Here are 10 important things to know before applying for a facilitator license in Colorado:
- You must be at least 21 years old and have a current Basic Life Support certification (or equivalent).
2. Complete an Approved Facilitator Training Program: These programs must be approved by the Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies (DORA), Division of Professions and Occupations (DPO), and cover a specific 150-hour curriculum. The curriculum includes topics like:
- Facilitator best practices, ethics, relational boundaries and touch, mental and physical health considerations, drug effects, trauma-informed care, suicide risk, cultural considerations, screening, preparation, administration, integration, group facilitation, and self-care.
- Programs may offer additional modules beyond the minimum 150 hours.
3. Fulfill supervised practice and consultation requirements: After completing the training program, you must complete 40 hours of in-person supervised practicum in natural medicine facilitation. You will also need to engage in 50 hours of consultation with an experienced individual in natural medicine services over six months.
4. Understand the Safety Screening Process: Before providing services, you’ll need to use a safety screening tool that meets generally accepted standards of practice to evaluate potential participants. This screening helps determine if the participant’s needs fall within your scope of practice and if any risk factors might require additional medical or behavioral health support.
5. Know the differences in scope of practice:
- Facilitators: Can independently provide services to participants whose safety screening doesn’t reveal risk factors requiring medical or behavioral health provider involvement.
- Clinical Facilitators: Can provide services to treat physical or behavioral health conditions within the scope of their secondary license. They must hold an active Colorado license in professions like medicine, nursing, psychology, social work, counseling, or psychotherapy.
6. Apply Through the correct pathway: Colorado offers multiple pathways for facilitator licensure, including:
- Traditional Pathway: Completing a full training program, practicum, and consultation.
- Clinical Facilitator Accelerated Pathway: Allows those with qualifying secondary licenses to bypass some training requirements.
- Facilitator Endorsement: Available to those already licensed in another state with substantially equivalent requirements.
- Legacy Healer Accelerated Pathway: Allows experienced practitioners to become licensed without completing the full training program.
7. Be Prepared to Meet Advertising and Disclosure Requirements: You must be honest and accurate when representing your work and qualifications. You can’t solicit testimonials, and you have to disclose important information to clients, including fees, risks, limits of confidentiality, mandatory reporting obligations (if applicable), and the process for terminating services.
8. Understand Record-Keeping and Confidentiality Requirements: You’ll need to maintain participant records for at least 3 years, ensuring confidentiality and complying with all legal requirements for disclosure. Specific forms and documentation are outlined in the regulations.
9. Fulfill Continuing Education Requirements: After receiving your license, you must maintain active Basic Life Support certification and complete at least 20 hours of continuing education annually, including five hours of ethics education.
10. Familiarize Yourself with the Laws and Rules: Colorado has specific laws and regulations governing natural medicine services. These can be found on the CO Natural Medicines website, including the Natural Medicine Health Act of 2022, the Natural Medicine Code (sections 44-50-101, et seq., C.R.S.), and the rules and regulations specific to facilitators (4 CCR 755-1).
It’s important to thoroughly review all relevant documents and resources from DOR and DORA to ensure you fully understand the requirements and responsibilities associated with facilitator licensure in Colorado. Head over to their website here to find more info: https://dpo.colorado.gov/NaturalMedicine
