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State Physical Therapy Board: Legislative Updates

New 2019 Legislation

On May 6, 2019, Governor Jared Polis signed SB 19-201 Open Discussions About Adverse Health Care Incidents. This new law creates the "Colorado Candor Act" and establishes a process for the communication between a patient and a healthcare provider or health facility after an adverse health care incident. Under the new law, if an adverse health care incident occurs, a health care provider involved with the incident, either individually or jointly with the facility involved, may request that the patient enters into an open discussion concerning the incident. The request must include certain components listed in the law.

If an offer of compensation is made, the new law requires certain processes for payment and financial resolution to be followed. If a health care provider or health facility determines that no offer of compensation is warranted, the health care provider or health facility shall orally communicate that decision with the patient.

A health care provider or facility may provide de-identified information about an adverse health care incident to any patient safety centered nonprofit organization.

 

New 2019 Law Affects Physical Therapists

On May 6, 2019, Governor Jared Polis signed HB19-1208 Physical Therapists Youth Athletes Head Trauma. This new law, effective on August 2, 2019, adds a licensed physical therapist with training in pediatric neurology or concussion evaluation and management to the definition of "health care provider" for the purposes of the required head trauma guidelines. This allows a licensed physical therapist to evaluate a concussed youth athlete and provide clearance for the athlete to return to play.