A Bill for an Act
Page 1, Line 101Concerning authorizing an occupational therapist to
Page 1, Line 102prescribe durable medical equipment.
Bill Summary
(Note: This summary applies to this bill as introduced and does not reflect any amendments that may be subsequently adopted. If this bill passes third reading in the house of introduction, a bill summary that applies to the reengrossed version of this bill will be available at http://leg.colorado.gov.)
The bill authorizes an occupational therapist to directly recommend or prescribe durable medical equipment to a patient without requesting the prescription from a licensed physician.
Page 1, Line 1Be it enacted by the General Assembly of the State of Colorado:
Page 2, Line 1SECTION 1. In Colorado Revised Statutes, 12-270-104, amend
Page 2, Line 2(10) introductory portion; and add (10)(d) as follows:
Page 2, Line 312-270-104. Definitions - rules. As used in this article 270, unless
Page 2, Line 4the context otherwise requires:
Page 2, Line 5(10) "Occupational therapy" means the therapeutic use of
Page 2, Line 6occupations, including everyday life activities with individuals, groups,
Page 2, Line 7populations, or organizations, to support participation, performance, and
Page 2, Line 8function in roles and situations in home, school, workplace, community,
Page 2, Line 9and other settings. Occupational therapy is provided for habilitation,
Page 2, Line 10rehabilitation, and the promotion of health and wellness to
personsPage 2, Line 11individuals who have, or are at risk for developing, an illness, injury,
Page 2, Line 12disease, disorder, condition, impairment, disability, activity limitation, or
Page 2, Line 13participation restriction. Occupational therapy uses everyday life activities
Page 2, Line 14to promote mental health and support functioning in
peoplePage 2, Line 15who have, or who are at risk of experiencing, a range of mental health
Page 2, Line 16disorders, including psychiatric, behavioral, emotional, and substance use
Page 2, Line 17disorders. Occupational therapy addresses the physical, cognitive,
Page 2, Line 18psychosocial, sensory, perceptual, and other aspects of performance in a
Page 2, Line 19variety of contexts and environments to support engagement in
Page 2, Line 20occupations that affect physical health, mental health, well-being, and
Page 2, Line 21quality of life. The practice of occupational therapy includes:
Page 2, Line 22(d) The authority to directly recommend and prescribe
Page 2, Line 23durable medical equipment to a patient without requesting the
Page 2, Line 24prescription from a licensed physician.
Page 2, Line 25SECTION 2. Act subject to petition - effective date. This act
Page 2, Line 26takes effect at 12:01 a.m. on the day following the expiration of the
Page 2, Line 27ninety-day period after final adjournment of the general assembly; except
Page 3, Line 1that, if a referendum petition is filed pursuant to section 1 (3) of article V
Page 3, Line 2of the state constitution against this act or an item, section, or part of this
Page 3, Line 3act within such period, then the act, item, section, or part will not take
Page 3, Line 4effect unless approved by the people at the general election to be held in
Page 3, Line 5November 2026 and, in such case, will take effect on the date of the
Page 3, Line 6official declaration of the vote thereon by the governor.