SB 23-224

Senate Bill 23-224, which has been approved by the governor and will take effect on August 7, 2023, aims to improve access to optometry education for Colorado residents through a student exchange program. The bill requires students who participate in this program to provide optometric services to Coloradans, especially those in underserved areas, as part of their post-education commitment. This means that starting from the 2024-25 academic year, these students will have to agree to serve Coloradans enrolled in programs under the Colorado Medical Assistance Act. The bill is designed to enhance healthcare services for residents and support optometry education through interstate collaboration.

Official Summary

If the Colorado commission on higher education (commission) enters into a professional student exchange program through the western interstate commission on higher education (WICHE), then, subject to available appropriations, the commission shall establish policies to maximize the benefit of the exchange program to Colorado residents. The policies may include, but need not be limited to: Policies for Colorado residents seeking postsecondary optometry degrees at institutions in other states. Beginning in the 2024-25 academic year, the commission shall ensure that any student who enters the postsecondary optometry program, as a part of the student's post-educational service commitment, shall agree to provide services to Coloradans enrolled in programs established pursuant to the "Colorado Medical Assistance Act". Policies that promote the provision of services in underserved areas. Such policies may include reducing the service requirement for an individual to meet the individual's post-educational service requirement by serving in areas that have insufficient access to optometry services. The act aligns Colorado law with the current operation of WICHE professional student exchange programs. APPROVED by Governor April 17, 2023 EFFECTIVE August 7, 2023 NOTE: This act was passed without a safety clause and takes effect 90 days after sine die. (Note: This summary applies to this bill as enacted.)

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