Health care includes the prevention, treatment, and cure of physical and mental health issues that may affect human beings. Legal issues related health care may arise—including issues related to (1) the provision of health care services; (2) the payment for health care services—by individuals or by insurance; (3) the privacy of medical and health care records; and (4) the right to make health care decisions for ourselves and others.

In Colorado, health care law encompasses a variety of regulations and statutes that address the provision, payment, privacy, and decision-making authority related to health care services. The provision of health care services is regulated to ensure quality and accessibility, with licensing requirements for health care providers and facilities. Payment for health care services can involve individuals paying out-of-pocket, private health insurance, or public programs like Medicaid and Medicare. Colorado has laws that protect the privacy of medical records, aligning with the federal Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), which sets standards for the protection of health information. Additionally, Colorado residents have the right to make their own health care decisions, including the use of advance directives such as living wills and medical durable powers of attorney. The state also has specific statutes that address the decision-making rights for individuals who are unable to make their own health care decisions, including the appointment of a guardian or proxy.