Acquiring a Colorado medical marijuana registration entails a number of key steps, together with assembly particular qualifying situations, finishing the applying course of via the state’s on-line portal, and consulting with a licensed doctor. A typical software requires offering proof of residency, a legitimate government-issued ID, and medical data supporting the qualifying situation. For instance, candidates should show residency via paperwork corresponding to a Colorado driver’s license or utility invoice.
Authorized entry to medical marijuana presents potential advantages to sufferers affected by debilitating situations, offering an alternate therapy choice alongside conventional therapies. The state’s medical marijuana program has developed since its inception, reflecting altering societal attitudes and scientific understanding of hashish’s therapeutic potential. This regulated framework goals to make sure affected person security and accountable entry to medical hashish.
The next sections will present detailed steering on every stage of the registration course of, protecting eligibility necessities, essential documentation, and navigating the web software system. Additional data will tackle discovering licensed physicians, understanding the several types of medical marijuana merchandise accessible, and staying compliant with Colorado’s medical marijuana legal guidelines.
1. Eligibility Necessities
Eligibility necessities kind the cornerstone of the applying course of for a Colorado medical marijuana registration. Assembly these standards shouldn’t be merely a procedural formality however a elementary prerequisite. These necessities serve to outline the scope of this system, guaranteeing that it caters to people with reputable medical wants. A transparent understanding of those stipulations is important for a profitable software, stopping pointless delays or rejections. For instance, an applicant have to be a resident of Colorado, demonstrable via a legitimate driver’s license or utility invoice with a present Colorado tackle. Failure to offer satisfactory proof of residency will result in software rejection.
The core eligibility requirement facilities round having a qualifying medical situation. The state maintains a listing of particular situations, corresponding to most cancers, glaucoma, and HIV/AIDS, that qualify a person for this system. Offering complete medical data that clearly doc the prognosis and severity of the situation is essential. Merely stating a prognosis with out supporting medical documentation is inadequate. Moreover, the situation have to be licensed by a doctor licensed in Colorado who has established a bona fide physician-patient relationship with the applicant. A session solely for the aim of acquiring a medical marijuana advice and not using a pre-existing doctor-patient relationship is probably not thought of legitimate.
In abstract, meticulous consideration to eligibility necessities is paramount. Understanding and fulfilling these conditions shouldn’t be merely a step within the course of; it’s the basis upon which a profitable software is constructed. Failing to fulfill even considered one of these necessities can lead to denial of the applying, delaying entry to potential therapeutic choices. Subsequently, thorough preparation and correct documentation are very important for navigating this course of successfully. Candidates are suggested to seek the advice of the official state assets for essentially the most up-to-date and complete data relating to eligibility standards.
2. Doctor Advice
A doctor’s advice types a cornerstone of the method for acquiring a Colorado medical marijuana registration. This advice shouldn’t be merely a formality however a essential element, signifying skilled medical validation of the applicant’s want for medical marijuana. A doctor licensed in Colorado should certify the presence of a qualifying medical situation, establishing a documented hyperlink between the affected person’s well being standing and the potential therapeutic advantages of hashish. This course of ensures that this system stays centered on reputable medical wants and isn’t misused for leisure functions. For instance, a affected person with extreme power ache associated to a qualifying situation would possibly obtain a doctor’s advice after an intensive examination and evaluate of their medical historical past, demonstrating the medical necessity for hashish as a possible therapy choice. With out this significant step, the applying course of can’t proceed.
The significance of the doctor’s advice extends past mere compliance. It displays a elementary precept of affected person care: therapy selections needs to be grounded in skilled medical evaluation. The doctor’s function is to guage the affected person’s situation, think about potential dangers and advantages, and suggest a plan of action that aligns with established medical practices. Within the context of medical marijuana, this entails assessing the affected person’s eligibility based mostly on the state’s qualifying situations listing, guaranteeing the advice is justified by the affected person’s particular circumstances. Moreover, the doctor performs a significant function in educating the affected person about accountable hashish use, potential unintended effects, and different therapy choices. This knowledgeable method enhances affected person security and promotes accountable medical hashish use.
In conclusion, securing a doctor’s advice is an indispensable component in acquiring a Colorado medical marijuana registration. It underscores this system’s emphasis on medically sound practices, guaranteeing that entry to medical hashish stays rooted in reputable affected person want. Moreover, the doctor’s involvement supplies an important layer of oversight, selling knowledgeable decision-making and accountable use. This cautious course of safeguards each particular person sufferers and the integrity of the medical marijuana program as a complete. Candidates ought to rigorously analysis and choose a doctor skilled in evaluating sufferers for medical marijuana and dedicated to offering complete, patient-centered care.
3. On-line Software
The web software serves because the central hub for people searching for a Colorado medical marijuana registration. This digital platform streamlines the applying course of, providing a handy and environment friendly methodology for submitting essential data and documentation. Profitable navigation of this on-line system is important for acquiring a medical marijuana card. A complete understanding of the web software course of is essential for candidates to keep away from delays and guarantee well timed processing.
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Account Creation and Profile Administration
Candidates should create an account inside the on-line system, offering correct private and phone data. This account serves as the first interface for managing the applying course of, permitting people to trace their software standing, replace data, and talk with the state registry. Sustaining an correct and up to date profile ensures clean communication and facilitates environment friendly processing. For instance, offering a legitimate e-mail tackle is essential for receiving notifications and updates relating to the applying standing.
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Submission of Required Documentation
The web platform facilitates safe submission of supporting paperwork, corresponding to proof of residency and a legitimate government-issued identification. Digital copies of those paperwork may be uploaded straight via the web portal, eliminating the necessity for bodily mail and expediting the evaluate course of. Clear and legible digital copies of paperwork are important for verification, avoiding delays as a result of illegible submissions. As an illustration, submitting a transparent {photograph} of a driver’s license ensures fast verification of identification and residency.
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Doctor Advice Add
A vital component of the web software entails importing the doctor’s advice. This digital submission ensures the advice is securely linked to the applying, facilitating verification and streamlining the evaluate course of. The advice have to be submitted by the doctor via the web system or as a digitally signed doc uploaded by the applicant. This step hyperlinks the medical justification on to the applying, guaranteeing a whole and compliant submission.
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Cost of Software Charges
Candidates can securely pay the related software charges via the web platform utilizing varied digital cost strategies. This on-line cost system simplifies the monetary transaction, providing a handy and safe different to conventional cost strategies. Immediate cost of charges ensures well timed processing of the applying. For instance, using on-line banking or a bank card permits for environment friendly cost processing.
Mastering the web software system is a essential step in acquiring a Colorado medical marijuana registration. This platform not solely simplifies the submission course of but in addition enhances transparency and effectivity, permitting candidates to trace their progress and talk with the state registry seamlessly. By understanding and successfully using the web instruments accessible, candidates can navigate the method easily and enhance the chance of a well timed and profitable consequence. This digital interface serves as the first level of contact all through the applying and registration lifecycle, making familiarity with its options important for all candidates.
4. Required Documentation
Required documentation types a essential element of the applying course of for a Colorado medical marijuana registration. Offering correct and full documentation validates the applicant’s identification, residency, and qualifying medical situation. Meticulous consideration to those documentary necessities is important for profitable software completion and avoidance of processing delays.
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Proof of Identification
Candidates should present a legitimate, government-issued photograph identification doc. Acceptable types of identification usually embrace a driver’s license or state-issued identification card. This documentation confirms the applicant’s identification, guaranteeing that the registration is issued to the proper particular person. Offering an expired identification doc or one with discrepancies within the listed data will doubtless end in software rejection.
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Proof of Colorado Residency
Establishing Colorado residency is a elementary requirement. Acceptable documentation usually features a latest utility invoice (e.g., water, gasoline, electrical) displaying the applicant’s title and present Colorado tackle. Alternatively, a legitimate Colorado driver’s license or state-issued identification card can even function proof of residency. Paperwork corresponding to financial institution statements or private mail won’t be accepted as ample proof of residency. Cautious number of applicable documentation is important for profitable software submission.
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Medical Information
Complete medical data substantiating the applicant’s qualifying medical situation are essential. These data ought to clearly doc the prognosis, severity, and therapy historical past associated to the qualifying situation. Medical data from a licensed doctor in Colorado are usually required. Merely stating a prognosis with out supporting medical documentation is inadequate. Complete documentation demonstrating the medical necessity for medical marijuana is important.
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Doctor’s Advice
A signed advice from a licensed doctor in Colorado, certifying the applicant’s qualifying situation and the potential therapeutic advantage of medical marijuana, is a cornerstone of the applying. This doc formalizes the medical justification for the registration, linking the affected person’s situation to the potential therapeutic use of hashish. The advice have to be submitted on the suitable state-approved kind or via the web system to make sure validity.
The required documentation serves as a foundational component within the software course of, guaranteeing that the Colorado medical marijuana program stays centered on reputable affected person want and accountable use. Failure to offer full and correct documentation can considerably delay and even forestall software approval. Thorough preparation and a spotlight to element when compiling these paperwork are important for a clean and profitable software course of, facilitating well timed entry to potential therapeutic choices for certified sufferers. Consulting the official state assets can present readability and guarantee compliance with present documentation necessities.
5. Software Price
The applying payment represents a essential monetary element inside the means of acquiring a Colorado medical marijuana registration. This payment covers administrative prices related to processing purposes, sustaining the state registry, and guaranteeing this system’s operational integrity. Understanding the payment construction and cost strategies is essential for candidates navigating the registration course of. This side, whereas seemingly procedural, performs a big function in guaranteeing this system’s sustainability and environment friendly operation.
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Price Quantity and Cost Strategies
The applying payment for a Colorado medical marijuana registration is established by the state and topic to alter. Candidates can usually pay this payment via varied strategies, together with on-line cost portals, which frequently settle for credit score/debit playing cards and digital checks. Understanding the present payment and accessible cost choices is important for a clean and environment friendly software course of. For instance, being conscious of the accepted cost strategies avoids delays brought on by making an attempt to pay with an unsupported methodology. Checking the official state web site ensures entry to essentially the most up-to-date payment data.
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Price Waivers and Monetary Help
Colorado might supply payment waivers or monetary help applications for eligible people dealing with monetary hardship. Particular standards and software procedures govern these applications, usually requiring documentation of revenue or different related monetary data. Understanding eligibility necessities and software processes for potential payment waivers can considerably help people with restricted monetary assets. Exploring these choices can be sure that monetary constraints don’t forestall certified people from accessing this system. Consulting the state’s assets supplies detailed data relating to eligibility and software procedures.
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Implications of Non-Cost
Non-payment of the applying payment will forestall the processing of the applying. Well timed cost is important for guaranteeing a whole software and initiating the evaluate course of. Failure to remit the required payment can result in important delays or software rejection. Understanding the implications of non-payment reinforces the significance of well timed and correct cost. This seemingly minor element can considerably affect the general software timeline.
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Price Refunds and Software Withdrawals
The state’s coverage on payment refunds usually is determined by the particular circumstances of the applying withdrawal or denial. Understanding these insurance policies is necessary for candidates contemplating withdrawing their software or interesting a denial. Consciousness of potential refund procedures can make clear the monetary implications of such actions. As an illustration, understanding beneath what situations a refund is feasible might help candidates make knowledgeable selections relating to their software standing. Consulting the official state pointers supplies readability relating to refund eligibility.
The applying payment, whereas a seemingly small element, types an integral a part of the general course of for acquiring a Colorado medical marijuana registration. Understanding the payment construction, cost strategies, and associated insurance policies is important for a clean and environment friendly software expertise. This monetary side contributes on to this system’s administrative performance and operational sustainability, guaranteeing its accessibility to those that qualify. Subsequently, cautious consideration to this side is essential for all candidates searching for a Colorado medical marijuana registration.
6. Registry Processing
Registry processing represents an important stage in acquiring a Colorado medical marijuana registration. Following submission of a whole software, together with all required documentation and costs, the state registry undertakes a complete evaluate course of. This course of entails verifying the accuracy and completeness of the submitted data, confirming eligibility based mostly on said residency and qualifying medical situation, and cross-referencing the doctor’s advice. The registry’s meticulous analysis ensures compliance with state rules and maintains this system’s integrity. A typical processing time would possibly vary from a number of days to a couple weeks, influenced by elements corresponding to software quantity and completeness of documentation. As an illustration, an software with incomplete documentation would possibly expertise processing delays, highlighting the significance of submitting all required supplies upfront.
Profitable registry processing leads to the issuance of a medical marijuana card, granting authorized entry to medical hashish inside Colorado. This card serves as official authorization, allowing people to buy and possess medical marijuana from licensed dispensaries. The cardboard usually consists of key data corresponding to the person’s title, registration quantity, and expiration date. Understanding the registry’s function in verification and card issuance underscores the significance of correct and full software submission. For instance, a person submitting an software with an incorrect tackle would possibly expertise delays in receiving their card as a result of verification challenges. The registry’s processing perform serves as a essential gateway to authorized medical marijuana entry.
In abstract, registry processing types an indispensable hyperlink between software submission and authorized entry to medical marijuana in Colorado. This meticulous course of ensures compliance, safeguards program integrity, and facilitates safe entry for certified sufferers. A radical understanding of this stage empowers candidates to navigate the method effectively and successfully. Challenges corresponding to processing delays can usually be mitigated via cautious preparation and submission of a whole and correct software, highlighting the sensible significance of this understanding inside the broader context of acquiring a Colorado medical marijuana registration. Consciousness of potential processing timelines permits people to handle expectations and plan accordingly.
7. Card Validity
Card validity represents an important side of sustaining authorized entry to medical marijuana inside Colorado’s regulatory framework. Understanding the period of card validity and the renewal course of is important for uninterrupted entry to medical hashish. Colorado medical marijuana playing cards possess an outlined validity interval, usually one yr from the date of issuance. This time-limited validity necessitates well timed renewal to keep up authorized entry. Failure to resume earlier than the expiration date leads to the lapse of authorized authorization to own or buy medical marijuana. As an illustration, a affected person whose card expires on June 1st, 2024, should provoke the renewal course of properly prematurely to make sure steady, uninterrupted authorized entry.
The cardboard validity interval underscores the state’s dedication to common evaluate and oversight of registered sufferers. This recurring renewal course of permits for updates to affected person data, verification of continuous eligibility based mostly on qualifying situations, and affirmation of ongoing doctor suggestions. Renewal purposes usually require a present doctor’s advice reaffirming the medical necessity for continued hashish use. This course of reinforces this system’s concentrate on reputable medical want and ensures compliance with evolving rules. For instance, modifications in a affected person’s medical situation or therapy plan would possibly necessitate changes to their medical marijuana suggestions throughout the renewal course of. This dynamic system maintains accountability and safeguards towards potential misuse.
In conclusion, understanding card validity and adhering to the renewal course of are essential for sustaining uninterrupted authorized entry to medical marijuana in Colorado. This time-sensitive element reinforces this system’s regulatory construction, emphasizing ongoing medical oversight and affected person accountability. Failing to navigate the renewal course of successfully can disrupt entry to essential medical hashish, highlighting the sensible significance of understanding and adhering to card validity timelines inside the broader framework of Colorado’s medical marijuana program. Proactive administration of the renewal course of safeguards sufferers towards potential lapses in authorized entry and ensures compliance with state rules.
8. Renewal Course of
The renewal course of represents a essential, recurring element inside the framework of sustaining a legitimate Colorado medical marijuana registration. Whereas the preliminary software establishes entry, the renewal course of ensures continued, uninterrupted authorized entry to medical hashish. This cyclical process reinforces this system’s emphasis on ongoing medical oversight and affected person accountability, distinguishing it from a one-time acquisition. The renewal course of, due to this fact, is inextricably linked to sustaining the advantages and privileges related to a Colorado medical marijuana registration. Failure to have interaction with the renewal course of successfully leads to the lapse of authorized authorization, successfully reverting the person to a standing equal to not possessing a medical card. As an illustration, a affected person counting on medical hashish for power ache administration would lose authorized entry upon card expiration, disrupting their therapy routine and doubtlessly impacting their high quality of life.
The renewal course of usually mirrors the preliminary software in a number of key features, requiring up to date documentation and a reaffirmed doctor’s advice. This ensures that the continued want for medical marijuana stays medically justified and aligned with the state’s qualifying situations. The required documentation usually consists of up to date proof of residency and a present doctor’s advice confirming the continued presence of a qualifying medical situation and the continued therapeutic profit derived from medical hashish. This recurring validation strengthens this system’s medical basis and reinforces its concentrate on reputable affected person want. For instance, a affected person whose qualifying situation has considerably improved or resolved won’t obtain a renewed doctor’s advice, reflecting this system’s responsiveness to modifications in affected person well being standing. This dynamic attribute highlights the renewal course of’s function in sustaining the integrity and medical validity of this system.
In conclusion, the renewal course of serves as a significant, recurring element inside the broader context of acquiring and sustaining a Colorado medical marijuana registration. It reinforces this system’s dedication to ongoing medical oversight, guaranteeing that entry to medical hashish stays tethered to reputable affected person want and present medical greatest practices. Understanding and successfully navigating this course of is important for uninterrupted entry to medical hashish inside Colorado’s authorized framework. Failure to have interaction with the renewal course of in a well timed method can lead to a lapse of authorization, doubtlessly disrupting established therapy regimens and impacting affected person well-being. Subsequently, proactive administration of the renewal course of is essential for all registered sufferers searching for to keep up authorized entry to medical marijuana in Colorado. This ongoing engagement underscores this system’s dynamic nature and its concentrate on accountable, medically sound entry to hashish.
Continuously Requested Questions
This part addresses widespread inquiries relating to the method of acquiring a medical marijuana registration in Colorado. Readability relating to these ceaselessly requested questions can facilitate a smoother software expertise and promote a extra complete understanding of this system’s necessities and functionalities.
Query 1: What are the qualifying medical situations for a medical marijuana registration in Colorado?
Colorado maintains a selected listing of qualifying medical situations, together with most cancers, glaucoma, HIV/AIDS, cachexia, persistent muscle spasms, seizures, extreme nausea, extreme ache, and post-traumatic stress dysfunction. This listing is topic to alter, and candidates are suggested to seek the advice of the official state assets for essentially the most up-to-date data.
Query 2: How lengthy does it take to obtain a medical marijuana card after submitting a whole software?
Processing occasions can range relying on software quantity and the completeness of submitted documentation. Whereas some purposes could also be processed inside a couple of days, others might require a number of weeks. Guaranteeing all required documentation is submitted precisely and utterly can expedite the method.
Query 3: Can a doctor from one other state suggest medical marijuana for a Colorado registration?
No. The doctor offering the advice should maintain a legitimate medical license in Colorado and have established a bona fide physician-patient relationship with the applicant.
Query 4: What’s the price related to acquiring a medical marijuana registration in Colorado?
The applying payment is established by the state and is topic to alter. Info relating to the present payment may be discovered on the official state web site. Price waivers or monetary help applications could also be accessible for eligible people experiencing monetary hardship.
Query 5: How lengthy is a Colorado medical marijuana card legitimate?
Medical marijuana playing cards in Colorado are usually legitimate for one yr from the date of issuance. Well timed renewal is important to keep up authorized entry to medical marijuana.
Query 6: What occurs if a medical marijuana card expires?
Expiration of a medical marijuana card leads to the lack of authorized authorization to own or buy medical marijuana. Renewal previous to the expiration date is important for uninterrupted authorized entry.
Thorough understanding of those ceaselessly requested questions, coupled with cautious consideration to the applying necessities and processes outlined beforehand, can considerably contribute to a profitable and environment friendly software expertise. Consulting official state assets stays essential for accessing essentially the most present and correct data.
For additional data and particular steering relating to particular person circumstances, session with authorized professionals specializing in medical marijuana rules is really helpful.
Ideas for Acquiring a Colorado Medical Marijuana Registration
Navigating the method of buying a Colorado medical marijuana registration may be streamlined via cautious consideration to key sensible issues. The next ideas present precious steering for potential candidates, enhancing effectivity and selling a profitable consequence.
Tip 1: Completely Analysis Qualifying Situations: A complete understanding of Colorado’s particular listing of qualifying medical situations is paramount. Consulting official state assets ensures entry to essentially the most present and correct listing, enabling people to find out eligibility previous to initiating the applying course of. As an illustration, verifying the inclusion of a selected situation like post-traumatic stress dysfunction (PTSD) on the official listing confirms eligibility based mostly on this prognosis.
Tip 2: Safe Medical Information in Advance: Gathering complete medical data documenting the prognosis, severity, and therapy historical past associated to the qualifying situation is essential. Organized and readily accessible medical documentation streamlines the applying course of and avoids potential delays. Having these data ready earlier than initiating the applying course of demonstrates preparedness and facilitates well timed submission.
Tip 3: Set up a Bona Fide Doctor-Affected person Relationship: A legitimate advice from a licensed Colorado doctor requires a longtime physician-patient relationship. In search of a session solely for the aim of acquiring a advice, and not using a pre-existing relationship, might not fulfill this requirement. Current sufferers of a Colorado-licensed doctor possess a longtime relationship, fulfilling this essential requirement.
Tip 4: Put together Digital Copies of Documentation: The web software portal facilitates the digital submission of paperwork. Getting ready clear, legible digital copies of required paperwork, corresponding to proof of residency and identification, prematurely streamlines the submission course of. Having these digital copies available avoids delays related to last-minute scanning or photographing of paperwork.
Tip 5: Rigorously Overview Software Info Earlier than Submission: Accuracy and completeness of knowledge inside the on-line software are important. Thorough evaluate of all entered knowledge earlier than last submission minimizes the chance of errors or omissions, which may delay processing. Double-checking particulars corresponding to tackle, contact data, and medical situation particulars ensures accuracy.
Tip 6: Keep Correct Contact Info: Offering a legitimate e-mail tackle and cellphone quantity inside the on-line software profile ensures efficient communication with the state registry. Notification of software standing updates and requests for extra data depend on correct contact particulars. Frequently reviewing and updating contact data inside the profile maintains efficient communication channels.
Tip 7: Perceive Renewal Timelines and Necessities: Medical marijuana registrations in Colorado possess an outlined validity interval. Familiarizing oneself with the renewal course of and related timelines is essential for uninterrupted authorized entry. Setting reminders or calendar alerts for the renewal deadline ensures well timed initiation of the renewal course of, stopping lapses in authorized authorization.
Adherence to those sensible ideas can considerably contribute to a smoother, extra environment friendly software course of. Proactive preparation and meticulous consideration to element place candidates for a profitable consequence, facilitating well timed entry to medical marijuana inside Colorado’s regulated framework.
The following conclusion will summarize the important thing parts of acquiring a Colorado medical marijuana registration and emphasize the significance of accountable use inside the authorized parameters established by the state.
Conclusion
Acquiring a medical marijuana registration in Colorado entails a clearly outlined course of, encompassing eligibility verification, doctor advice, on-line software submission, and adherence to regulatory pointers. Understanding every step, from demonstrating a qualifying medical situation to navigating the renewal course of, is essential for profitable and continued authorized entry. This structured framework ensures accountable entry to medical hashish whereas upholding this system’s integrity. Cautious consideration to documentation necessities, together with proof of residency and medical data, streamlines the applying course of and minimizes potential delays. Moreover, sustaining open communication with the state registry and adhering to card validity timelines are important for uninterrupted authorized entry.
Authorized entry to medical marijuana in Colorado presents potential therapeutic advantages for people with qualifying medical situations. Accountable use inside the established authorized framework stays paramount. Continuous evaluate and adherence to evolving state rules are important for sustaining compliance and guaranteeing this system’s continued effectiveness in serving the wants of certified sufferers. Accessing complete data via official state assets empowers people to navigate the method successfully and make knowledgeable selections relating to their healthcare choices. This accountable method reinforces this system’s concentrate on affected person well-being and its function inside the broader panorama of healthcare in Colorado.
