Colorado Legislative Council Staff

NO FISCAL IMPACT

TITLE:            CONCERNING PERSONS AUTHORIZED TO PERFORM PHYSICAL EXAMINATIONS FOR APPLICANTS TO THE AID TO THE NEEDY DISABLED PROGRAM.

Summary of Assessment

            The bill authorizes additional professionals to conduct physical examinations on applicants for the Aid to the Needy Disabled Program (AND) to include certified physician assistants or licensed registered nurses. A supervising physician or the physician who conducted the examination shall continue to certify in writing the diagnosis, prognosis, and other relevant medical or mental factors relating to the disability of the applicant. The bill is effective upon signature of the Governor.

            Under the bill, other professionals may conduct physical examinations on applicants for AND, to whom such authority has been delegated by a physician. Currently, physicians are reimbursed $22.50 per physical examination. Moneys for this purpose are appropriated in the annual Long Appropriations Act to the Department of Human Services, County Administration line item. The bill does not change the reimbursement rate for physical examinations, and is therefore assessed as having no fiscal impact.

Departments Contacted

            Human Services