Abortion Reporting and Data Collection in Colorado

1. Are there any restrictions in Colorado regarding collection and/or reporting of abortion data?


Yes, there are restrictions in Colorado regarding collection and/or reporting of abortion data. The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) does not publicly report abortion data at the state level. The CDPHE only collects information about abortions from hospitals and abortion providers. This information is considered confidential, and no specific information is provided to the public. Additionally, local governments are prohibited from collecting abortion data from providers or collecting any information about abortions unless they are part of a health research study approved by the state department of health.

2. Does Colorado mandate the reporting of abortion data?


Yes, Colorado does mandate the reporting of abortion data. The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment collects abortion data from all providers in the state, and makes this information publicly available in their annual Abortion Report.

3. How does Colorado regulate the collection of abortion data?


In Colorado, abortion data is collected and reported by the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE). CDPHE collects information on the number of pregnancies, the number of abortions performed on Colorado residents, and the number of abortions performed on non-residents in the state. This data is used to inform public health providers, public health policy makers, and researchers. The data also supports the state’s efforts to monitor and respond to abortion-related trends. All information collected about abortions in Colorado is subject to federal Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) Privacy Rule regulations; CDPHE does not release any identifying information about individuals or facilities.

4. What information is required for recording abortions in Colorado?


In Colorado, all abortions must be reported to the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment. The information required to be reported includes the county where the abortion was performed, the date of the abortion, the patient’s age, marital status, race/ethnicity, number of previous pregnancies and abortions, and the type of procedure used. Additional information such as the gestational age of the fetus, complications, and whether or not an ultrasound was performed must also be reported.

5. What is the legal definition of abortion in Colorado?


In Colorado, abortion is defined as the termination of a pregnancy with the intent other than to produce a live birth or to remove a dead fetus. The Colorado Supreme Court has ruled that abortion is lawful when performed by a licensed physician in accordance with the standard of care applicable to the procedure.

6. Are there any laws in Colorado that require reporting of abortion information?


Yes, there are laws in Colorado that require abortion providers to report certain information to the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment. This information includes the patient’s age and marital status, the type of procedure performed, the gestational age of the fetus, any complications that occurred, and any other information deemed necessary by the department. Additionally, providers must also report any deaths related to abortion procedures.

7. What existing policies govern the collection and reporting of abortion data in Colorado?


In Colorado, the Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) is responsible for the collection and reporting of abortion data. The department is guided by state statutes and regulations for reporting information to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). CDPHE requires all health care providers to report abortions through its Vital Statistics Reporting System. The report must include specific information about the patient, including age, marital status, race/ethnicity, state resident status, and number of prior pregnancies and births. The information collected is used to track trends in abortion rates and demographics, as well as inform health policy decisions. Additionally, CDPHE requires providers to submit a terminated pregnancy report form which includes detailed information about the abortion procedure. This form is used to investigate complications or other issues related to the procedure.

8. What are the applicable statutory requirements concerning abortion reporting in Colorado?


In Colorado, providers of abortion services are required to report certain information to the Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) in order to comply with state law. According to Colorado law, CDPHE must collect certain information on abortions performed in the state, including the age and county of residence of the patient; the type of procedure performed; gestational age at the time of abortion; and whether the procedure was completed or was attempted and unsuccessful. CDPHE must also collect information on any complications resulting from an abortion procedure, including any hospitalization required due to complications. The CDPHE must also report certain statistics on abortions, including a summary of the number of abortions performed each year, a breakdown of abortions by gestational age, and the number of abortions resulting in complications that require hospitalization. Providers must report all requested information within 15 days of completing the abortion procedure.

9. Is abortion data collected by Colorado health care providers?


It is not clear if abortion data is collected by Colorado health care providers. The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) collects data on reported abortions in the state, but does not collect information from individual health care providers.

10. Who is responsible for collecting abortion data in Colorado?


The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment is responsible for collecting abortion data in Colorado.

11. Does Colorado have any regulations concerning the confidentiality of abortion information?


Yes, Colorado has regulations concerning the confidentiality of abortion information. According to the Colorado Revised Statutes, abortion providers must keep any information regarding a patient’s abortion confidential and may not disclose it to any third party without the patient’s written consent except in certain limited circumstances.

12. What are the protocols governing the storage and sharing of abortion data in Colorado?


In Colorado, the protocols governing the storage and sharing of abortion data are regulated by the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE). The CDPHE collects, maintains, and publishes data on abortions performed in Colorado. Data is collected from providers and must include demographic information about patients. Providers must submit reports to the CDPHE within 45 days of providing an abortion.

The CDPHE does not release personally identifiable information regarding abortion patients or providers to the public. Data is only released in aggregate form, meaning that individual patients and providers are not identifiable. Aggregate data may be shared with other state agencies and organizations performing research and surveillance.

13. How are abortion records and statistics maintained in Colorado?


Abortion records and statistics in Colorado are maintained by the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE). CDPHE collects data on each abortion procedure reported by abortion providers in the state, including the patient’s age, race/ethnicity, residence zip code, and type of procedure. This information is then compiled in an annual report that includes statewide data as well as data for each reporting facility.

14. What standard is used for determining gestational age when collecting abortion data in Colorado?


The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) requires that providers use the standard clinical practice of calculating gestational age, based on the patient’s last menstrual period (LMP) or an ultrasound. Providers must verify the gestational age at the time of the procedure.

15. Are organizations required to report abortions to the Colorado health department?


No, organizations are not required to report abortions to the Colorado Health Department. The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment does not collect information on abortions.

16. Does Colorado have a centralized system for collecting abortion data?


No, Colorado does not have a centralized system for collecting abortion data.

17. Are there any restrictions on the use of abortion records and statistics in Colorado?


Yes. In Colorado, abortion records and statistics are confidential and are not available to the public. They may only be used and disclosed for statistical purposes, research, medical audit and program evaluation, or other related purposes, as permitted by law.

18. How does Colorado ensure accuracy and completeness of abortion data reported by health care providers?


The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) collects abortion data from abortion providers in the state, including hospitals, clinics, physicians, midwives, and other healthcare providers. The data is submitted to CDPHE via an online reporting system or a paper form. The CDPHE reviews the data for accuracy and completeness and follows up with providers if needed. Providers are required by law to submit accurate and complete abortion data to CDPHE and may face civil penalties if they fail to comply. The CDPHE also audits selected facilities to ensure that the abortion data reported is accurate and complete.

19. Does Colorado have policies and procedures for auditing the accuracy of reported abortions data?


Yes, Colorado does have policies and procedures for auditing the accuracy of reported abortions data. The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) has established a comprehensive system to review and verify all abortion reports, as well as to make sure that providers are in compliance with Colorado abortion laws. The CDPHE also conducts regular audits of reported abortion data to ensure accuracy.

20. Are there any specific requirements for submitting abortions reports to the Colorado health department?


Yes. The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment requires providers and facilities to report all induced abortions, including medical abortions, in accordance with Colorado Revised Statute 25-6-102(2.5). The specific requirements for reporting can be found on the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment website.