Committee advances SB138 to streamline hospital discounted‑care screening, move some licensure and reporting timing

The House Health & Human Services Committee advanced Senate Bill 138, as amended, to the Committee of the Whole on Feb. 25, sending a package of technical and policy changes affecting hospital discounted care, licensure timelines and certain continuing‑education requirements.

Sponsor Representative Stewart described SB138 as an effort to make hospital financial assistance screening more efficient while preserving notice and appeal rights for patients. The bill allows hospitals to use third‑party data resources and a uniform screening questionnaire to make faster determinations when the facility already has sufficient information, and requires clearer notice and appeal rights. It also moves health facility licensure to a biennial cycle and extends some hospital reporting deadlines to better align with audit timelines.

Hospital representatives, rural health centers and statewide associations supported the bill's intent and described administrative and financial stresses that prompted the changes. The Colorado Hospital Association and several hospital CEOs told the committee the reforms would help rural providers under financial strain. Consumer advocates and legal aid groups said they supported the streamlining but asked for specific notice requirements and transparency about third‑party screening tools; they sought protections so patients can correct errors in third‑party data.

Sponsors offered committee amendments (L012 and L013) to close gaps in initial eligibility determinations and to clarify enforcement timing and public‑coverage rules. The committee adopted those amendments and, after discussion, advanced SB138 with a 9–4 vote.

What happens next: SB138 goes to the Committee of the Whole. Sponsors said they will continue to work with stakeholders on remaining technical changes and on ensuring adequate consumer safeguards.