Title 12, Professions and Occupations
0 chapters · 1,262 sections in this title.
Colo. Rev. Stat. § 12-255-101 Short title
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The short title of this article 255 is the Nurse and Nurse Aide Practice Act. Source: L. 2019: Entire title R&RE with relocations, (HB 19-1172), ch. 136, p. 1318, � 1, effective October 1. L. 2020: Entire section amended, (HB 20-1183), ch. 157, p. 674, � 3, effective July 1. Edit…
Colo. Rev. Stat. § 12-255-102 Legislative declaration
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(1) The general assembly hereby declares it to be the policy of this state that, in order to safeguard the life, health, property, and public welfare of the people of this state and in order to protect the people of this state from the unauthorized, unqualified, and improper appl…
Colo. Rev. Stat. § 12-255-103 Applicability of common provisions
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Articles 1, 20, and 30 of this title 12 apply, according to their terms, to this article 255. Source: L. 2019: Entire title R&RE with relocations, (HB 19-1172), ch. 136, p. 1318, � 1, effective October 1.
Colo. Rev. Stat. § 12-255-104 Definitions
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As used in this article 255, unless the context otherwise requires: (1) Advanced practice registered nurse means a registered professional nurse who is licensed to practice pursuant to this part 1, who obtains specialized education or training as provided in section 12-255-111, a…
Colo. Rev. Stat. § 12-255-105 State board of nursing created - removal of board members - meetings of board
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(1) (a) There is created the state board of nursing in the division, which is a type 1 entity, as defined in section 24-1-105. The board consists of twelve members who are residents of this state, appointed by the governor as follows:(I) Two members of the board shall be licensed…
Colo. Rev. Stat. § 12-255-106 Employees - executive administrator
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The director shall appoint an executive administrator for the board and other personnel deemed necessary, pursuant to section 13 of article XII of the state constitution. Source: L. 2019: Entire title R&RE with relocations, (HB 19-1172), ch. 136, p. 1323, � 1, effective October 1…
Colo. Rev. Stat. § 12-255-107 Powers and duties of the board - rules - definition
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(1) The board has the following powers and duties: (a) (I) To approve, pursuant to rules adopted by the board, educational programs in this state preparing individuals for licensure under this part 1, including approving curricula, conducting surveys, and establishing standards f…
Colo. Rev. Stat. § 12-255-108 Advisory committee
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The board may appoint advisory committees including professional review committees to assist in the performance of its duties. Each advisory committee shall consist of at least three licensees who have expertise in the area under review. Members of the advisory committees shall r…
Colo. Rev. Stat. § 12-255-109 Examination
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(1) All nurse applicants, unless eligible for licensure by endorsement, shall be required to pass a written examination approved or prepared by the board, relating to the knowledge, skills, and judgments as incorporated in their respective approved education programs. (2) In acco…
Colo. Rev. Stat. § 12-255-110 Requirements for professional nurse licensure
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(1) The board shall issue a license to engage in the practice of professional nursing to any applicant who: (a) Submits an application containing the information the board may prescribe; (b) Submits proof satisfactory to the board in the manner and upon the forms the board may re…
Colo. Rev. Stat. § 12-255-111 Requirements for advanced practice registered nurse registration - legislative declaration - advanced practice registry - rules
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(1) The general assembly hereby recognizes that some registered professional nurses practicing pursuant to this part 1 have acquired additional preparation for advanced nursing practice and hereby determines that it is appropriate for the state to maintain a registry of those ind…
Colo. Rev. Stat. § 12-255-111.5 Requirements for certified midwife licensure - license by endorsement - questionnaire - fees - definition
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(1) On and after July 1, 2024, the board shall issue a license to engage in the practice as a certified midwife to any applicant who: (a) Submits an application containing information the board may prescribe; (b) Submits proof satisfactory to the board, in the manner and upon the…
Colo. Rev. Stat. § 12-255-112 Prescriptive authority - advanced practice registered nurses - certified midwives - limits on prescriptions - rules - financial benefit for prescribing prohibited
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(1) The board may authorize the following licensees to prescribe controlled substances or prescription drugs, as those terms are defined in section 12-280-103: (a) An advanced practice registered nurse who is listed on the advanced practice registry, who has a license in good sta…
Colo. Rev. Stat. § 12-255-113 Professional liability insurance required - advanced practice registered nurses and certified midwives in independent practice - rules
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(1) It is unlawful for any advanced practice registered nurse or certified midwife engaged in an independent practice of professional nursing or as a certified midwife to practice within the state of Colorado unless the advanced practice registered nurse or certified midwife purc…
Colo. Rev. Stat. § 12-255-114 Requirements for practical nurse licensure - fees - questionnaire
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(1) The board shall issue a license to engage in the practice of practical nursing to any applicant who: (a) Submits an application containing information the board may prescribe; (b) Submits proof satisfactory to the board in the manner and upon the forms the board may require t…
Colo. Rev. Stat. § 12-255-115 Volunteer licensure - fees - questionnaire
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(1) The board may issue a license to a volunteer nurse or certified midwife who meets the requirements set forth in this section. (2) A volunteer nursing or certified midwife license shall only be issued to an applicant who: (a) Currently holds a license to practice nursing, eith…
Colo. Rev. Stat. § 12-255-116 Persons licensed under previous laws
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Any person holding a valid Colorado license to engage in the practice of practical or professional nursing issued prior to July 1, 1980, shall continue to be licensed under the provisions of this part 1. Source: L. 2019: Entire title R&RE with relocations, (HB 19-1172), ch. 136, …
Colo. Rev. Stat. § 12-255-117 Temporary licenses and permits
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(1) The board may issue a temporary license to practice for a period of four months to an applicant for licensure by endorsement pursuant to the occupational credential portability program. (2) The board may issue a permit to practice as a practical or professional nurse for a pe…
Colo. Rev. Stat. § 12-255-118 Approval of educational programs
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(1) Any institution in this state desiring to receive from the board approval of its educational program that prepares individuals for licensure as a practical or as a professional nurse shall apply to the board and submit evidence that it is prepared to carry out an educational …
Colo. Rev. Stat. § 12-255-118.5 Approved nurse aide training programs
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(1) Except for any medical facility or program that has been explicitly disapproved by the department of public health and environment, the board may approve any nurse aide training program offered by or held in a medical facility or offered and held outside a medical facility. A…
Colo. Rev. Stat. § 12-255-119 Disciplinary procedures of the board - inquiry and hearings panels - mental and physical examinations - definitions - rules
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(1) (a) The president of the board shall divide the other members of the board into two panels of five members each. Members representing the different categories of membership (licensed practical nurses, professional nurses, certified midwives, and persons not licensed, employed…
Colo. Rev. Stat. § 12-255-120 Grounds for discipline - definitions
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(1) Grounds for discipline, as used in this part 1, means any action by any person who: (a) Has procured or attempted to procure a license by fraud, deceit, misrepresentation, misleading omission, or material misstatement of fact; (b) (I) Has been convicted of a felony or any cri…
Colo. Rev. Stat. § 12-255-121 Withholding or denial of license - hearing - definitions
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(1) (a) The board is empowered to determine summarily whether: (I) An applicant for a license or a temporary license to practice as a nurse or as a certified midwife possesses the qualifications required by this part 1; (II) There is probable cause to believe that an applicant fo…
Colo. Rev. Stat. § 12-255-122 Inactive license status - reactivation
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(1) A nurse or certified midwife licensed pursuant to section 12-255-110, 12-255-111.5, or 12-255-114 may request that the board place the nurse's or certified midwife's license on inactive status. The request shall be made in the form and manner designated by the board. (2) A nu…
Colo. Rev. Stat. § 12-255-123 Immunity in professional review
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(1) If a professional review committee is established pursuant to section 12-255-108 to investigate the quality of care being given by a person licensed pursuant to this part 1, the professional review committee must include in its membership at least three persons licensed in th…
Colo. Rev. Stat. § 12-255-124 Surrender of license
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(1) Prior to the initiation of an investigation or hearing, any licensee or temporary license holder may surrender the individual's license to practice nursing or as a certified midwife. (2) Following the initiation of an investigation or hearing and upon a finding that to do so …
Colo. Rev. Stat. § 12-255-125 Unauthorized practice - penalties
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(1) It is unlawful for any person to practice as a practical or professional nurse or as a certified midwife unless licensed to practice that profession. (2) Any person who practices or offers or attempts to practice practical or professional nursing or as a certified midwife wit…
Colo. Rev. Stat. § 12-255-126 Injunctive proceedings
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The board may seek injunctive relief in accordance with section 12-20-406, but only to enjoin any person who does not possess a currently valid or active practical or professional nurse license, certified midwife license, or nurse aide certification from committing any act declar…
Colo. Rev. Stat. § 12-255-127 Exclusions
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(1) This part 1 does not prohibit: (a) Gratuitous care of friends or members of the family; (b) Domestic administration of family remedies or care of the sick by domestic servants, housekeepers, companions, or household aides of any type, whether employed regularly or because of …
Colo. Rev. Stat. § 12-255-128 Prescribing opioid antagonists
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An advanced practice registered nurse or certified midwife with prescriptive authority pursuant to section 12-255-112 may prescribe or dispense an opioid antagonist in accordance with section 12-30-110. Source: L. 2019: Entire title R&RE with relocations, (HB 19-1172), ch. 136, p…
Colo. Rev. Stat. § 12-255-129 Continuing education - rules
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In addition to any other authority conferred upon the board by this part 1, the board is authorized to require no more than twenty hours of continuing education every two years as a condition of renewal of licenses and to establish procedures and standards for the educational req…
Colo. Rev. Stat. § 12-255-130 Peer health assistance or alternative to discipline program - fund - rules
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(1) As a condition of licensure and for the purpose of supporting a peer health assistance program for nurses or certified midwives or an alternative to discipline program for nurses or certified midwives, every applicant for an initial license or to reinstate a license and any p…
Colo. Rev. Stat. § 12-255-131 Delegation of nursing or midwifery tasks - rules
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(1) Any licensed practical nurse, registered nurse, advanced practice registered nurse, or certified midwife may delegate any task included in the nurse's or certified midwife's licensed scope of practice, subject to the requirements of this section. A licensed practical nurse, r…
Colo. Rev. Stat. § 12-255-132 School nurses - over-the-counter medication
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(1) This part 1 does not prohibit a person who has been appropriately trained from dispensing an over-the-counter medication to a minor as long as the person has written instructions from the minor's parent or guardian and there is a physician's standing medical order. (2) This s…
Colo. Rev. Stat. § 12-255-133 Licensee duties relating to assistance animals - definitions
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(1) A licensee who is approached by a patient seeking an assistance animal as a reasonable accommodation in housing shall either: (a) Make a written finding regarding whether the patient has a disability and, if a disability is found, a separate written finding regarding whether …
Colo. Rev. Stat. § 12-255-133.5 Licensee duties related to medical forensic evidence
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(1) A licensee who performs a medical forensic examination as described in section 12-240-139 (1)(b)(I) shall inform the victim: (a) Of the contact information for the nearest sexual assault victim advocate if the victim makes a law enforcement report pursuant to section 12-240-1…
Colo. Rev. Stat. § 12-255-134 Repeal of article - subject to review
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This article 255 is repealed, effective September 1, 2027. Before the repeal, the board and its functions under this article 255, including the functions of the board related to the certification of nurse aides, are scheduled for review in accordance with section 24-34-104. Sourc…
Colo. Rev. Stat. § 12-255-135 Confidential agreement to limit practice
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(1) Except as specified in subsection (2) of this section, section 12-30-108 concerning confidential agreements to limit practice applies to this article 255. (2) This section and section 12-30-108 do not apply to a nurse or certified midwife subject to discipline under section 1…
Colo. Rev. Stat. § 12-255-136 Change of name - direction to revisor - repeal. (Repealed)
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Source: L. 2020: Entire section added, (HB 20-1216), ch. 190, p. 877, � 18, effective July 1. Editor's note: Subsection (2) provided for the repeal of this section, effective September 1, 2023. (See L. 2020, p. 877.) 12-255-137. Delegation of medical-aesthetic services to unlicen…
Colo. Rev. Stat. § 12-255-137 Delegation of medical-aesthetic services to unlicensed individuals - required disclosures - applicability
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(1) An individual licensed as an advanced practice registered nurse pursuant to this article 255 who delegates medical-aesthetic services to an individual not licensed as a licensed health-care provider shall: (a) Post or cause to be posted a notice in a highly visible manner at …
Colo. Rev. Stat. § 12-255-201 Nurse aide certification program - department of public health and environment to assist - funding
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(1) The department of public health and environment, which is otherwise responsible for the regulation of certain medical facilities, shall, as necessary, assist the board in implementing the provisions of this part 2. (2) Funding for the nurse aide certification program, as oper…
Colo. Rev. Stat. § 12-255-202 Application for certification - fee
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(1) Every applicant for certification as a nurse aide, whether qualifying by competency evaluation or by endorsement, shall submit the application on forms provided by the board. (2) (a) The applicant shall include with the application submitted pursuant to subsection (1) of this…
Colo. Rev. Stat. § 12-255-203 Application for certification by competency evaluation
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(1) Every applicant for certification by competency evaluation shall pay the required application fee and shall submit written evidence that the applicant: (a) Has not committed any act or omission that would be grounds for discipline or denial of certification under this article…
Colo. Rev. Stat. § 12-255-204 Certification by endorsement
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An applicant may obtain certification by endorsement if the applicant satisfies the requirements of the occupational credential portability program. Source: L. 2020: Entire section amended, (HB 20-1326), ch. 126, p. 542, � 34, effective June 25; entire part added with relocations…
Colo. Rev. Stat. § 12-255-205 Certification by competency evaluation
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(1) All applicants except those certified by endorsement shall pass a clinical competency evaluation. The evaluation shall be in a written or oral form and shall include the following areas: (a) Basic nursing skills; (b) Personal care skills; (c) Recognition of mental health and …
Colo. Rev. Stat. § 12-255-206 Scope of practice - rules
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(1) In addition to any nursing tasks delegated to a certified nurse aide pursuant to section 12-255-131, a certified nurse aide who is deemed competent by a registered nurse licensed pursuant to part 1 of this article 255 may perform the following tasks: (a) Digital stimulation, …
Colo. Rev. Stat. § 12-255-207 Advisory committee
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To assist in the performance of its duties under this part 2, the board may designate an advisory committee, which shall report to the board. The committee consists of seven members who have expertise in an area under review. One member shall be a certified nurse aide; one member…
Colo. Rev. Stat. § 12-255-208 Medication aides - training - scope of duties - rules
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(1) Prior to a certified nurse aide obtaining authority as a medication aide to administer medications, the certified nurse aide shall meet all applicable requirements as established by rules of the board. The board shall promulgate rules regarding the scope of practice, educatio…
Colo. Rev. Stat. § 12-255-209 Grounds for discipline
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(1) The board may suspend, revoke, or deny any person's certification to practice as a nurse aide or authority to practice as a medication aide in accordance with section 12-20-404 (1)(d) or may issue to the person a letter of admonition under the circumstances specified in and i…
Colo. Rev. Stat. § 12-255-210 Withholding or denial of certification
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(1) If the board determines that an applicant for an initial certificate to practice as a nurse aide does not possess the qualifications specified in section 12-255-203 or 12-255-204, that section 12-255-209 (1)(l) is applicable, or that there is reasonable cause to believe that …