summary
Introduced
02/12/2025
02/12/2025
In Committee
02/12/2025
02/12/2025
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
03/04/2025
03/04/2025
Introduced Session
2025 Regular Session
Bill Summary
The bill mandates that a health-care provider (provider) shall not implement a do-not-resuscitate order (DNR) for a minor without written consent from the minor's parent or legal guardian. However, if a provider makes a reasonably diligent and documented effort to contact a parent or legal guardian for 72 hours without success, the provider may enter a DNR for the minor. A parent or legal guardian may revoke their consent in writing, and such a revocation must take precedence over the prior consent and be recorded in the minor's medical records. The bill states that a provider shall not hinder or delay the life-sustaining or resuscitative treatment, determined by the right of the parent or legal guardian of the minor, to be given to the minor unless there is destruction of the minor's circulatory system, respiratory system, and entire brain. A court does not have authority to require withdrawal of life-sustaining or resuscitative treatment for a minor unless there is destruction of the minor's circulatory system, respiratory system, and entire brain. The bill creates a presumption that the continuation of the life of a minor is in the minor's best interest. Under the bill, a provider shall not interfere with a parent or legal guardian of a minor seeking to obtain another medical opinion or the transfer of the minor to another health facility (facility). If the parent or legal guardian requests that the minor be transferred, the provider shall: ! Provide the new facility immediate access to the minor and the minor's medical records; and ! Not hinder or delay the necessary measures or procedures needed to facilitate the transfer. The facility receiving the minor on transfer must: ! Continue providing the life-sustaining measures and procedures being administered; and ! Make every reasonable effort to help facilitate the transfer. Lastly, the bill directs a provider, if requested, to disclose any policies the provider has relating to services involving resuscitation or life-sustaining measures.
AI Summary
This bill, named "Simon's Law", establishes comprehensive protections for minors' medical treatment by mandating that healthcare providers cannot implement a do-not-resuscitate (DNR) order for a minor without written consent from the parent or legal guardian. The bill creates specific guidelines for DNR orders, defining them as medical orders that reflect a decision to forgo cardiopulmonary resuscitation while explicitly excluding comfort care. If a healthcare provider cannot contact a parent or legal guardian after 72 hours of documented attempts, they may implement a DNR. Parents or guardians can revoke their consent in writing, which must be immediately recorded in the minor's medical records. The bill strongly emphasizes parental rights by prohibiting healthcare providers from hindering or delaying life-sustaining treatment desired by the parent, except in cases of complete destruction of the minor's circulatory system, respiratory system, and entire brain. Additionally, the legislation creates a legal presumption that continuing a minor's life is in their best interest and requires healthcare facilities to facilitate transfers and provide immediate access to medical records if a parent requests a transfer. The bill will take effect on January 1, 2026, and applies to healthcare services provided on or after that date, with provisions for potential referendum review.
Committee Categories
Health and Social Services
Sponsors (2)
Last Action
House Committee on Health & Human Services Postpone Indefinitely (on 03/04/2025)
Official Document
bill text
bill summary
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bill summary
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bill summary
| Document Type | Source Location |
|---|---|
| State Bill Page | https://leg.colorado.gov/bills/hb25-1256 |
| Fiscal Note FN1 | https://leg.colorado.gov/sites/default/files/documents/2025A/bills/fn/2025a_hb1256_00.pdf |
| BillText | https://leg.colorado.gov/sites/default/files/documents/2025A/bills/2025a_1256_01.pdf |
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