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January 27, 2023 HB 23-1071
Legislative Council Staff
Nonpartisan Services for Colorado’s Legislature
Fiscal Note
Drafting Number:
Prime Sponsors:
LLS 23-0051
Rep. Amabile; Bradfield
Sen. Simpson; Fenberg
Date:
Bill Status:
Fiscal Analyst:
January 27, 2023
House Public & Behavioral Health
Shukria Maktabi | 303-866-4720
shukria.maktabi@coleg.gov
Bill Topic: LICENSED PSYCHOLOGIST PRESCRIPTIVE AUTHORITY
Summary of
Fiscal Impact:
☒ State Revenue
☒ State Expenditure
☐ State Transfer
☐ TABOR Refund
☐ Local Government
☐ Statutory Public Entity
The bill allows licensed psychologists to obtain certification to prescribe psychotropic
medications, expands the State Board of Psychologist Examiners, and requires that
two members on the board be prescribing psychologists. The bill minimally increases
state revenue and workload on an ongoing basis.
Appropriation
Summary:
No appropriation is required.
Fiscal Note
Status:
The fiscal note reflects the introduced bill.
Summary of Legislation
This bill allows licensed psychologists to prescribe and administer psychotropic medications by
obtaining either a conditional prescription certificate or prescription certificate issued by the State
Board of Psychologist Examiners (board) in the Department of Regulatory Agencies (DORA).
The bill outlines the criteria and process for obtaining a conditional certificate. Once granted, the
psychologist may only administer and prescribe psychotropic medication under the supervision of a
licensed physician or advanced practice registered nurse, and must maintain a collaborative
relationship with the patient’s health provider. A conditional prescription certificate is valid for two
years, after which the psychologist can either renew or apply for a prescription certificate if they meet
additional requirements.
The bill also adds two members to the board and adds a requirement that two of the nine members
hold a prescription certification. Additionally, the board can establish rules for certification and
suspension of a certificate, must keep records of all prescribing psychologists, and, by November 1,
2023, should appoint a committee to evaluate and process complaints received. DORA is required to Page 2
January 27, 2023 HB 23-1071
collect and share information on prescribing psychologists for inclusion in sunset reviews that concern
the regulation of mental health professionals.
State Revenue
Beginning in FY 2023-24, the bill increases fee revenue to the Division of Professions and Occupation
Cash Fund in DORA from issuing certificates. Due to the low number of expected applications, fee
revenue is expected to be minimal. This revenue is subject to TABOR.
State Expenditures
Beginning in FY 2023-24, workload in DORA will increase to approve certificate applications, conduct
outreach and education, expand the board, and process complaints received. The department may
also require legal counsel and rulemaking support, provided by the Department of Law. Due to the
relatively low number of prescribing psychologists in other states, this workload can be accomplished
with existing resources.
Effective Date
The bill takes effect 90 days following adjournment of the General Assembly sine die, assuming no
referendum petition is filed.
State and Local Government Contacts
Higher Education Human Services Information Technology
Law Regulatory Agencies
The revenue and expenditure impacts in this fiscal note represent changes from current law under the bill for each
fiscal year. For additional information about fiscal notes, please visit: leg.colorado.gov/fiscalnotes.