THE PULSE

A QUARTERLY PUBLICATION OF THE COLORADO MEDICAL BOARD

Dr. Stephen Frankel

PRESIDENT'S CORNER

Revised Rule 510 provides clarification, ensures patient safety and quality care

A modification to increase the supervision ratio of certified anesthesiologist assistants from three to four took effect June 30 via amendments to Rule 510.

Prior to those changes, the Colorado Medical Board (CMB) and other stakeholders assembled to analyze and propose improvements to the rule. The underlying goal in addressing Rule 510 was increasing supervision requirements to improve patient access. Previous structure and guidance applicable to the physicians in their oversight of anesthesiologist assistants remained unchanged, ensuring patient safety and quality of care.

Stakeholder engagement was open and transparent and a critical component in the process. The revised rule:

Clarifies and enables a physician-led collaborative team;
Provides access to care;
Further taps into the expertise of clinicians for safe oversight.

I would like to thank the stakeholders who took the time, thought, and energy to participate in our stakeholder meetings and for providing written observations, suggestions, and recommendations.

We are confident changes in Rule 510 will have the desired effect. That said, we will continue to monitor the impact of the changes over time to ensure it fully benefits the citizens of Colorado.

New law affects Colorado prescribers, places limits on opioid prescriptions

Senate Bill 18-22 Clinical Practice for Opioid Prescribing went into effect immediately upon Governor John Hickenlooper's signature in May. This new state law limits the number of opioid pills a healthcare provider can prescribe and affects physicians, physician assistants, advanced practice registered nurses with prescriptive authority, dentists, optometrists, podiatrists, and veterinarians.

The prescribing and dispensing Boards are reviewing Senate Bill 18-22 Clinical Practice for Opioid Prescribing, and considering its impact on the Guidelines for Prescribing and Dispensing Opioids.

C. Lamont Smith

Two members added to Board roster

Two public members were added to the 16-member Board. C. Lamont Smith and Donald L. Davenport were appointed May 8. Smith will serve a four-year term. Davenport is fulfilling term obligations that expire May 3, 2020.

Two other professional members - Dr. Ty Higuchi, and Dr. Samara Epps McElroy, and public appointee Keith Marks are returning for four-year terms.

Donald Davenport

Interstate Compact and Legal Affairs Coordinator added

Cheris Frailey is the new Interstate Compact and Legal Affairs Coordinator in the Division of Professions and Occupations. She will serve as the expert on multiple compacts by:

Overseeing the administration of the compacts;
Representing Colorado on various compact commissions;
Ensuring compact compliance;
Ensuring the investigation of compact complaints;

Reporting complaints and final actions to the
appropriate compact.

In addition, she will be streamlining board processes, while evaluating and proposing rules, policies and other procedures related to licensing compacts.

Ms. Frailey previously worked at the American Speech-Language Hearing Association as the Director of State Education and Legislative Advocacy, serving as the state liaison to the southern region. She provided resources, assistance and support regarding legislative and regulatory issues in addition to guidance to state association leaders, members and government agencies. Ms. Frailey also served on the Telerehabilitation Board for the American Telemedicine Association, where she shared her expertise in laws and regulations related to telehealth.

Cheris Frailey

Practice Act defines reporting duties; affects nearly everyone

Physicians, physician assistants, and anesthesiologist assistants have a duty to report any licensee known, or upon information or belief, to have committed unprofessional conduct pursuant to 12-36-118(3)(a), C.R.S. of the Medical Practice Act.

Licensees have the duty to report to the Board any licensee known, or upon information and belief, to have violated any of the provisions of section 12-36-117(1). A licensee who is treating another licensee for a behavioral, mental health, or substance use disorder or the excessive use of any habit-forming drug, shall not have a duty to report his or her patient unless, in the opinion of the treating licensee, the impaired licensee presents a danger to himself, herself, or others.

Experts needed

The Board is recruiting all types of specialties to serve in an expert capacity. Experts assist the Board by providing reviews and opinions on Board cases. This is an excellent opportunity to give back to your profession, help your community, and gain valuable experience. To apply, download the Consultant Application or contact the Board at dora_medicalboard@state.co.us for more information.

Reminders

The Board encourages licensees to read the Medical Practice Act, Rules and Policies to uphold the law in an effort to promote consumer protection and patient safety.

Remember to keep your information updated with the Board and the Health Professionals Profile Program. The link can be found on the Board website.

A training video is available to show prescribers and pharmacists how to set up delegate accounts for the PDMP. Any prescriber or pharmacist can create up to three delegate accounts for trained individuals who can check the PDMP on the prescriber or pharmacist's behalf.

DIVISION MEETINGS & EVENTS

The Colorado Medical Board makes an effort to have all public meetings live and available via webcast. Find the meeting or event you are interested in attending on the calendar, click on more details and follow the directions to sign up.

HELPFUL LINKS:

Board Actions: Monthly Actions Immediate Actions

Board Member Information: Board Members FAQs

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