Colorado Healthcare & Telehealth Compliance Guide
Colorado enforces a strict Corporate Practice of Medicine (CPOM) doctrine, prohibiting non-physicians from owning medical practices. This is outlined in the Medical Practice Act (C.R.S. 12-36-117(m)), which deems it unprofessional conduct for a physician to be employed by an unlicensed entity. Exceptions exist for physician-owned professional corporations (PCs) and limited liability companies (LLCs), and for employment within provider networks.
- Corporate Practice of Medicine (CPOM): Strict
- Telehealth prescribing permitted: Yes
- In-person exam required first: No
- Audio-only visits allowed: Yes
- Nurse practitioner authority: Reduced
- Collaborative practice agreement required: Yes
- Good Faith Exam required: No
Frequently asked questions
How does Colorado's strict CPOM doctrine affect my healthcare business?
Colorado enforces strict Corporate Practice of Medicine laws, meaning non-physician entities cannot directly employ physicians or control clinical decisions. You'll need a properly structured PC-MSO arrangement to operate compliantly. TrueEval can guide you through the entity formation and management services agreements required.
Do I need a medical director for my medspa or IV therapy clinic in Colorado?
Yes — Colorado requires physician oversight for medical procedures performed in medspas, IV therapy clinics, and similar brick-and-mortar healthcare establishments. A medical director develops protocols, provides clinical oversight, and ensures regulatory compliance. TrueEval places board-certified medical directors licensed in Colorado who understand both telehealth and in-person practice requirements.
Are Collaborative Practice Agreements required for NPs in Colorado?
Yes, Colorado requires Collaborative Practice Agreements (CPAs) between nurse practitioners and supervising physicians. NPs in Colorado have reduced practice authority, meaning a CPA is necessary for prescriptive authority. TrueEval provides Colorado-specific CPA templates and matches NPs with qualified collaborating physicians.
Can I prescribe medications via telehealth in Colorado?
Yes, telehealth prescribing is permitted in Colorado. No in-person visit is required before prescribing via telehealth. Audio-only consultations are allowed. TrueEval ensures your prescribing protocols meet all Colorado requirements.
What compliance requirements apply to cash-pay healthcare businesses in Colorado?
Cash-pay healthcare operations in Colorado — including telehealth, medspas, IV therapy, and wellness clinics — must still comply with all state medical practice acts, CPOM laws, prescribing regulations, and scope of practice requirements. The main difference is you won't deal with insurance billing compliance, but you must still maintain proper corporate structure, physician oversight, and clinical documentation. TrueEval specializes in cash-pay compliance frameworks for Colorado.