CO HB1300

Injured Colorado workers gain the right to designate their own treating physician from the state's list of Level I or Level II accredited physicians within 7 days of reporting a workplace injury, rather than selecting from an employer-provided list of 4 providers

Employers and insurers must use the Division of Workers' Compensation's utilization standards when reviewing treatment authorization requests; failure to comply allows the director to deem services authorized and require payment

The one-time physician change window expands from 90 days after injury to 120 days after first physician designation, and employees may select any Level I or Level II accredited physician (not just from employer lists)

Attorneys representing injured workers are prohibited from referring clients to physicians or practices in which they have ownership or financial interests

Takes effect January 1, 2028, and applies to claims filed on or after that date; subject to potential referendum in November 2026