HB 19-1133 Summary

• Creates the Colorado Child Abuse Response and Evaluation Network (CARENetwork) within the Department of Public Health and Environment to provide medical exams and behavioral health assessments for children under 6 years old (or under 13 for suspected sexual abuse) in cases of suspected abuse or neglect.

• Establishes a resource center structure with board-certified child abuse pediatrics specialists to develop statewide standards, training, and technical assistance for designated providers including physicians, nurses, advanced practice providers, and behavioral health providers.

• Requires the Department to award a contract to a resource center by November 1, 2019, which will work to increase local capacity, develop best practice standards, create streamlined referral processes, and collect data on network outcomes.

• Appropriates $632,717 from the general fund to the Department of Public Health and Environment for the 2019-20 fiscal year, including 0.6 FTE, to implement the network.

• Preserves existing authority of the Department of Human Services and county departments to investigate child abuse reports and maintains all mandated reporting requirements under state law.