CO HB1280

Defines "air ambulance service" as any public or private entity using an air ambulance to transport patients to a medical facility.

Requires all air ambulance services operating in Colorado to obtain department licensure, with compliance through board-adopted rules or accreditation by an approved organization with equivalent or exceeding standards.

Establishes new regulatory framework allowing provisional and conditional licenses, emergency waivers for rule requirements, and recognition of out-of-state licenses for limited flights, with civil penalties up to $5,000 per violation.

Directs the board to promulgate rules by December 30, 2017, covering medical crew qualifications, insurance requirements, equipment standards, data reporting, and patient safety management.

Appropriates $21,836 to the Department of Public Health and Environment for fiscal year 2016-17 to implement air ambulance regulation ($18,036 for staffing and planning, $3,800 for legal services).