New Colorado identification/communication law takes effect on June 1

By Rob Ferguson, FACS, MD, MBA, Peaks Region Chief Medical Officer

A Colorado law concerning medical practitioner identification and patient communication requirements goes into effect on June 1.

The requirements shouldn’t represent much of a change to the way you do your job, as they’re already common best practices. However, I want to make sure you’re aware of the law and how to comply.

What the law requires

Starting June 1, as a healthcare practitioner in Colorado, you will be required to verbally communicate your state-issued license, certificate or registration when establishing a relationship during your first encounter with a patient. You must also wear visible identification with your name and licensure.

• The Colorado SB25-152 ‘Know Your Healthcare Practitioner Act’ applies to all healthcare practitioners providing services in a general hospital, urgent care center, ambulatory surgical center or freestanding emergency department.

• There are exceptions for when emergency circumstances make it impractical to complete the verbal introduction or when displaying your name could pose a risk to your safety (such as with a patient acting violently or irrationally).

Actions you should take

As a best practice, every practitioner who interacts directly with a patient should start with a clear, patient-centered introduction that includes your name, your role and your license/certification/title.

• The key requirement is transparency so patients clearly understand your role and licensure. The law does not require reciting the full state-issued license designation (e.g., “MD” or “DO”). For example:

  • “Hi, I’m Dr. Jane Doe, and I’ll be your orthopedic surgeon.” Or “Hi, I’m Jane Doe, medical doctor, and I’ll be your surgeon today.”

  • “Good morning. I’m John Doe. I’m a nurse practitioner and I’ll be partnering with you on your annual wellness exam today.”

• We recommend getting in the habit of documenting your initial introduction, whether by noting it in Epic or by using ambient listening when approved by the patient.

• Our current badge standards comply with the law. If you do not have an updated, Intermountain Health-branded badge, please contact your practice manager, hospital security or hospital badging office for an updated badge.

Why it matters

• These best practices reduce uncertainty and establish credibility. 

• In line with our value to be ‘partners in health,’ a respectful introduction builds psychological safety for honest communication, making patients more likely to share symptoms, concerns and sensitive details—information that directly improves clinical decision-making and safety.

• Taking these actions ensures we’re compliant with state law. The ‘Know Your Healthcare Practitioner Act’ allows enforcement through DORA, including fines up to $500 for violations.

As stated above, this is not expected to be a challenge; clear introductions and visible identification are already common practice among our healthcare practitioners.

Thank you for continuing to live our value of ‘We are partners in health.’