CO HB1142

Creates a statewide Direct Care Provider Career Path Program to improve recruitment and retention of direct care paraprofessionals in long-term health care settings.

Establishes a three-tiered paraprofessional certification system for nurse aides: Certified Personal Care Provider (limited tasks), Certified Nurse Aide-Level I (fully trained), and Certified Nurse Aide with Specialty/Advanced Training-Level II.

Directs the State Board of Nursing to promulgate rules implementing the program, approve education programs, and establish a Direct Care Advisory Committee with up to 12 stakeholder representatives to provide input on program development.

Conditions implementation on approval of necessary federal Medicaid and Medicare waivers, with program launch on January 1 following receipt of all required waivers.

Requires the State Board of Nursing and advisory committee to report to the legislature and governor within two years on program effectiveness, including participant numbers, entry-level worker recruitment, and retention outcomes.