As used in this article 38, unless the context otherwise requires:

1. (1) Carrier shall have the same meaning as set forth in section 10-16-102, C.R.S.
2. (2) Commissioner means the commissioner of insurance.
3. (3) Consumer includes members of the public, health-care consumers and potential health-care consumers, purchasers of health insurance plans, or patients.
4. (3.5) Dentist means a dentist licensed under the Dental Practice Act, article 220 of title 12.

5. (4) Designation means an award, assignment, characterization, or representation of the cost efficiency, quality, or other assessment or measurement of the care or clinical performance of any physician or dentist that is disclosed or intended for disclosure to the public or persons actually or potentially covered by a health plan, by use of a grade, star, tier, rating, profile, or any other form of designation. Designation does not include:

   1. (a) Information that is derived solely from health plan member feedback such as satisfaction ratings; or
   2. (b) Information for programs designed to assist health plan members with estimating a physician's or dentist's routine fees or costs.
6. (5) Health-care entity means any carrier or other entity that provides a plan of health-care coverage to beneficiaries under a plan.
7. (6) Methodology means the method by which a designation is determined, including, but not limited to, the use of algorithms or studies, evaluation of data, application of guidelines, or performance measures.
8. (7) Physician means any physician licensed under the Colorado Medical Practice Act, article 240 of title 12.

Source: L. 2008: Entire article added, p. 2013, § 1, effective September 1. L. 2015: (3.5) added and IP(4) and (4)(b) amended, (HB 15-1191), ch. 95, p. 271, § 3, effective August 5. L. 2019: IP, (3.5), and (7) amended, (HB 19-1172), ch. 136, p. 1706, § 172, effective October 1.