Pair of Bills to Prevent Eating Disorders, Build a Healthier Colorado Pass Senate
SB23-014 and SB23-176 aim to address the rising rates of disordered eating and support those with eating disorders in Colorado
DENVER, CO – Today, the Senate approved a pair of bills to prevent disordered eating and to better support those individuals with eating disorders.
SB23-176, sponsored by Majority Leader Dominick Moreno, D-Commerce City, and Senator Lisa Cutter, D-Jefferson County, aims to provide health care protections for those suffering from an eating disorder. The bill would prohibit health insurance plans from using body mass index or any other weight standard when determining the level of care for a patient. It would also standardize care by requiring the Behavioral Health Administration to place rules around forced feeding tubes.
“Eating disorders are increasingly recognized as a leading cause of morbidity and mortality that impact thousands of Coloradans every year,” said Moreno. “After speaking directly with the Colorado Youth Advisory Council Committee, we knew we had to take action to address this mental health crisis and save lives. These bills are a strong first step toward better supporting Coloradans experiencing eating disorders and will help build a healthier Colorado for all.”
“This is a crisis with our youth. Hospitalizations for eating disorders among adolescents has increased by 100% since the onset of COVID. Women and LGBTQ+ youth are at particular risk of contracting an eating disorder because of the unrealistic expectations of appearance imposed on them by our society,” Cutter said. “We must address outdated and harmful approaches to treating eating disorders and provide care that is respectful to each individual and on par with the latest research.”
SB23-014, also sponsored by Moreno, would address the rising rates of disordered eating in the state – especially amongst youth – by creating and maintaining a resource bank for research, intervention methods, treatments and educational resources regarding disordered eating prevention in Colorado.
Eating disorders have the highest mortality rate of all psychiatric illnesses. According to Mental Health Colorado, one in ten Coloradans live with an eating disorder, showing that the need for action is clear.
SB23-176 and SB23-014 now head to the House for further consideration. You can follow the bills’ progress HERE and HERE, respectively.