Substance Use Disorder (SUD) Stakeholder Newsletter
This newsletter provides implementation updates from the Department of Health Care Policy & Financing (the Department) on House Bill (HB) 18-1136 and is distributed periodically during the benefit development process.
Beginning in July, the Substance Use Disorder (SUD) Provider Forum transitioned to focus on implementation of legislative requirements outlined in SB 21-137. The Department was required to address some components of the legislation by Oct. 1, including drafting a quarterly report of Utilization Management metrics. The first report was made available on Oct. 1, 2021.
The SUD Provider Forum is hosted on Zoom and requires participants to register to attend. Meetings will now be quarterly on the first Wednesday of the month from 2 - 3 p.m. Upcoming meeting information is as follows:
Reasonable accommodations will be provided upon request for persons with disabilities. Please notify the Department 504/ADA Coordinator at least one week before the meeting to make arrangements.
Standardized Authorization Form
In accordance with requirements of SB 21-137, a single authorization form has been developed for use across all RAEs. This form is used for both prior and continued stay authorizations. Beginning Dec. 1, 2021, this new standard authorization form will replace any previous version you may be using. If you have questions or comments about this new form please contact Jennifer Holcomb at jennifer.holcomb@state.co.us.
Reminder: Bed Count Updates
Providers enrolled with Health First Colorado report their bed count numbers in their enrollment application to comply with federal reporting requirements. If there is a change in the number of beds at a provider location, please be sure to update the number of beds in the provider enrollment portal. Bed counts should reflect capacity without COVID-19 related capacity restrictions. Technical assistance for the portal is provided by Gainwell at 1-(844)-235-2387.
