House Bill 10-1024 Summary

• Removes references to advanced practice nurses from Colorado's declaration of terminal illness statute (15-18-104), requiring that only physicians certify a patient's terminal condition instead of physicians or advanced practice nurses.

• Modifies the "Declaration as to Medical or Surgical Treatment" form to eliminate advanced practice nurses' authority to participate in terminal illness declarations, restricting this authority to attending physicians and other qualified physicians.

• Takes effect August 11, 2010, or following the ninety-day period after final adjournment of the general assembly, unless a referendum petition is filed and the measure requires voter approval in November 2010.

• Does not take effect if House Bill 10-1025 becomes law, indicating mutual exclusivity with companion legislation.