ICYMI: Pair of Bills to Provide Fee Relief for Health Care Workers, Build a Healthier Colorado Clear Committee
Legislation will save essential workers money
DENVER, CO – The Senate Finance Committee this week unanimously approved two bills that would save health care workers money on professional licensure and certification. HB22-1298, sponsored by Senator Nick Hinrichsen, D-Pueblo, would provide fee relief to nurses and psychiatric technicians. HB22-1299, sponsored by Senator Rhonda Fields, D-Aurora, would reduce license fees for mental health professionals.
“Our health care heroes have faced immeasurable challenges over the last two years, but regardless of these challenges, they have stepped up to the plate every day to care for Coloradans,” said Hinrichsen. “That’s why I’m proud to sponsor this bill which will help alleviate the pressure our essential workers have faced through much deserved fee relief for professional licensing and certification. This bill will save Coloradans money and provide the support these workers deserve to move forward.”
Fee Relief for Nurses: HB22-1298, sponsored by Hinrichsen, would provide licensure and certification fee relief for nurses, nurse aides and psychiatric technicians. Colorado’s health care workforce is experiencing a major shortage of qualified health care professionals. In addition, above-capacity patient levels and frequent exposure to COVID-19 have only added to the stress for health care professionals working at hospitals, assisted living residences and mental health facilities. This bill will save health care workers $11.7 million on their professional licensing and certification.
“The pandemic has not only exacerbated stress for Coloradans, it has significantly increased the workload for our mental health workers,” said Fields. “To help them out, we’re going to make it easier and cheaper for mental health workers to apply or renew their licenses so our psychologists, counselors, therapists, and social workers can focus on providing critical services to patients, not on paperwork and fees. ”
Fee Relief For Mental Health Professionals: HB22-1299, sponsored by Fields, would reduce license fees for two years for mental health professionals regulated by state boards. Collectively, mental health professionals seeking licenses will save nearly $3.7 million next year. Pandemic pressures have contributed to an increase of Colorado adults seeking mental health services for symptoms of stress, anxiety, depression and insomnia.
Both bills now move to the Senate Appropriations Committee for further consideration.