SB 205 - Concerning Parity in Status Between Health Care Providers under Health Benefit Plans

Dear CNA Members, Professional Colleagues, and Affiliate Organizations:

I regret to inform that SB 205 - Concerning Parity in Status Between Health Care Providers under Health Benefit Plans - has died in the House after successful passage in the Senate. The bill was laid over today (no longer viable) in House Economic and Business Development committee - at the request of the bill sponsor, Rep Joe Miklosi. There had been lobbying opposition by Colorado Medical Society, other medical groups, and by the insurance carriers represented by the Association of Health Plans against the bill.

Colorado Nurses Association was the leading nursing organization bringing the bill issues forward this year. CNA commits to continued work on the issue over the summer and will strategize on alternate strategies including future legislation to address the barriers APNs face in being credentialed on insurance panels.

Thank you to all who supported this effort. You are amazing to work with and your passion and commitment helped bring us this far.

Thanks is also extended to the following lobbyists for their support: Sara Schmidt with the Colorado Rural Health Center, Pat Ratliff with Colorado Association of Nurse Anesthetists, and Jennifer Miles representing Certified Nurse Midwives.

Thanks is due to the following legislators that championed the bill effort: Senator Lois Tochtrop, Senator Ellen Roberts, and Senator Jeanne Nicholson - each supported the bill in floor comments in the Senate.

GAPP committee will be reviewing the final bill issues and strategy over the summer.

Fran Ricker, RN, MSN
Executive Director/Lobbyist
Colorado Nurses Association