CO SB125

Authorizes county public hospitals and health service districts in rural Colorado to engage in joint ventures, joint purchasing agreements, joint negotiations, leases, and delivery system network agreements that might otherwise violate state and federal antitrust laws.

Grants antitrust immunity to county public hospitals, health service districts, and their affiliates when exercising these collaborative powers, characterizing such activities as essential public functions performed on behalf of the state.

Defines hospital and health service district affiliates as entities under sole control of a single facility or under common control of multiple county public hospitals and health service districts.

Establishes that rural hospitals and health service districts are vulnerable due to low patient volumes, high Medicare/Medicaid payer mix, geographic isolation, workforce shortages, and aging infrastructure, making collaboration necessary for survival.

Declares immunity applies to the fullest extent allowed by law and specifies that entities do not require active state supervision to enjoy antitrust immunity under this provision.