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County opposes work‑comp bill that would let employees choose treating physician; worries about costs and lack of stakeholdering
Summary
Arapahoe County signaled opposition to HB1300 (work‑comp physician choice), citing costs, disruption to a long‑standing workers’ compensation system, and lack of stakeholder process; commissioners said their association will take a lead role.
Arapahoe County commissioners recorded opposition to House Bill 1300, a measure that would change Colorado’s workers’ compensation system by allowing injured workers broader choice in selecting treating providers rather than selecting from an employer‑designated list.
County staff and lobbyists described the proposed change as a substantial alteration to the post‑1991 workers’‑compromise model. Opponents, including several counties, private insurers and self‑insured municipal employers, said the bill risks increased costs, delayed care and quality control problems because the current employer‑designated provider list contains many credentialed providers and a quality‑assurance process.
Commissioners heard that proponents were not offering substantive compromise language and that the governor’s office has raised concerns tied to broader Pinnacle privatization discussions. County lobbyists said they expect the governor’s office or Pinnacle stakeholders to seek a package approach that could tie a physician‑choice change to Pinnacle conversion in future negotiations.
Commissioners indicated they are already engaged through their self‑insured association and planned to register opposition through those association channels. The board’s show of support for opposing the bill was recorded as a consensus thumbs‑up from attending commissioners and staff.
