HB 24-1253

House Bill 24-1253 extends the regulation of respiratory therapy in Colorado until September 1, 2035. It updates the definition of respiratory therapy to include prescriptions from physician assistants and restricts exemptions for unregistered polysomnographic technologists who can only perform certain limited tasks under supervision. This bill has been signed by the governor and will take effect on August 7, 2024, meaning that these changes will be implemented soon after this date.

Official Summary

The act implements the recommendations of the department of regulatory agencies (department), as specified in the department's sunset review of the regulation of respiratory therapy, as follows: The act continues the regulation of respiratory therapy for 11 years, until September 1, 2035; The definition of respiratory therapy in current law includes certain treatments of patients pursuant to a prescription issued by a physician, advanced practice registered nurse, or certified midwife. The act expands the definition to also include a prescription issued by a physician assistant. Current law exempts an unregistered polysomnographic technologist (technologist) who practices respiratory therapy from the state regulatory requirements for respiratory therapists if the technologist is practicing under the supervision of a respiratory therapist, physician, or certain other practitioner. The act narrows this exemption to practices that do not exceed oxygen titration with pulse oximetry and noninvasive positive pressure ventilation titration. APPROVED by Governor May 15, 2024 EFFECTIVE August 7, 2024(Note: This summary applies to this bill as enacted.)

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