CO HB1212

Creates a new "freestanding emergency department" license to be issued by the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment on or after July 1, 2021, for health facilities offering emergency care that may also offer primary and urgent care services.

Establishes two categories of eligible facilities: those affiliated with hospitals located more than 250 yards from the main campus, and independent facilities not attached to or situated within 250 yards of a hospital.

Limits facility fees charged to patients to costs reasonably related to operating expenses and prohibits facility fees when patients are transferred by ambulance because the facility could not stabilize them.

Requires annual reporting of facility fees to the Department of Health Care Policy and Financing, which reviews reports on a three-year rotating basis and reports violations to the licensing department; violations may result in fines up to $1,000 per patient occurrence.

Appropriates $29,411 to the Department of Public Health and Environment for fiscal year 2018-19 to support implementation, with portions taking effect July 1, 2020, and the remainder effective August 8, 2018, subject to voter approval if a referendum petition is filed.