Veterinary Workforce Requirements

The bill establishes and modifies requirements related to the practice of veterinary medicine by a veterinary professional associate (VPA). In November 2024, voters in Colorado approved Proposition 129, which established the role of VPAs and permits VPAs, starting on January 1, 2026, to practice veterinary medicine under certain circumstances. The bill specifies how an individual can register as a VPA in Colorado and clarifies the circumstances under which a VPA can practice veterinary medicine.

The bill specifies that a VPA is only permitted to practice veterinary medicine under the immediate or direct supervision of a supervising licensed veterinarian. Telesupervision of a VPA practicing veterinary medicine is not permitted under the bill.

The bill requires the supervising licensed veterinarian and the VPA to file a signed written agreement with the state board of veterinary medicine (board) that states the veterinarian is responsible for the practice of veterinary medicine by the VPA. Once that agreement has been filed with the board, the supervising licensed veterinarian may delegate aspects of the practice of veterinary medicine to the VPA if:

• The aspects of the practice are within the training, experience, and competency of the VPA;
• The practice of veterinary medicine delegated to the VPA is permitted under requirements of state and federal law and board rules;
• The supervising licensed veterinarian and VPA are located at the same veterinary premises while practicing veterinary medicine; and
• The licensed veterinarian or the VPA has obtained informed consent from the client.

The bill instructs the board to adopt rules regarding the practice of veterinary medicine by VPAs, including rules that:

• Require a VPA to practice veterinary medicine only if under immediate or direct supervision;
• Permit a VPA to perform veterinary tasks that do not constitute the practice of veterinary medicine under indirect supervision if deemed appropriate by the supervising licensed veterinarian;
• Approve a nationally recognized VPA credentialing organization that requires a VPA to complete an accredited university program for VPAs, pass a VPA examination, and complete continuing education requirements;
• Provide guidance to supervising licensed veterinarians in their delegation of tasks to and supervision of VPAs;
• Determine a scope of practice for VPAs;
• Establish a registration fee for the registration of VPAs;
• Determine continuing education requirements for VPAs; and
• Establish an equivalent registration pathway for a veterinary technician specialist, which pathway considers a veterinary technician specialist's experience, education, and training as a substitute for the education requirements needed to register as a VPA.

The bill clarifies that a veterinarian-client-patient relationship must be established and maintained only by a licensed veterinarian.

The bill requires a licensed veterinarian to comply with certain restrictions when prescribing opioids and benzodiazepines.

(Note: This summary applies to this bill as introduced.)