(1) The general assembly hereby finds, determines, and declares that the Colorado medical board created in article 240 of this title 12 and the state board of nursing created in article 255 of this title 12 act for the state in their sovereign capacity to govern licensure, discipline, and professional review of persons licensed to practice medicine, persons licensed as physician assistants, and advanced practice registered nurses, respectively, in this state. The general assembly further finds, determines, and declares that:
The authority to provide health care in this state is a privilege granted by the legislative authority of the state; and
It is necessary for the health, safety, and welfare of the people of this state that theappropriate regulatory boards exercise their authority to protect the people of this state from unauthorized practice and unprofessional conduct by persons licensed to provide health care under article 240 of this title 12 and part 1 of article 255 of this title 12.
(2) The general assembly recognizes that:
Many patients of persons licensed to provide health care in this state have restrictedchoices of health care providers under a variety of circumstances and conditions;
Many patients lack the knowledge, experience, or education to properly evaluate thequality of medical or nursing practice or the professional conduct of persons licensed to practice medicine, persons licensed as physician assistants, and advanced practice registered nurses; and
It is necessary and proper that the respective regulatory boards exercise their regulatory authority to protect the health, safety, and welfare of the people of this state.
(3) The general assembly recognizes that, in the proper exercise of their authority and responsibilities under this part 2, the Colorado medical board and the state board of nursing must, to some extent, replace competition with regulation, and that the replacement of competition by regulation, particularly with regard to persons licensed under article 240 of this title 12 or to advanced practice registered nurses, is related to a legitimate state interest in the protection of the health, safety, and welfare of the people of this state.
Source: L. 2019: Entire title R&RE with relocations, (HB 19-1172), ch. 136, p. 777, § 1, effective October 1. L. 2020: (1)(b) amended, (HB 20-1183), ch. 157, p. 697, § 42, effective July 1.
Editor's note: This section is similar to former § 12-36.5-101 as it existed prior to 2019.