Senate Bill 25-292

BY SENATOR(S) Amabile and Bridges, Kirkmeyer, Cutter, Jodeh, Michaelson Jenet, Winter F.;

also REPRESENTATIVE(S) Sirota and Taggart, Bird, Boesenecker, Lieder, Lindsay, Rutinel, McCluskie.

Concerning the creation of the workforce capacity center.

Be it enacted by the General Assembly of the State of Colorado:

SECTION 1.  In Colorado Revised Statutes, 25.5-6-2001, add (7.5) as follows:

25.5-6-2001.  System of care for children and youth - federal authorization - leadership and implementation team - workforce capacity center - report - rules - definition - repeal. (7.5) (a)  The state department, in collaboration with the behavioral health administration established in section 27-50-102, shall establish the workforce capacity center to train providers in evidence-based or supported models as part of the system of care for children and youth described in subsection (1) of this section, including training on high-fidelity wraparound for children and youth pursuant to part 1 of article 62 of title 27, intensive in-home treatment models, and other interventions.

(b)  The workforce capacity center must assist providers in maintaining ongoing training to ensure interventions are applied accurately.

(c)  The workforce capacity center is responsible for:

(I)  Developing the trainings for providers;

(II)  Conducting the trainings;

(III)  Covering the costs incurred by providers completing the trainings; and

(IV)  Providing ongoing technical assistance for providers across the state of Colorado while participating in training.

(d) (I)  In the quarterly report to the joint budget committee required pursuant to subsection (7)(b) of this section, the state department shall include updates on the work of the workforce capacity center. The report must include key milestones for startup activities, what trainings are offered, the number of trainings being provided each month, the number and type of certifications earned by providers as a result of the trainings, the number of certified providers enrolled as medicaid providers, and the locations where those certified providers practice.

(II)  In the quarterly report submitted to the joint budget committee in January 2027, the state department shall include an analysis of the workforce capacity center's work that includes an overview of the impact of the workforce capacity center and a recommendation on the continuation, reduction, or closure of the center.

(e)  This subsection (7.5) is repealed, effective July 1, 2027.

SECTION 2.  Safety clause. The general assembly finds, determines, and declares that this act is necessary for the immediate preservation of the public peace, health, or safety or for appropriations for the support and maintenance of the departments of the state and state institutions.