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Bill will help improve safety
(Feb. 15) – The House gave final approval on a bill today sponsored by Rep. Kyle Mullica, D-Northglenn, that will improve safety at freestanding emergency room departments.
“This bipartisan bill will ensure patients receive care in a safe manner and that emergency departments in rural, urban and suburban communities offer the best services available,” said Rep. Mullica, D-Northglenn.
HB 19-1010 will bring freestanding emergency departments under the same regulatory umbrella as traditional hospital emergency rooms to ensure the safety and wellbeing of patients. This will ultimately improve the quality of care for patients and increase health care affordability.
This bill will create a new license for Freestanding Emergency Departments (FSEDs) through the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE). It also requires FSEDs to medically screen every patient seeking care as well as prohibit them from delaying a medical examination in order to inquire about the patient’s ability to pay for the care or their insurance status.
Rep. Mullica is an emergency room nurse by trade. The bill was co-sponsored by Rep. Lois Landgraf, R-Fountain.
HB19-1010 passed with bipartisan support by a vote of 54-9. The bill now heads to the Senate.