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Bill

HB 1220

Update Behavioral Health License Terminology

2026 Regular Session

Colorado bill modernizes behavioral health professional licensing terminology to align with current industry standards and clarify regulatory scope.

Governor Signed
#healthcare&healthinsurance
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Bill Summary · HB 1220

Legislative bill overview

HB 1220 updates Colorado's behavioral health licensing terminology to modernize language used in state statutes and regulations. The bill appears to rename or reclassify existing behavioral health professional licenses to reflect current industry standards and practice. This is a technical/housekeeping measure aimed at consistency across state law.

Why is this important

Licensing terminology directly affects how professionals are regulated, what services they can provide, and how the public understands their qualifications. Outdated or unclear license names can create confusion for consumers seeking mental health services and may not reflect contemporary training standards or scope of practice in the behavioral health field.

Potential points of contention

  • Scope of practice changes: If terminology updates alter what specific professionals can do, there may be disagreement from affected practitioners or competing professions about expanded or restricted scopes
  • Grandfathering and transition: Unclear whether existing license-holders must re-license or undergo additional credentialing under new terminology, potentially affecting thousands of practitioners
  • Insurance and reimbursement impacts: Insurance companies and Medicaid may need to update coverage policies, potentially affecting which providers get paid for services

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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