February 2, 2023— Stakeholder Meeting Concerning The House Bill 1294 & House Bill 22- 1401

 

To: All Stakeholders  From: HFEMSD  The next House Bill (HB) 1294 Stakeholder Forum Meeting is scheduled for February 2, 2023, from 2:00 to 3:00pm. For this meeting, we will be hosting a townhall style conversation regarding an upcoming 6 CCR 1011-1, Chapter 2 February emergency rulemaking hearing with the Board of Health as it relates to the passage of House Bill 22-1401- Hospital Nurse Staffing Standards. While much of this bill directs the Department to develop rules for hospitals, a section of the bill relates to the development of rules for infectious disease control and mitigation of infectious spread for COVID-19, Flu, and other communicable diseases, testing, vaccinations, and treatment for all licensed health facilities.  For this meeting content, the Department will be focusing on the unique circumstances in residential care facilities and will present emergency rules drafted from a portion of the guidance already in place through Public Health Order (PHO) 20-20 – Requirements for Colorado Skilled Nursing Facilities, Assisted Living Residences, Intermediate Care Facilities and Group Homes for COVID-19 Prevention and Response as these measures have proven to be effective in the reduction of outcomes related to COVID-19. To participate, we have a number of resource links below.   HB 1294 Stakeholder Forum Website (includes meeting information  and invite/communication sign-up)  Agenda Item Request Form   When:  Thursday, February 2, 2023, from 2:00- 3:00 p.m.  Where: This meeting will be held remotely via Zoom Join Zoom Meeting  https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83216415362 Meeting ID: 832 1641 5362 One tap mobile +17193594580,,83216415362# US +16694449171,,83216415362# US Find your local number: https://us02web.zoom.us/u/k9HAnr6w5 If you have any further questions or comments prior to the meeting please contact Tonie Miller at tonie.miller@state.co.us For more information on the purpose and function of the HB 1294 Stakeholder Forum:  The House Bill 1294 Stakeholder Forum is an opportunity to promote dialogue and transparency for issues of interest and concern to all licensed healthcare facilities. This forum is statutorily required for such purpose and had been postponed since the onset of the COVID pandemic.  During this time a smaller, Subject Matter Expert (SME) group members wishing to have ongoing discussions with the department about policy-level questions, issues regarding the financial impact of the pandemic, reimbursement rates for Medicaid providers, long-term planning to deal with healthcare worker shortages, and how to bring more people into the workforce was established.  Members of this group are encouraged to continue these discussions through the re-establishment of the HB 12-1294 Stakeholder Forum. Additionally, pursuant to C.R.S 25-3-113, the Stakeholder Forum consists of representatives from various types of provider facilities licensed by the department along with consumers, consumer advocates, ombudsmen, and other interested parties which meet at least four times each year for the Department to discuss and take into consideration the concerns and issues of interest to the forum members and other attendees regarding the development and implementation of rules and other matters that affect all licensed health care facilities.  Meetings are generally held virtually monthly, on the 1st Thursday of each month.