The bill creates and refines the framework for the practice of veterinary medicine by veterinary professional associates (VPAs) in Colorado—a role established by Proposition 129 in November 2024. Starting January 1, 2026, VPAs may practice veterinary medicine under specific conditions and stringent oversight.
Key Provisions
Registration and Eligibility
Registration Process: The bill outlines how an individual can register as a VPA in Colorado.
Permitted Practice: VPAs are allowed to practice veterinary medicine only under the immediate or direct supervision of a licensed veterinarian. Telesupervision is explicitly prohibited.
Supervision and Delegation
Supervisory Agreement: The supervising licensed veterinarian and the VPA must file a signed written agreement with the state board of veterinary medicine. This document confirms that the veterinarian accepts full responsibility for the VPA’s practice.
Delegation Criteria: Once the agreement is in place, a supervising veterinarian may delegate certain aspects of veterinary practice to the VPA if:
The tasks are within the VPA's training, experience, and competency.
The delegated practices comply with state and federal law and board rules.
Both the veterinarian and the VPA are physically located at the same veterinary premises while practicing.
Informed consent is obtained from the client.
Board Rulemaking Authority The board is instructed to adopt comprehensive rules regarding VPA practice, including:
Mandating that VPAs practice only under immediate or direct supervision.
Permitting VPAs to perform certain veterinary tasks under indirect supervision if deemed appropriate by the supervising veterinarian.
Approving a nationally recognized VPA credentialing organization that sets education, examination, and continuing education standards.
Offering guidance for veterinarians on task delegation and supervision.
Defining the scope of practice for VPAs.
Establishing registration fees and determining continuing education requirements.
Creating an equivalent registration pathway for veterinary technician specialists, using their experience, education, and training as a substitute for formal VPA education requirements.
Veterinarian-Client-Patient Relationship and Prescribing Restrictions
Relationship Requirement: A veterinarian-client-patient relationship must be established and maintained exclusively by a licensed veterinarian.
Prescription Limitations: Licensed veterinarians must follow specific restrictions when prescribing opioids and benzodiazepines, ensuring safe and responsible use.
Conclusion
By establishing clear registration criteria, strict supervisory requirements, and detailed board rules, the bill aims to integrate VPAs into Colorado’s veterinary system responsibly. It ensures that VPAs operate within a controlled framework designed to safeguard client welfare and maintain high standards of veterinary practice.
Summary
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:
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The aspects of the practice are within the training, experience, and competency of the VPA;
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The practice of veterinary medicine delegated to the VPA is permitted under requirements of state and federal law and board rules;
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The supervising licensed veterinarian and VPA are located at the same veterinary premises while practicing veterinary medicine; and
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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:
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Require a VPA to practice veterinary medicine only if under immediate or direct supervision;
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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;
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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;
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Provide guidance to supervising licensed veterinarians in their delegation of tasks to and supervision of VPAs;
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Determine a scope of practice for VPAs;
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Establish a registration fee for the registration of VPAs;
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Determine continuing education requirements for VPAs; and
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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.
