In a significant win for injured workers across Colorado, Governor Jared Polis has officially signed House Bill 25-1300 into law.
The new law, which is set to take effect on January 1, 2028, will dramatically expand the right of injured workers to choose their own doctor in workers’ compensation claims.
Coloradans now have a smoother path to recover—and they have Enjuris partner Stephanie Tucker to thank for helping lead the way.
What was the law before?
Under the old system, injured workers in Colorado had little to no say in their medical care. After suffering a workplace injury, the employer or their insurance company would provide a list of just four physicians.
The worker was required to choose a treating doctor from that limited list, which often included doctors under the same corporate ownership and favored doctors closely tied to the insurer’s network.
Understandably, this system left many workers feeling powerless and concerned about whether their care was truly independent.
What does the new law do?
HB25-1300 provides injured workers with more control over their recovery.
Starting in 2028, injured workers will be able to choose their own treating physician from a much broader pool of medical providers.
More specifically, injured workers will be able to select any Level I or Level II accredited doctor listed in the Division of Workers’ Compensation (DOWC) provider directory—subject to certain geographic limitations.
This expanded choice gives workers a greater opportunity to receive care from doctors they trust, not just those recommended by insurance carriers. It’s a move toward fairness, transparency, and, ultimately, better outcomes.
As Governor Polis explained in his signed statement:
“Better doctor-patient matches can improve care quality and outcomes, enhance continuity of care and reduce delays, reduce litigation, and ultimately reduce costs, getting workers back on the job promptly”
How did the law get passed?
The passage of HB25-1300 didn’t come easy. While it may be surprising to some, the bill faced strong opposition from powerful and well-funded critics.
Getting it across the finish line required tireless advocacy from a broad coalition of stakeholders—including Enjuris partner and workers’ compensation attorney Stephanie Tucker, who also serves as President of the Colorado Workers’ Compensation Education Association.
Tucker was instrumental in rallying support and moving the legislation forward. Her leadership helped unify the voices needed to pass the bill.
That dedication paid off. The bill passed, Governor Polis signed it into law on June 4, 2025, and Colorado is now one of the few states that gives injured workers the freedom to choose their own doctor.
What does this mean for injured workers moving forward?
Starting in 2028, Colorado workers injured on the job will no longer be stuck with a short list of doctors selected by the insurance company. Instead, they’ll have the freedom to choose from a wide array of accredited physicians—almost certainly leading to better care, faster recoveries, and greater trust in the system.
While there are still details to be ironed out before implementation, including the formation of a stakeholder working group, the direction is clear: Colorado is prioritizing patient choice and the quality of care in its workers’ compensation system.
This is a long-awaited step forward for injured workers—and for the attorneys and advocates, like Stephanie Tucker, who fight for their rights every day.
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