" HAS THE SAME MEANING SET FORTH IN
SECTION 12-245-601.
(3.5) "DUAL LICENSURE CANDIDATE" MEANS A COLORADO SCHOOL
COUNSELOR WHO HOLDS A SPECIAL SERVICES PROVIDER LICENSE WITH THE
APPROPRIATE ENDORSEMENT ISSUED PURSUANT TO ARTICLE 60.5 OF TITLE 22
AND WHO IS SEEKING DUAL LICENSURE AS A LICENSED PROFESSIONAL
COUNSELOR.
(3.6) "DUAL LICENSURE STIPEND PROGRAM" OR "STIPEND PROGRAM"
MEANS THE DUAL LICENSURE STIPEND PROGRAM CREATED IN SECTION
25-1.5-503.3.
(6.6) "LICENSED PROFESSIONAL COUNSELOR" HAS THE SAME MEANING
SET FORTH IN SECTION 12-245-601.
(6.7) "LICENSED PROFESSIONAL COUNSELOR SUPERVISOR" HAS THE
SAME MEANING SET FORTH IN SECTION 12-245-601.
(10.5) "PUBLIC SCHOOL" MEANS A SCHOOL OF A SCHOOL DISTRICT, A
DISTRICT CHARTER SCHOOL AUTHORIZED BY A SCHOOL DISTRICT PURSUANT TO
PART 1 OF ARTICLE 30.5 OF TITLE 22, AN INSTITUTE CHARTER SCHOOL
AUTHORIZED BY THE STATE CHARTER SCHOOL INSTITUTE PURSUANT TO PART 5
OF ARTICLE 30.5 OF TITLE 22, AN APPROVED FACILITY SCHOOL, OR THE
COLORADO SCHOOL FOR THE DEAF AND THE BLIND.
SECTION 5. In Colorado Revised Statutes, add 25-1.5-503.3 as
follows:
25-1.5-503.3. Dual licensure stipend program - creation - rules.
(1) THE DUAL LICENSURE STIPEND PROGRAM IS CREATED IN THE PRIMARY CARE
OFFICE TO INCREASE THE NUMBER OF LICENSED PROFESSIONAL COUNSELORS
WHO WORK IN COMMUNITIES BY:
(a) REIMBURSING LICENSED PROFESSIONAL COUNSELOR SUPERVISORS
WHO PROVIDE CLINICAL SUPERVISION TO DUAL LICENSURE CANDIDATES; AND
(b) REIMBURSING DUAL LICENSURE CANDIDATES FOR THE COSTS OF
EXAMINATION FEES AND APPLICATION FEES DESCRIBED IN SECTION 12-245-205
ONCE DUAL LICENSURE CANDIDATES DEMONSTRATE PROFESSIONAL
COMPETENCIES BY PASSING THE EXAMINATION DESCRIBED IN SECTION
12-245-604 (1)(e) AND PROVIDING THE PRIMARY CARE OFFICE WITH PROOF OF
PAYMENT FOR THE EXAMINATION FEES AND THE APPLICATION FEES.
(2) (a) A DUAL LICENSURE CANDIDATE IS ELIGIBLE FOR THE STIPEND
PROGRAM IF THE DUAL LICENSURE CANDIDATE IS A LICENSED SPECIAL SERVICES
PROVIDER, AS DEFINED IN SECTION 22-60.5-102, AND HAS COMPLETED A
MASTER'S OR DOCTORAL DEGREE IN PROFESSIONAL COUNSELING FROM AN
ACCREDITED SCHOOL OR COLLEGE OR AN EQUIVALENT PROGRAM AS
DETERMINED BY THE STATE BOARD OF LICENSED PROFESSIONAL COUNSELOR
EXAMINERS, CREATED IN SECTION 12-245-602. THE DEGREE OR PROGRAM MUST
INCLUDE A PRACTICUM OR INTERNSHIP IN THE PRINCIPLES AND PRACTICE OF
PROFESSIONAL COUNSELING. THE PRIMARY CARE OFFICE SHALL SELECT DUAL
LICENSURE CANDIDATES FOR THE STIPEND PROGRAM ON FIRST COME, FIRST
SERVED BASIS.
(b) A DUAL LICENSURE CANDIDATE MUST SELECT A LICENSED
PROFESSIONAL COUNSELOR SUPERVISOR WHO HAS OPTED IN TO PARTICIPATE IN
THE STIPEND PROGRAM TO FULFILL THE DUAL LICENSURE CANDIDATE'S CLINICAL
SUPERVISION HOURS.
(c) A DUAL LICENSURE CANDIDATE SHALL ENTER INTO A CONTRACT
WITH THE DEPARTMENT THAT REQUIRES THE DUAL LICENSURE CANDIDATE TO
REMAIN EMPLOYED BY A PUBLIC SCHOOL AS A SCHOOL COUNSELOR OR
SCHOOL-BASED THERAPIST FOR AT LEAST THREE YEARS AFTER THE DATE THE
DUAL LICENSURE CANDIDATE BECOMES A LICENSED PROFESSIONAL COUNSELOR.
(d) A LICENSED PROFESSIONAL COUNSELOR SUPERVISOR SHALL ENTER
INTO A CONTRACT WITH THE DEPARTMENT THAT REQUIRES SUPERVISION OF A
DUAL LICENSURE CANDIDATE. THE CONTRACT MUST SET STANDARDS FOR THE
TERMS OF SUPERVISION, MONTHLY HOURS OF SUPERVISION, INVOICING
PROCEDURES, AND REPORTING REQUIREMENTS. LICENSED PROFESSIONAL
COUNSELOR SUPERVISORS SHALL NOT CHARGE DUAL LICENSURE CANDIDATES
ADDITIONAL FEES IN THE CONTEXT OF THE CLINICAL SUPERVISION
RELATIONSHIP.
(3) (a) IF A DUAL LICENSURE CANDIDATE FAILS TO COMPLETE DUAL
LICENSURE IN A TIMELY MANNER OR FAILS TO COMPLETE THE TERMS OF SERVICE
PURSUANT TO SUBSECTION (2)(c) OF THIS SECTION, THE DUAL LICENSURE
CANDIDATE SHALL REPAY THE DEPARTMENT FOR THE TOTAL DIRECT COSTS
INCURRED BY THE DEPARTMENT, INCLUDING THE DUAL LICENSURE CANDIDATE'S
CLINICAL SUPERVISION HOURS, EXAMINATION FEES, AND APPLICATION FEES PAID
TO OR ON BEHALF OF THE DUAL LICENSURE CANDIDATE. IF THE DEPARTMENT
HAS TO FILE A CIVIL ACTION FOR REPAYMENT PURSUANT TO THIS SUBSECTION
(3)(a), THE DEPARTMENT IS ENTITLED TO THE COST OF COLLECTIONS AND
REASONABLE ATTORNEY FEES. THE DEPARTMENT SHALL COLLECT THE TOTAL
DIRECT COSTS OR COSTS OF COLLECTIONS AND REASONABLE ATTORNEY FEES
AND RETURN THE MONEY TO THE COLORADO HEALTH SERVICES CORPS FUND,
WHICH IS CONTINUOUSLY APPROPRIATED FOR THE PURPOSE OF THE FUND.
(b) THE DEPARTMENT MAY ELECT TO WAIVE ALL OR A PORTION OF
DAMAGES FOR BREACH OF CONTRACT PURSUANT TO SUBSECTION (3)(a) OF THIS
SECTION IF ENFORCEMENT IS IMPOSSIBLE OR WOULD INVOLVE AN EXTREME
HARDSHIP TO THE DUAL LICENSURE CANDIDATE AND THE ENFORCEMENT OF THE
CONTRACTUAL COMMITMENT IS UNCONSCIONABLE.
(4) THE PRIMARY CARE OFFICE SHALL MAINTAIN A LIST OF LICENSED
PROFESSIONAL COUNSELOR SUPERVISORS WHO OPT IN TO PARTICIPATE IN THE
STIPEND PROGRAM AND PROVIDE CLINICAL SUPERVISION TO DUAL LICENSURE
CANDIDATES SEEKING DUAL LICENSURE.
(5) THE PRIMARY CARE OFFICE SHALL CREATE AN APPLICATION AND
SELECTION PROCESS FOR DUAL LICENSURE CANDIDATES TO APPLY TO THE
STIPEND PROGRAM.
(6) THE STATE BOARD OF HEALTH MAY PROMULGATE RULES TO
ESTABLISH:
(a) THE MAXIMUM REIMBURSEMENT RATE FOR LICENSED PROFESSIONAL
COUNSELOR SUPERVISORS WHO PROVIDE CLINICAL SUPERVISION TO DUAL
LICENSURE CANDIDATES;
(b) PROCEDURES FOR A DUAL LICENSURE CANDIDATE WHO LOSES A
LICENSED PROFESSIONAL COUNSELOR SUPERVISOR BEFORE THE COMPLETION OF
THE DUAL LICENSURE CANDIDATE'S SUPERVISION HOURS;
(c) A DEFINITION OF "TIMELY MANNER" FOR PURPOSES OF SUBSECTION
(3)(a) OF THIS SECTION; AND
(d) ANY OTHER CRITERIA NECESSARY FOR THE ADMINISTRATION OF THE
STIPEND PROGRAM.
SECTION 6. In Colorado Revised Statutes, 25-1.5-505, amend (1)
introductory portion, (1)(e), and (1)(f); and add (1)(g) as follows:
25-1.5-505. Advisory council - report. (1) On or before December 1,
2011, and on or before December 1 every two years thereafter, the primary care
office, with assistance from the advisory council, shall submit to the governor,
the health and human services committee of the senate and the health and
insurance and public and behavioral health and human services committees
COMMITTEE of the house of representatives, or any THEIR successor committees,
a report that includes, at a minimum, the following information:
(e) A summary of any assessment or evaluation of program
performance conducted during the year; and
(f) A description of the nursing faculty or other health-care professional
faculty members participating in the Colorado health service corps and the
educational institutions where the participants teach; AND
(g) A DESCRIPTION OF THE DUAL LICENSURE CANDIDATE PARTICIPANTS
IN THE STIPEND PROGRAM, INCLUDING:
(I) THE NUMBER OF DUAL LICENSURE CANDIDATES PARTICIPATING IN
THE STIPEND PROGRAM;
(II) THE NUMBER OF LICENSED PROFESSIONAL COUNSELOR SUPERVISORS
PARTICIPATING IN THE STIPEND PROGRAM;
(III) THE GEOGRAPHIC LOCATIONS OF DUAL LICENSURE CANDIDATES
AND LICENSED PROFESSIONAL COUNSELOR SUPERVISORS; AND
(IV) THE AVERAGE LENGTH OF TIME IT TAKES A DUAL LICENSURE
CANDIDATE TO COMPLETE THE REQUIRED HOURS NECESSARY TO ATTAIN
LICENSURE.
SECTION 7. In Colorado Revised Statutes, 25-1.5-506, add (4)(e) as
follows:
25-1.5-506. Colorado health service corps fund - created -
acceptance of grants and donations - annual appropriation from
marijuana tax cash fund - repeal. (4) (e) FOR THE 2024-25 STATE FISCAL
YEAR, AND EACH STATE FISCAL YEAR THEREAFTER, THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY
SHALL APPROPRIATE FOUR MILLION DOLLARS FROM THE GENERAL FUND FOR THE
DUAL LICENSURE STIPEND PROGRAM FOR DUAL LICENSURE CANDIDATES. FUNDS
ARE CONTINUOUSLY APPROPRIATED FOR THE PURPOSE OF THE FUND. ALL
INTEREST ACCRUED BY THE FUND MUST REMAIN IN THE FUND FOR THE PURPOSES
OF THE DUAL LICENSURE STIPEND PROGRAM.".
Renumber succeeding section accordingly.
Finance