DENVER, CO - The House today passed legislation that would streamline access to durable medical equipment and create guidelines for the legalization of medical psilocybin.
“Occupational therapists know what care their patients need, but current Colorado law doesn’t allow them to prescribe critical medical equipment to their patients,” said Rep. Katie Stewart, D-Durango, sponsor of HB25-1016. “When it comes to equipment like wheelchairs, oxygen tanks, and monitors, lack of access impacts the health of Coloradans, especially for rural Coloradans with more limited access to health care providers. This bill would remove barriers to care by allowing occupational therapists to prescribe durable medical equipment to address their patients' needs, streamlining access to care so Coloradans can receive the care needed to keep them safe and healthy.”
HB25-1016, which passed by a vote of 45-17, would allow occupational therapists to prescribe durable medical equipment, like ventilators and wheelchairs, without requiring a prescription from a licensed physician leading to increased access to medical care and treatment.
HB25-1063, sponsored by Representative Kyle Brown and Representative Anthony Hartsook, R-Parker, would make a prescription medication that includes crystalline polymorph psilocybin legal to prescribe, dispense, distribute, possess, use, and market in Colorado upon its approval by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
“Increasing access to health care options allows Coloradans to choose medication or treatment options that work best for their needs. This is why we passed this bill today to be prepared for when providers can start prescribing synthesized psilocybin,” said Rep. Kyle Brown, D-Louisville, sponsor of HB25-1063. “Studies suggest the use of this type of medication may help to treat PTSD, anxiety, depression, and other conditions. With this bill passing the House today, we’re one step closer to expanding effective healthcare options for Coloradans with certain mental health conditions.”
Colorado became the second state in the nation to legalize psychedelic therapy when voters passed Proposition 122 in 2022. In June 2023, the FDA published guidance for researchers investigating the use of psychedelic therapy for medical treatment, stating that psilocybin and other psychedelic drugs have shown promising results when used to treat mood, anxiety, post-traumatic stress, and substance use disorders. A Johns Hopkins study found that psilocybin-assisted therapy can relieve major depressive disorder symptoms in some adults for at least a year.
HB25-1063 passed by a vote of 46-16.