CO SB024

Expands Colorado Health Service Corps loan repayment program to include behavioral health care providers and candidates for licensure who serve in health professional shortage areas, in addition to existing primary care professionals.

Establishes new scholarship program to provide education and training cost assistance to addiction counselors seeking initial or higher-level certification in exchange for commitment to practice in shortage areas for at least six consecutive months.

Authorizes Primary Care Office to designate state-specific health professional shortage areas using state methodologies rather than relying solely on federal guidelines.

Increases Colorado Health Service Corps advisory council from 13 to 15 members, adding representatives from substance use disorder service providers and a licensed/certified addiction counselor with rural or safety-net clinic experience.

Appropriates $2.5 million annually from marijuana tax cash fund beginning fiscal year 2018-19 to fund loan repayments for behavioral health providers and scholarships for addiction counselors.