Navigating Colorado Behavioral Health Laws

Mental Health Parity Laws
Familiarize yourself with Colorado's Mental Health Parity laws, which require insurance providers to offer equal coverage for mental health and substance use disorders as they do for physical health conditions.
Understand your rights under these laws, including access to mental health services, coverage limitations, and the appeals process for denied claims.

Confidentiality and Privacy Laws
Learn about the state and federal laws governing confidentiality and privacy of behavioral health information, such as the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA).
Understand your rights regarding the protection of your personal health information and the circumstances under which disclosure may be permitted or required.

Involuntary Commitment Laws
Educate yourself about Colorado's laws regarding involuntary commitment, also known as mental health holds.
Understand the criteria for initiating an involuntary commitment and the procedures that must be followed to protect the rights and well-being of individuals involved.

Advance Directives for Mental Health Treatment
Familiarize yourself with Colorado's laws regarding advance directives for mental health treatment.
Understand how advance directives allow individuals to outline their preferences for mental health treatment in the event they become unable to make decisions for themselves.

Patient Rights and Advocacy
Be aware of your rights as a patient receiving behavioral health services in Colorado.
Understand your right to participate in treatment decisions, access your medical records, seek a second opinion, and file complaints or grievances if you feel your rights have been violated.

Laws Related to Substance Use Disorders
Stay informed about Colorado's laws concerning substance use disorders, including regulations regarding substance abuse treatment programs, access to medication-assisted treatment (MAT), and harm reduction initiatives.
Understand the legal implications of substance use, including laws related to possession, use, and distribution of controlled substances.

Laws Regarding Mental Health Treatment for Minors
Understand the circumstances under which parental consent may be required, exceptions to parental consent, and the rights of minors to seek mental health services without parental involvement in certain situations.

Community Mental Health Laws and Programs
Explore Colorado's community mental health laws and programs aimed at promoting access to behavioral health services for underserved populations.
Familiarize yourself with resources such as community mental health centers, crisis intervention programs, and initiatives supporting mental health education and awareness.