Panel backs changes to behavioral-health licensing and extends follow-up window after mental-health holds

Senator Ball told the committee House Bill 1116 makes modest changes to administration of behavioral health services, including adjustments to VHA licensing requirements for telehealth and outpatient-only care and an extension of the follow-up window after discharge from a mental-health hold from 48 to 72 hours. "Extending the time that we have to ensure that more people get those follow ups is actually quite critical," Ball said.

Amy Hickson, quality and standards division director with the Behavioral Health Administration, said HB1116 reduces administrative burden without compromising safety. She described a two-part solution that exempts telehealth-only providers from the state certificate-of-compliance requirement and allows outpatient-only providers to use qualified local fire departments for inspections when inspectors are state-certified.

Audrey Hinshaw, manager of operations for UCHealth’s behavioral health service line appearing on behalf of the Colorado Hospital Association, said the 72-hour follow-up window better aligns definitions across programs and allows hospitals to reach patients at a time when they are more likely to engage with follow-up services.

The sponsor moved the bill to the Committee of the Whole; the committee then voted to place the bill on the consent calendar.