The Colorado Perinatal Care Council (CPCC) was established by the Governor to provide broad-based leadership in planning and coordinating statewide perinatal health care delivery. It was created in response to a recommendation in the 1975 Colorado Health Systems Plan Framework developed by the Colorado Department of Health. Planning for the Council began in January 1976 and it has been operational since April of that year.
Council members serve voluntarily. Administrative costs are funded by the voluntary contributions of Colorado hospitals and CPCC member organizations.
The Council meets a minimum of four times a year, at urban and rural locations throughout Colorado.
The CPCC's primary objective, as stated in its bylaws, is the coordination and improvement of perinatal care services in the state of Colorado.
Specific objectives include:
Advising the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment regarding guidelines of the delivery of perinatal care, the geographic distribution of services, the utilization of services, and the need for additional services
Advising hospitals regarding quality of care and the upgrading of services
Serving as an educational resource for providers and consumers of perinatal care
Participating in activities deemed as appropriate related to medical, legal, legislative, and ethical issues in perinatal care
Many Council members represent health professions including:
Childbirth Educators
Family Practitioners
Neonatologists
Nurses
Nurse-Midwives
Nurse Practitioners
Obstetricians
Pediatricians
Perinatologists
Social Workers
The Council also has representatives from many other areas including:
Consumers
Health planners
Health Policy Makers
Insurance Industry
Legal
Medical Educators
Public Health Professionals
Other Council members represent basic, intermediate, and intensive perinatal care services at level I, II and III hospitals in urban and rural areas. Interested persons are invited and encouraged to attend meetings and to participate fully in Council and committee work.
CPCC activities include:
Developing and periodically revising guidelines for Levels of obstetric and newborn care
Identifying and assessing hospitals as Level I, IIA, IIB, IIIA, IIIB and IIIC perinatal centers based on CPCC guidelines
Advising the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment in the development of regulations affecting perinatal care
Developing and periodically revising position papers on aspects of perinatal practice
Coordinating medical-ethical activities statewide and providing consultation, e.g., to Colorado hospitals establishing infant care review committees
Monitoring medical, social, legal, legislative, and ethical issues affecting perinatal care
Serving as a forum, clearinghouse, and provider of education in perinatal care
Serving as a liaison with perinatal groups in other states
Providing educational presentations on current obstetric and newborn related topics
To meet its objectives, the CPCC has developed standing committees. Each is chaired by a council member, however committee membership is open to non-Council members as well as members. This serves to expand CPCC's scope and representation.
Committees include:
Hospital Self-Assessment for Levels of Care
Legislative Updates
Elective Births Before 39 Weeks
Council meetings are highlighted by educational presentations designed to keep our members and other attendees informed on timely concerns in perinatal medicine.
