Bipartisan Michaelson Jenet Bill to Improve Access to Health Care Passes Senate

Bill would address health care workforce shortages

DENVER, CO – Today the Senate passed Senator Dafna Michaelson Jenet’s, D-Commerce City, bipartisan legislation aimed at improving access to health care.

SB24-141, cosponsored by Senator Kevin Van Winkle, R-Highlands Ranch, would allow out-of-state health care providers to register and practice telehealth in Colorado. To apply for telehealth registration, applicants would be required to possess an active and unencumbered license, certificate, registration, or credential issued by a governmental authority in another state.

“Every Coloradan deserves access to high quality, affordable health care regardless of their age, income, or zip code,” Michaelson Jenet said. “We’re working to address health care workforce shortages by making it easier to provide telehealth and mental health care services in Colorado, helping secure access to care for every Coloradan who needs it.”

According to the Rural Health Information Hub, over 1.2 million Coloradans are in primary care shortage areas, and over 2.8 million are in mental health professional shortage areas. The legislation aims to decrease wait and travel times for rural residents, and break down barriers to underserved communities who may find language barriers with their current providers.

The bill now heads to the House for further consideration. Follow its progress HERE.