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Protected Healthcare Workers

During the 2023 legislative session, protected healthcare workers were added as a category of folks eligible for ACP enrollment. Protected healthcare workers are also eligible for Application Assistant certification. Protected healthcare workers who are certified as Application Assistants can support other professionals in their workplace with the ACP enrollment process. Check the Become an Application Assistant page for more information about certification.

If you are a protected healthcare worker (as defined in §12-30-121 (1)(d) C.R.S) seeking ACP enrollment, contact ACP staff directly at acp@state.co.us for support. Not all agencies can provide enrollment support for protected healthcare workers, but ACP staff can provide options. Please also note that protected healthcare workers can themselves become certified Application Assistants to support their peers enroll into the program. Please reach out for training details.

What does "protected healthcare worker" mean?

Legally protected healthcare includes healthcare providers, employees, volunteers, patients, and immediate family members of health-care providers engaged in the provision, facilitation, or promotion of a legally protected healthcare activity. (§ 24-30-2103 C.R.S.) These protected healthcare activities specifically include gender-affirming and reproductive healthcare services that are not unlawful in this state. (See more at § 12-30-121(1)(d) C.R.S.)

Reproductive Healthcare

Reproductive healthcare includes, but is not limited to:

  • Prenatal, postnatal, and delivery care
  • Family planning and contraceptive care
  • Abortion care
  • Treatments for sexually transmitted infections
  • Treatments for reproductive cancers

You can find the definition of reproductive healthcare at § 12-30-121 (1)(e), C.R.S.

Gender-Affirming Healthcare

Gender-affirming healthcare services includes a variety of supplies and services relating to the treatment of gender dysphoria. This can be medical, surgical, mental health, therapeutic, and other healthcare. Some examples include:

  • Gender affirming surgery
  • Hormone replacement therapy
  • Transgender voice therapy
  • Laser hair removal
  • Therapy relating to the treatment of gender dysphoria

You can find the definition of gender-affirming healthcare at § 12-30-121 (1)(c), C.R.S.

What about other healthcare providers?

Are other healthcare providers eligible for the ACP? Maybe! If they do not provide gender-affirming or reproductive care, they are not eligible as a protected healthcare worker. However, if they have received threats to their safety in the capacity of their work, they may be eligible under the stalking/harassment category.