Governor Jared Polis has recently signed House Bill 1022, the first law of the 2025 legislative session in Colorado. This bipartisan measure, sponsored by Reps. Cecelia Espenoza and Karen McCormick, as well as Sens. Janice Rich and Dafna Michaelson Jenet, aims to expand the definition of “qualified medication administration personnel” to include individuals who passed a competency evaluation administered by the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment before July 1, 2017.
This bill marks the first piece of legislation signed by the governor this session and is particularly significant for Espenoza, as it is her first bill to become law since being elected in November. Last session, the General Assembly failed to include individuals who received their training through the CDPHE in the definition of QMAPs, which this new law now rectifies.
Polis praised the bipartisan effort behind the bill, calling it a “good bipartisan piece of legislation that sets a good tone for the legislature.” He emphasized the importance of ensuring quality care for seniors living in assisted living facilities and reiterated the state’s commitment to being inclusive of all Coloradans.
Espenoza expressed her satisfaction with the bipartisan support the bill received, highlighting the importance of good policy in achieving unanimous approval in committee, the House, and the Senate. This successful collaboration showcases the ability of legislators to work together for the betterment of the community.
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