Public Policy
The many successes CCIC has experienced in policy are due to the combined efforts of our Public Policy Committee members, which include representatives of CDPHE, local public health departments, the Colorado Immunization Information System, Children's Hospital Colorado, the American Academy of Pediatrics, the Colorado Academy of Family Physicians, the Colorado Children’s Campaign, and others. The convening of this spectrum of expertise is the only one of its kind in Colorado with the specific goal of increasing Colorado's childhood immunization rates.
Key accomplishments include:
- In 2014, CCIC had another outstanding year at the Legislature, as we initiated and led a diverse coalition to support a key policy initiative concerning personal belief exemptions. Ultimately, this resulted in the passage of HB 14-1288: "Concerning Personal Belief Exemptions for School Required Immunizations," which took effect July 1, 2014. Additionally, CCIC engaged coalitions focused on other CCIC policy priorities, aided in the protection of immunization related funding within the CDPHE budget, and built successful relationships with key legislators and administrative leadership.
- In 2013, CCIC had a banner year in terms of legislative successes at the Capitol. These successes include passage of CCIC’s top legislative priority, SB 13-222 “Improving Access to Childhood Immunizations,” and protection of immunization related funding within CDPHE budget. In addition, CCIC engaged coalitions focused on other CCIC policy priorities and built strong relationships with key legislators.
- In 2012, CCIC monitored several bills pertaining to the Master Tobacco Settlement funding formula, which funds certain immunization programs. Of these bills, CCIC offered formal opposition to SB 12-85, which would have rolled back immunization gains made in previous years. CCIC also successfully advocated for the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment to pass a rule requiring health care workers to receive the flu vaccine. In addition, CCIC submitted a letter to the Colorado Department of Human Services urging enhanced immunizations for child care center workers, and is awaiting the release of new proposed rules from the Board of Health.
- In 2011, CCIC saw achievements with the passing of SB11-008 which aligned Medicaid and CHP+ eligibility standards, the defeat of SB11-213 which would have imposed monthly premiums for children enrolled in CHP+, and the minimal budget cuts to the Immunization Program. We also celebrated the Colorado Immunization Program being named as one of the "top three programs" by the Department of Public Health and Environment.
- In 2010, CCIC was successful in helping to defend against budget cuts to the Colorado Immunization Program. We also we celebrated the defeat of 2010 Ballot Initiatives 60, 61 and 101 which would have drastically reduced state and local property tax revenue. Finally, in December 2010, CCIC hosted a highly successful Public Policy Summit in order to convene stakeholders and identify top immunization related policy priorities.
- The 2009 Legislative Session included successes in expediting enrollment for the CHP+ and Medicaid programs, and increasing coverage for uninsured Coloradans through a hospital provider fee through the Colorado Healthcare Affordability Act.
- In 2008, CCIC celebrated achieving the long-fought goal of full state funding for the Colorado Immunization Information System (CIIS) and 10.1 full-time employees to manage the transition of CIIS to CDPHE.
- In 2007, CCIC successfully created and funded the Vaccine Advisory Committee for Colorado (VACC), which is co-chaired by Lieutenant Governor O’Brien and CCIC Board President Dr. Robert Brayden. VACC is engaging experts to address childhood immunization issues through regulatory means by focusing on specific barriers to immunization in the community. We then make recommendations to Governor Ritter on what funding strategies and activities can overcome these barriers.
Please click on the links below for more information on CCIC’s policy accomplishments.
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Thank You to our Community Partners
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