SB20-022 Summary

• Allows geriatric advanced practice providers (advanced practice nurses and physician assistants) to participate in the Colorado Health Service Corps loan repayment program if they commit to providing geriatric care to older adults in health professional shortage areas for at least two years.

• Defines "geriatric advanced practice provider" as an advanced practice provider who has completed formal postgraduate geriatrics training, geriatrics training within their provider program, at least 24 months of postgraduate clinical experience with 50% in geriatric care, or a geriatric track clinical experience during training.

• Requires the general assembly to appropriate $225,000 (2020-21), $400,000 (2021-22), $575,000 (2022-23), $450,000 (2023-24), and $275,000 (2024-25) annually from the general fund for geriatric advanced practice provider loan repayments.

• Increases the Colorado Health Service Corps Advisory Council from 15 to 16 members and requires at least one member to be a physician providing geriatric care or a geriatric advanced practice provider.

• Defines "older adult" as an individual at least 65 years of age and clarifies that "geriatric care" excludes hospice-only care.