CO SB020

Amends Colorado law to permit mental health care professionals to perform auricular acudetox (ear acupuncture) when performed within their current scope of practice if they have completed required training documentation.

Expands eligibility to include three categories of professionals: those licensed pursuant to Article 43, certified Level III addiction counselors pursuant to Part 8 of Article 43, and registered psychotherapists pursuant to Part 7 of Article 43.

Modifies both Colorado Revised Statutes 12-29.5-105 and 12-43-228.5 to clarify that auricular acudetox "is performed" rather than "must be performed" under the professional's scope of practice.

Takes effect August 8, 2018 (ninety days after final adjournment on May 9, 2018), unless subject to a referendum petition requiring November 2018 voter approval.

Bill was approved by Governor John W. Hickenlooper.