Senate Approves Cutter Bill to Better Protect Patients at Eating Disorder Treatment Facilities
SB24-117 would increase oversight of eating disorder treatment and recovery programs and establish new rules to protect patients’ rights
DENVER, CO – Legislation sponsored by Senator Lisa Cutter, D-Jefferson County, to better protect patients in eating disorder treatment and recovery programs cleared the Senate today.
Eating disorder treatment facilities currently operate under a variety of health care licenses issued by multiple state agencies. SB24-117 would require all eating disorder treatment and recovery centers to hold a designation from the Behavioral Health Administration (BHA) by July 1, 2025, giving BHA improved oversight of treatment facilities in the state.
“Young people – especially women and LGBTQ+ youth – face an increased risk of contracting an eating disorder based on unrealistic expectations of appearance and body image,” said Cutter. “Colorado’s youth are looking for treatment and support that respects them and their lived experience. Last year, we passed legislation to improve eating disorder treatment facilities to ensure we’re providing care that is respectful to each individual and on par with the latest research. This year, we’re building on that work by protecting patients’ rights to guarantee privacy and respect, ultimately helping to improve health outcomes for those struggling with eating disorders.”
SB24-117 would also require the State Board of Human Services within the Colorado Department of Human Services (CDHS) to promulgate rules regarding patients’ rights at eating disorder treatment and recovery facilities.
The bill would require facilities to:
Allow a patient to request that medical examinations be private;
Prohibit the facility from requiring patients to remove all clothes during weigh-ins or perform physical exercise during weigh-ins;
Place requirements on bathroom policies to respect privacy;
And require facilities to have policies that respect a patient's sexual orientation, gender identity, and religion.
Additionally, CDHS would be required to adopt rules related to involuntary feeding tubes.
Research shows that nearly one in ten Americans will contract an eating disorder in their lifetime. From 2018 to 2022, eating disorder insurance claims increased 65 percent nationally, with the two largest increases seen in individuals aged 14-18 and 19-24.
SB24-117 will now move to the House. Track the bill’s progress HERE.