HB 22-1307 Summary

• Adds "mental health professional" to the list of entities authorized to possess, furnish, or administer opiate antagonists without civil liability or criminal prosecution under Colorado law.

• Expands the definition of "mental health professional" to include unlicensed psychotherapists alongside psychologists, social workers, marriage and family therapists, licensed professional counselors, and addiction counselors.

• Modifies language throughout Colorado mental health licensing statutes to replace outdated terminology with gender-neutral phrasing and clarify regulatory authority over candidates and unlicensed practitioners.

• Allows unlicensed psychotherapists and addiction counselors to possess and administer opiate antagonists in accordance with existing statutes governing authorized recipients.

• Takes effect 90 days after final adjournment of the general assembly, subject to voter approval if a referendum petition is filed within that period.