SENATE BILL 22-172 BY SENATOR(S) Winter and Rankin, Coleman, Liston, Priola, Bridges, Coram, Donovan, Fields, Ginal, Hinrichsen, Hisey, Jaquez Lewis, Kolker, Moreno, Rodriguez, Simpson, Sonnenberg, Story, Fenberg; also REPRESENTATIVE(S) Roberts and Rich, Bernett, Bird, Caraveo, Catlin, McLachlan, Mullica, Pelton, Soper, Valdez D., Van Beber, Bockenfeld, Cutter, Duran, Hooton, Jodeh, Kennedy, Kipp, Lindsay, Lontine, McCormick, Michaelson Jenet, Titone, Young . C ONCERNING AN INITIATIVE TO INCREASE THE NUMBER OF HEALTH -CARE PROFESSIONALS PRACTICING IN COLORADO'S RURAL AREAS, AND, IN CONNECTION THEREWITH , MAKING AN APPROPRIATION. Be it enacted by the General Assembly of the State of Colorado: SECTION 1. Legislative declaration. (1) The general assembly finds and declares that: (a) Nearly three-quarters of Colorado's sixty-four counties are designated as rural or frontier counties by the state office of rural health; (b) Rural and frontier counties have difficulty recruiting and retaining health-care workers; NOTE: This bill has been prepared for the signatures of the appropriate legislative officers and the Governor. To determine whether the Governor has signed the bill or taken other action on it, please consult the legislative status sheet, the legislative history, or the Session Laws. ________ Capital letters or bold & italic numbers indicate new material added to existing law; dashes through words or numbers indicate deletions from existing law and such material is not part of the act. (c) The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic that decimated the health-care workforce across Colorado hit rural areas especially hard, and the associated burnout is causing health-care workers to leave medicine and nursing; (d) The university of Colorado (CU) school of medicine's rural office at the Anschutz medical campus provides a model program for educating health-care professionals that wish to live and work in rural areas. Other institutions that educate health-care professionals can take advantage of the expertise, experience, and infrastructure in place at the CU school of medicine's rural office in order to prepare their health-care students to work in rural or frontier counties. (e) Establishing and funding a limited number of health-care professional rural track programs allows the general assembly to collect data and information on best practices for providing rural-practice-focused education to health-care professionals; and (f) The general assembly can use the lessons learned to later expand the new Colorado rural health-care workforce initiative to other institutions and practice areas to increase the number of health-care professionals practicing in Colorado's rural and frontier counties. SECTION 2. In Colorado Revised Statutes, add article 76.5 to title 23 as follows: ARTICLE 76.5 Colorado Rural Health-care Workforce Initiative 23-76.5-101. Definitions. A S USED IN THIS ARTICLE 76.5, UNLESS THE CONTEXT OTHERWISE REQUIRES : (1) "H EALTH-CARE PROFESSIONAL" MEANS A PHYSICIAN, PHYSICIAN ASSISTANT , PHYSICAL THERAPIST, NURSE, INCLUDING NURSE PRACTITIONER, PHARMACIST, DENTIST, PROFESSIONAL COUNSELOR, PSYCHOLOGIST, SOCIAL WORKER , OR MARRIAGE AND FAMILY THERAPIST WHO IS REGISTERED , CERTIFIED, OR LICENSED PURSUANT TO TITLE 12 AND WHO IS SUBJECT TO CREDENTIALING . "HEALTH-CARE PROFESSIONAL" ALSO INCLUDES A PUBLIC HEALTH PROFESSIONAL WHO IS NOT REQUIRED TO BE REGISTERED , CERTIFIED, PAGE 2-SENATE BILL 22-172 OR LICENSED PURSUANT TO STATE LAW . (2) "H EALTH-CARE PROFESSIONALS RURAL TRACK " OR "RURAL TRACK " MEANS A HEALTH-CARE PROFESSIONALS RURAL TRACK OR PROGRAM ESTABLISHED BY AN INSTITUTION PURSUANT TO SECTION 23-76.5-102. (3) "I NITIATIVE" MEANS THE COLORADO RURAL HEALTH -CARE WORKFORCE INITIATIVE ESTABLISHED IN THIS ARTICLE 76.5. (4) "I NSTITUTION OF HIGHER EDUCATION" OR "INSTITUTION" MEANS STATE INSTITUTIONS AS DEFINED IN SECTION 23-18-102 (10)(a), LOCAL DISTRICT COLLEGES , AND AREA TECHNICAL COLLEGES . (5) "P RECEPTOR" MEANS A HEALTH-CARE PROFESSIONAL WHO IS REGISTERED , CERTIFIED, OR LICENSED, AS APPROPRIATE, PURSUANT TO TITLE 12 WHO ASSUMES THE RESPONSIBILITY OF TEACHING , SUPERVISING, AND EVALUATING A STUDENT SEEKING A DEGREE IN A HEALTH -CARE PROFESSION DISCIPLINE AS PART OF THE STUDENT 'S CLINICAL TRAINING AND EDUCATION IN A RURAL OR FRONTIER COUNTY . (6) "R URAL OR FRONTIER COUNTY" MEANS A COUNTY IN COLORADO DESIGNATED BY THE STATE OFFICE OF RURAL HEALTH , KNOWN AS THE COLORADO RURAL HEALTH CENTER , AS A RURAL OR FRONTIER COUNTY. (7) "R URAL PROGRAM OFFICE " MEANS THE OFFICE THAT ADMINISTERS THE UNIVERSITY OF COLORADO'S SCHOOL OF MEDICINE'S RURAL PROGRAM AT THE HEALTH SCIENCES CENTER CAMPUS . 23-76.5-102. Colorado rural health-care workforce initiative - institution health-care professionals rural tracks. (1) T HERE IS ESTABLISHED THE COLORADO RURAL HEALTH-CARE WORKFORCE INITIATIVE TO EXPAND THE NUMBER OF HEALTH -CARE PROFESSIONALS PRACTICING IN COLORADO'S RURAL OR FRONTIER COUNTIES. (2) A S PART OF THE INITIATIVE, AN INSTITUTION OF HIGHER EDUCATION MAY ESTABLISH A HEALTH -CARE PROFESSIONALS RURAL TRACK , OR EXPAND AN EXISTING RURAL TRACK , THAT MEETS THE CRITERIA DESCRIBED IN SUBSECTION (3) OF THIS SECTION, WITHIN ANY SPECIFIED HEALTH -CARE PROFESSIONAL CREDENTIAL OR DEGREE PROGRAM OFFERED AT THE INSTITUTION . ON OR BEFORE AUGUST 1 OF EACH FISCAL YEAR IN PAGE 3-SENATE BILL 22-172 WHICH AN INSTITUTION RECEIVES FUNDING FOR A RURAL TRACK , THE INSTITUTION SHALL SUBMIT TO THE RURAL PROGRAM OFFICE A WRITTEN PLAN DESCRIBING HOW THE INSTITUTION INTENDS TO USE THE FUNDING TO MEET THE REQUIREMENTS FOR A RURAL TRACK DESCRIBED IN SUBSECTION (3) OF THIS SECTION. (3) S UBJECT TO AVAILABLE APPROPRIATIONS, IN OPERATING A RURAL TRACK , AN INSTITUTION SHALL: (a) C ONDUCT AN OUTREACH CAMPAIGN TO PROMOTE KNOWLEDGE OF AND INTEREST IN RURAL HEALTH -CARE CAREERS, INFORM STUDENTS AND PROSPECTIVE STUDENTS OF THE INITIATIVE , AND IDENTIFY POTENTIAL STUDENT APPLICANTS ; (b) P RIORITIZE ADMISSION TO THE INSTITUTION AND SET ASIDE SEATS IN ITS HEALTH -CARE PROFESSIONAL EDUCATION PROGRAM FOR STUDENTS IN THE RURAL TRACK ; (c) A WARD SCHOLARSHIPS TO STUDENTS IN THE RURAL TRACK , AS DESCRIBED IN SUBSECTION (6) OF THIS SECTION; (d) O FFER DIDACTIC CURRICULUM THAT THE RURAL PROGRAM OFFICE DEVELOPS IN COLLABORATION WITH OTHER INSTITUTIONS THAT OPERATE A RURAL TRACK RELATED TO PRACTICING THE HEALTH -CARE DISCIPLINE IN RURAL OR FRONTIER COUNTIES TO STUDENTS IN THE RURAL TRACK ; (e) I DENTIFY RURAL OR FRONTIER COUNTIES IN WHICH STUDENTS MAY ACCOMPLISH THEIR CLINICAL TRAINING AND ESTABLISH RELATIONSHIPS BETWEEN STUDENTS AND HEALTH -CARE PROFESSIONALS IN RURAL OR FRONTIER COUNTIES WHO CAN SERVE AS PRECEPTORS ; (f) P ROVIDE INSTRUCTIONAL SUPPORT AND ADMINISTRATIVE RESOURCES FOR PRECEPTORS ; AND (g) PLACE STUDENTS FOR A SIGNIFICANT DURATION IN RURAL OR FRONTIER COUNTIES FOR CLINICAL INSTRUCTION AND TRAINING OF SIGNIFICANT DEPTH FROM A PRECEPTOR , WHICH PLACEMENT MAY BE IN COLLABORATION WITH THE RURAL PROGRAM OFFICE AND OTHER PARTICIPATING PROGRAMS IN THE INITIATIVE . PAGE 4-SENATE BILL 22-172 (4) AN INSTITUTION THAT RECEIVES FUNDING FOR A RURAL TRACK SHALL REPORT TO THE RURAL PROGRAM OFFICE INFORMATION ABOUT THE RURAL TRACK REQUESTED BY THE RURAL PROGRAM OFFICE FOR THE PURPOSE OF PREPARING THE REPORT DESCRIBED IN SECTION 23-76.5-104. (5) A N INSTITUTION MAY USE THE MONEY APPROPRIATED FOR ITS RURAL TRACK PURSUANT TO SECTION 23-76.5-105 FOR THE FOLLOWING: (a) T OTAL OR PARTIAL COMPENSATION FOR ONE OR MORE FACULTY OR STAFF TO DEVELOP THE RURAL TRACK AND TO OPERATE THE RURAL TRACK IN A MANNER THAT MEETS THE REQUIREMENTS LISTED IN SUBSECTION (3) OF THIS SECTION; (b) T HE COST OF HOUSING FOR STUDENTS FOR ALL OR PART OF THE DURATION OF THE STUDENTS ' CLINICAL INSTRUCTION AND TRAINING IN A RURAL OR FRONTIER COUNTY ; (c) T RAINING PRECEPTORS WHO PRACTICE IN RURAL OR FRONTIER COUNTIES TO PROVIDE PERSONALIZED CLINICAL INSTRUCTION OR TRAINING TO RURAL TRACK STUDENTS ; AND (d) PROVIDING SCHOLARSHIPS TO STUDENTS IN THE RURAL TRACK , AS DESCRIBED IN SUBSECTION (6) OF THIS SECTION. (6) (a) A N INSTITUTION THAT OPERATES A RURAL TRACK SHALL AWARD SCHOLARSHIPS TO STUDENTS PARTICIPATING IN THE RURAL TRACK WHO COMMIT IN WRITING TO LIVING AND WORKING AS A HEALTH -CARE PROFESSIONAL IN A RURAL OR FRONTIER COUNTY FOR TWO YEARS AFTER COMPLETING EDUCATION AND TRAINING . AN INSTITUTION SHALL USE FORTY PERCENT OF THE FUNDING RECEIVED FOR THE RURAL TRACK TO AWARD SCHOLARSHIPS . THE INSTITUTION MAY DETERMINE THE AMOUNT OF EACH SCHOLARSHIP BASED ON THE SCHOLARSHIP APPLICANT 'S DEMONSTRATED FINANCIAL NEED AND DEMONSTRATED COMMITMENT TO WORKING AS A HEALTH -CARE PROFESSIONAL IN A RURAL OR FRONTIER COUNTY . (b) A STUDENT WHO FAILS TO FULFILL THE COMMITMENT TO WORK IN A RURAL OR FRONTIER COUNTY AFTER ACCEPTING A SCHOLARSHIP SHALL REMIT THE FULL AMOUNT OF THE SCHOLARSHIP TO THE INSTITUTION THAT AWARDED THE SCHOLARSHIP . EACH INSTITUTION THAT OPERATES A RURAL TRACK IS RESPONSIBLE FOR DEVELOPING A PROCESS FOR DETERMINING PAGE 5-SENATE BILL 22-172 WHETHER A STUDENT FULFILLS THE COMMITMENT AND FOR RECOVERING SCHOLARSHIP MONEY WHEN NECESSARY . AN INSTITUTION THAT RECOVERS SCHOLARSHIP MONEY PURSUANT TO THIS SUBSECTION (6)(b) SHALL USE THE MONEY FOR ANY PERMISSIBLE USE DESCRIBED IN SUBSECTION (3) OF THIS SECTION . (c) R ECEIVING A SCHOLARSHIP DESCRIBED IN THIS SUBSECTION (6) DOES NOT AFFECT THE STUDENTS' ELIGIBILITY FOR THE COLORADO HEALTH SERVICE CORPS DESCRIBED IN PART 5 OF ARTICLE 1.5 OF TITLE 25 OR FOR THE DENTAL LOAN REPAYMENT PROGRAM DESCRIBED IN ARTICLE 23 OF TITLE 25. 23-76.5-103. Initiative administrative and education support - university of Colorado school of medicine rural program. (1) T HE RURAL PROGRAM OFFICE SHALL PROVIDE ASSISTANCE TO THE INSTITUTIONS ESTABLISHING AND OPERATING A RURAL TRACK . THE RURAL PROGRAM OFFICE SHALL : (a) P ROVIDE GUIDANCE TO AN INSTITUTION REGARDING RECRUITING AND ADMITTING STUDENTS COMMITTED TO WORKING IN RURAL AREAS ; (b) A SSIST AN INSTITUTION WITH IDENTIFYING RURAL OR FRONTIER COUNTIES IN WHICH STUDENTS MAY ACCOMPLISH THEIR CLINICAL TRAINING AND ESTABLISHING RELATIONSHIPS BETWEEN STUDENTS AND HEALTH -CARE PROFESSIONALS IN RURAL OR FRONTIER COUNTIES WHO CAN SERVE AS PRECEPTORS ; (c) F ACILITATE, ARRANGE, OR ADVISE AN INSTITUTION ABOUT ARRANGING HOUSING FOR STUDENTS RECEIVING CLINICAL INSTRUCTION AND TRAINING IN A RURAL OR FRONTIER COUNTY ; (d) D EVELOP, IN COLLABORATION WITH INSTITUTIONS THAT OPERATE A RURAL TRACK , DIDACTIC CURRICULUM RELATED TO PRACTICING IN RURAL OR FRONTIER COUNTIES AND PROVIDE THE CURRICULUM WITHOUT CHARGE TO EACH INSTITUTION THAT OPERATES A RURAL TRACK ; AND (e) PROVIDE ANY OTHER TECHNICAL OR ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANCE THAT MAY BENEFIT AN INSTITUTION THAT IS ESTABLISHING OR OPERATING A RURAL TRACK . (2) (a) T HE RURAL PROGRAM OFFICE SHALL DEVELOP METRICS TO PAGE 6-SENATE BILL 22-172 EVALUATE THE EFFECTIVENESS OF THE INITIATIVE AND RURAL TRACKS , ANNUALLY EVALUATE THE INITIATIVE AND RURAL TRACKS , AND CREATE THE REPORT DESCRIBED IN SECTION 23-76.5-104. (b) T HE RURAL PROGRAM OFFICE MAY COLLABORATE WITH THE COLORADO AREA HEALTH EDUCATION CENTERS , THE DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC HEALTH AND ENVIRONMENT , A STATEWIDE ORGANIZATION OF HOSPITALS , AND THE COLORADO RURAL HEALTH CENTER TO ASSESS UNMET RURAL COMMUNITY HEALTH -CARE PRIORITY NEEDS, COLLECT DATA TO SUPPORT THE ASSESSMENT , AND MAKE RECOMMENDATIONS TO THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY FOR FUNDING TO SUPPORT ADDING MORE SCHOOLS , PROGRAMS, AND HEALTH-CARE PROFESSIONALS TO MEET THAT NEED . THE RURAL PROGRAM OFFICE MAY INCLUDE THE RECOMMENDATIONS IN ITS ANNUAL REPORT . 23-76.5-104. Initiative reporting. (1) O N OR BEFORE NOVEMBER 1, 2023, AND ON OR BEFORE NOVEMBER 1 EACH YEAR THEREAFTER, THE RURAL PROGRAM OFFICE SHALL SUBMIT A REPORT TO THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES EDUCATION COMMITTEE AND THE SENATE EDUCATION COMMITTEE , OR THEIR SUCCESSOR COMMITTEES , CONCERNING THE INITIATIVE . THE REPORT MUST INCLUDE: (a) I NFORMATION ABOUT EACH INSTITUTION 'S HEALTH-CARE PROFESSIONALS RURAL TRACKS , THE NUMBER OF STUDENTS ENROLLED IN EACH RURAL TRACK , THE NUMBER OF STUDENTS WHO HAVE COMPLETED EACH RURAL TRACK AND ARE PRACTICING IN A RURAL OR FRONTIER C OUNTY ; AND ANY OTHER RELEVANT DATA AND INFORMATION ABOUT THE INITIATIVE ; AND (b) THE RURAL PROGRAM OFFICE'S ANALYSIS OF THE EFFECTIVENESS OF THE INITIATIVE AND RURAL TRACKS . (2) THE REPORT MAY INCLUDE RECOMMENDATIONS FOR LEGISLATIVE CHANGES TO THE INITIATIVE , INCLUDING RECOMMENDATIONS FOR EXPANDING THE INITIATIVE . 23-76.5-105. Initiative funding - fee for service contracts - repeal. (1) S UBJECT TO AVAILABLE APPROPRIATIONS , THE DEPARTMENT OF HIGHER EDUCATION SHALL ENTER INTO A LIMITED PURPOSE FEE -FOR-SERVICE CONTRACT WITH THE UNIVERSITY OF COLORADO HEALTH SCIENCES CENTER PAGE 7-SENATE BILL 22-172 PURSUANT TO SECTION 23-18-308 TO PROVIDE FUNDING FOR THE RURAL PROGRAM OFFICE TO CARRY OUT ITS DUTIES DESCRIBED IN SECTION 23-76.5-103. THE FUNDING FOR THE RURAL PROGRAM OFFICE MAY BE INCLUDED IN A SINGLE FEE -FOR-SERVICE CONTRACT WITH THE UNIVERSITY OF COLORADO HEALTH SCIENCES CENTER DESCRIBED IN SUBSECTION (2) OF THIS SECTION . (2) (a) S UBJECT TO AVAILABLE APPROPRIATIONS , THE DEPARTMENT OF HIGHER EDUCATION SHALL ENTER INTO A LIMITED PURPOSE FEE -FOR-SERVICE CONTRACT WITH THE GOVERNING BOARDS OF EACH OF THE FOLLOWING INSTITUTIONS , EXCEPT FOR COLORADO MOUNTAIN COLLEGE , FOR ALLOCATION TO EACH PROGRAM OR SCHOOL LISTED IN THIS SUBSECTION (2) TO ESTABLISH OR EXPAND AN EXISTING RURAL TRACK PURSUANT TO THIS ARTICLE 76.5: (I) A DAMS STATE UNIVERSITY, IN ITS NURSING PROGRAM; (II) C OLORADO MESA UNIVERSITY, IN ITS NURSING PROGRAM; (III) T HE COLORADO SCHOOL OF PUBLIC HEALTH , IN ITS MASTER OF PUBLIC HEALTH PROGRAM ; (IV) C OLORADO STATE UNIVERSITY - PUEBLO, IN ITS SCHOOL OF NURSING ; (V) M ETROPOLITAN STATE UNIVERSITY OF DENVER, IN ITS NURSING PROGRAM ; (VI) T HE UNIVERSITY OF COLORADO, IN THE FOLLOWING PROGRAMS OR SCHOOLS : (A) A T THE HEALTH SCIENCES CENTER CAMPUS , IN ITS SCHOOL OF DENTAL MEDICINE AND IN ITS DOCTOR OF MEDICINE PROGRAM IN THE SCHOOL OF MEDICINE ; (B) A T THE COLORADO SPRINGS CAMPUS, IN ITS NURSING PROGRAM; AND (C) AT THE HEALTH SCIENCES CENTER CAMPUS , IN ITS PHYSICIAN ASSISTANTS PROGRAM IN THE SCHOOL OF MEDICINE ; PAGE 8-SENATE BILL 22-172 (VII) THE UNIVERSITY OF NORTHERN COLORADO, IN ITS SCHOOL OF NURSING ; (VIII) W ESTERN COLORADO UNIVERSITY , IN ITS MASTER OF BEHAVIORAL SCIENCE IN RURAL COMMUNITY HEALTH PROGRAM ; (IX) C OLORADO MOUNTAIN COLLEGE , IN ITS NURSING PROGRAM; (X) F ORT LEWIS COLLEGE, IN ITS NURSING PROGRAM OPERATED IN AGREEMENT WITH THE UNIVERSITY OF COLORADO NURSING PROGRAM ; AND (XI) AT THE FOLLOWING INSTITUTIONS GOVERNED BY THE STATE BOARD FOR COMMUNITY COLLEGES AND OCCUPATIONAL EDUCATION : (A) M ORGAN COMMUNITY COLLEGE , IN ITS NURSING PROGRAM; AND (B) TRINIDAD STATE COLLEGE, IN ITS NURSING PROGRAM. (b) (I) S UBJECT TO AVAILABLE APPROPRIATIONS , THE DEPARTMENT OF HIGHER EDUCATION SHALL ALLOCATE MONEY TO COLORADO MOUNTAIN COLLEGE TO ESTABLISH A RURAL TRACK IN ITS NURSING PROGRAM . (II) F OR FISCAL YEAR 2022-23, THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY SHALL NOT APPROPRIATE MONEY TO AN INSTITUTION AND THE DEPARTMENT OF HIGHER EDUCATION SHALL NOT ENTER INTO A LIMITED PURPOSE FEE -FOR-SERVICE CONTRACT WITH A GOVERNING BOARD OR ALLOCATE MONEY TO AN INSTITUTION TO ESTABLISH OR OPERATE A RURAL TRACK OTHER THAN AS DESCRIBED IN THIS SUBSECTION (2). (III) T HIS SUBSECTION (2)(b) IS REPEALED, EFFECTIVE JULY 1, 2023. SECTION 3. In Colorado Revised Statutes, 23-18-308, add (1)(j) as follows: 23-18-308. Fee-for-service contracts - limited purpose - repeal. (1) Subject to available appropriations, the department shall enter into fee-for-service contracts for the following purposes: (j) T HE COLORADO RURAL HEALTH -CARE WORKFORCE INITIATIVE ESTABLISHED IN ARTICLE 76.5 OF THIS TITLE 23, INCLUDING FOR PAGE 9-SENATE BILL 22-172 HEALTH-CARE PROFESSIONALS RURAL TRACKS AT INSTITUTIONS OF HIGHER EDUCATION AND ADMINISTRATIVE COSTS AND EDUCATIONAL SUPPORT PROVIDED BY THE UNIVERSITY OF COLORADO'S SCHOOL OF MEDICINE'S RURAL PROGRAM . SECTION 4. Appropriation. (1) For the 2022-23 state fiscal year, $1,135,000 is appropriated to the department of higher education. This appropriation is from the general fund. To implement this act, the department may use this appropriation for the college opportunity fund program to be used for limited purpose fee-for-service contracts with state institutions. (2) For the FY 2022-23 state fiscal year $1,135,000 is appropriated to the department of higher education. This appropriation is from reappropriated funds received from the limited purpose fee-for-service contracts with state institutions under subsection (1) of this section. To implement this act, the department may use this appropriation as follows: (a) $65,000 for the trustees of Adams state university for allocation to its nursing program; (b) $65,000 for the trustees of Colorado Mesa university for allocation to its nursing program; (c) $65,000 for the trustees of Metropolitan state university of Denver for allocation to its nursing program; (d) $65,000 for the trustees of Western Colorado university for allocation to its behavioral science in rural community health program; (e) $65,000 for the board of governors of the Colorado state university system for allocation to Colorado state university Pueblo for its school of nursing; (f) $65,000 for the trustees of Fort Lewis college for allocation to its nursing program; (g) $550,000 for the regents of the university of Colorado, which amount includes $225,000 for allocation to the health sciences center for the rural program office, $65,000 for allocation to the health sciences center for PAGE 10-SENATE BILL 22-172 the school of dental medicine, $65,000 for allocation to the health sciences center for the school of medicine for the doctor of medicine program, $65,000 for allocation to the health sciences center for the school of medicine for the physician assistant program, $65,000 for allocation to the Colorado Springs campus for its nursing program, and $65,000 for allocation to the Colorado school of public health operated by the university of Colorado, Colorado state university, and the university of Northern Colorado; (h) $65,000 for the university of Northern Colorado for allocation to its school of nursing; and (i) $130,000 for the state board for community colleges and occupational education state system community colleges, which amount includes $65,000 for allocation to Morgan community college for its nursing program and $65,000 for allocation to Trinidad state college for its nursing program. (3) For the 2022-23 state fiscal year, $65,000 is appropriated to the department of higher education. This appropriation is from the general fund. To implement this act, the department may use this appropriation for Colorado mountain college for allocation to its nursing program. SECTION 5. Safety clause. The general assembly hereby finds, PAGE 11-SENATE BILL 22-172 determines, and declares that this act is necessary for the immediate preservation of the public peace, health, or safety. ____________________________ ____________________________ Steve Fenberg Alec Garnett PRESIDENT OF SPEAKER OF THE HOUSE THE SENATE OF REPRESENTATIVES ____________________________ ____________________________ Cindi L. Markwell Robin Jones SECRETARY OF CHIEF CLERK OF THE HOUSE THE SENATE OF REPRESENTATIVES APPROVED________________________________________ (Date and Time) _________________________________________ Jared S. Polis GOVERNOR OF THE STATE OF COLORADO PAGE 12-SENATE BILL 22-172