House approves changes to collaborative management program after heated debate over consent language

The Colorado House approved House Bill 1035 on third reading after extended floor debate focused on an amendment concerning release of medical records and which individuals can provide written consent. The bill passed final passage 40 yes, 24 no, with 1 excused.

Representative Paschall, the bill sponsor, said the amendment discussed during committee was intended to clarify that the bill would not change existing rights for releasing medical records, including provisions concerning children under age 12. “The intent, the goal of this amendment was to state that no changes being brought forward by this law, new bill, changes anything about individuals' rights, in terms of their ability to release their medical records,” Paschall said, and she told the chamber stakeholders would work to craft clearer language with the Senate sponsor.

Rep. Bradley rose to move that the bill be referred back to the committee of origin (to “seconds”), arguing the committee amendment created ambiguity and could permit written consent by children. “This is the second bill that we're sending to the senate to…