A Bill for an Act
Page 1, Line 101Concerning the veterinary workforce, and, in connection
Page 1, Line 102therewith, establishing requirements for the practice
Page 1, Line 103of veterinary medicine by veterinary professional
Page 1, Line 104associates.
Bill Summary
(Note: This summary applies to this bill as introduced and does not reflect any amendments that may be subsequently adopted. If this bill passes third reading in the house of introduction, a bill summary that applies to the reengrossed version of this bill will be available at http://leg.colorado.gov.)
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.
- 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 instructs the board to adopt rules regarding the practice of veterinary medicine by VPAs, including rules that:
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.
Page 3, Line 1Be it enacted by the General Assembly of the State of Colorado:
Page 3, Line 2SECTION 1. Legislative declaration. (1) The general assembly finds and declares that:
Page 3, Line 3(a) Proposition 129 was passed by voters in November 2024 and established the role of a veterinary professional associate in Colorado;
Page 3, Line 4(b) As a national leader and the first state to establish the role of
Page 3, Line 5a veterinary professional associate, Colorado must set a strong foundation
Page 3, Line 6and put proper guidelines in place to provide adequate structure for and oversight of veterinary professional associates;
Page 3, Line 7(c) By establishing clear guidelines for the department of
Page 3, Line 8regulatory agencies and the state board of veterinary medicine that will
Page 3, Line 9provide oversight and regulate veterinary professional associates,
Page 3, Line 10Colorado will ensure the protection of animals, patients, and owners in
Page 3, Line 11Colorado while also protecting public health and shaping the success of the new veterinary professional associate position; and
Page 3, Line 12(d) Furthermore, clear guidelines and regulations related to the
Page 3, Line 13new veterinary professional associate position will ensure that the will of
Page 3, Line 14the voters is implemented and that Colorado's animals receive quality veterinary care.
Page 3, Line 15SECTION 2. In Colorado Revised Statutes, 12-315-104, amend
Page 3, Line 16as they will become effective January 1, 2026, (21.5) and (21.7); and
Page 3, Line 17add (21.9) as follows:
Page 4, Line 112-315-104. Definitions. As used in this article 315, unless the context otherwise requires:
Page 4, Line 2(21.5) "Veterinary professional" means a veterinarian licensed
Page 4, Line 3pursuant to this part 1, a veterinary professional associate registered
Page 4, Line 4pursuant to part 2 of this article 315, or a veterinary technician or
Page 4, Line 5veterinary technician specialist registered pursuant to part 2 of this article 315.
Page 4, Line 6(21.7) "Veterinary professional associate" means an individual
Page 4, Line 7who holds a master's degree in veterinary clinical care, or the equivalent,
Page 4, Line 8as determined by the board pursuant to sections 12-315-106 (10)
Page 4, Line 9and 12-315-201 (4), and who is subject to the requirements in section 12-315-203.7.
Page 4, Line 10(21.9) "Veterinary professional associate credentialing organization" means:
Page 4, Line 11(a) A veterinary professional associate credentialing
Page 4, Line 12organization approved by the board pursuant to sections
Page 4, Line 1312-315-106 (5)(j) and 12-315-201 (1)(g) to credential veterinary professional associates in this state; or
Page 4, Line 14(b) The board if, pursuant to section 12-315-201 (3), no credentialing organization is approved.
Page 4, Line 15SECTION 3. In Colorado Revised Statutes, 12-315-105, amend
Page 4, Line 16as it will become effective January 1, 2026, (1)(u); and add (1.5) as follows:
Page 4, Line 1712-315-105. License requirements and exceptions - practice of
Page 4, Line 18veterinary medicine - veterinarian-client-patient relationship -
Page 4, Line 19prescriptions - definitions - rules. (1) An individual shall not practice
Page 4, Line 20veterinary medicine in this state if the individual is not a licensed
Page 5, Line 1veterinarian. An individual shall not practice artificial insemination or ova
Page 5, Line 2transplantation of cattle or other animal species in this state except in
Page 5, Line 3accordance with rules established pursuant to section 12-315-106 (5)(c).
Page 5, Line 4An individual not licensed as a veterinarian pursuant to this part 1 shall
Page 5, Line 5not diagnose, issue prognoses for, prescribe for, or perform surgery on an animal. This article 315 does not prohibit:
Page 5, Line 6(u) A veterinary professional associate from practicing veterinary
Page 5, Line 7medicine on species for which the veterinary professional associate has received training and that is:
Page 5, Line 8(I) Within the veterinary professional associate's
advancedandPage 5, Line 9(II) Within the scope of practice for veterinary
Page 5, Line 10professional associates, as determined by the board pursuant to section 12-315-201 (1)(f);
Page 5, Line 11
(II)Page 5, Line 12supervision of a licensed veterinarian who is responsible and liable for
Page 5, Line 13the
veterinary professional associate's performance.Page 5, Line 14(IV) Performed after the client has signed an informed consent form in accordance with section 12-315-209.7 (5).
Page 5, Line 15(1.5) Only a licensed veterinarian may establish and maintain a veterinarian-client-patient relationship.
Page 5, Line 16SECTION 4. In Colorado Revised Statutes, 12-315-105.5,
Page 5, Line 17amend (2), (3)(a) introductory portion, (3)(a)(I), (5)(a) introductory portion, and (5)(a)(I); and add (5)(a)(III), (5)(a)(IV), and (8) as follows:
Page 5, Line 1812-315-105.5. Delegation to and supervision of veterinary
Page 5, Line 19technicians, veterinary technician specialists, veterinary professional
Page 6, Line 1associates, and other qualified personnel - rules. (2) A licensed
Page 6, Line 2veterinarian shall establish a veterinarian-client-patient relationship
Page 6, Line 3before the veterinarian delegates a task to a veterinary technician, a
Page 6, Line 4veterinary technician specialist, a veterinary professional associate, or other qualified personnel.
Page 6, Line 5(3) (a) When determining whether to delegate a task to a
Page 6, Line 6veterinary technician, a veterinary technician specialist, a veterinary
Page 6, Line 7professional associate, or other qualified personnel, a licensed veterinarian shall consider:
Page 6, Line 8(I) The level of education, skills, training, licensing, and
Page 6, Line 9experience of the veterinary technician, the veterinary technician
Page 6, Line 10specialist, the veterinary professional associate, or other qualified personnel;
Page 6, Line 11(5) (a) In
promulgatingPage 6, Line 12related to the delegation of tasks and supervision of veterinary professionals or other personnel, the board shall:
Page 6, Line 13(I) Consult with licensed veterinarians, registered veterinary
Page 6, Line 14technicians, veterinary technician specialists, clients, and other relevant stakeholders, as determined by the board;
andPage 6, Line 15(III) Require that a licensed veterinarian supervise a
Page 6, Line 16veterinary professional associate under either immediate
Page 6, Line 17supervision or direct supervision when the veterinary professional associate is practicing veterinary medicine; and
Page 6, Line 18(IV) Permit a veterinary professional associate to
Page 6, Line 19perform veterinary tasks that do not constitute the practice of
Page 6, Line 20veterinary medicine under indirect supervision if the supervising
Page 6, Line 21licensed veterinarian determines that the veterinary tasks are
Page 7, Line 1within the veterinary professional associate's education and
Page 7, Line 2training and if the licensed veterinarian delegates the
Page 7, Line 3veterinary tasks in accordance with this section and applicable board rules.
Page 7, Line 4(8) In accordance with 21 U.S.C. sec. 353 (f), it is unlawful
Page 7, Line 5for an individual who is not a licensed veterinarian to prescribe or dispense medication to a patient.
Page 7, Line 6SECTION 5. In Colorado Revised Statutes, 12-315-106, amend
Page 7, Line 7as it will become effective January 1, 2026, (5)(j); and add (10) as follows:
Page 7, Line 812-315-106. Board of veterinary medicine - creation - powers - rules. (5) The board has the power to:
Page 7, Line 9(j) Adopt rules to approve a nationally recognized veterinary
Page 7, Line 10professional associate credentialing organization for purposes of
Page 7, Line 11credentialing veterinary professional associates in this state. The credentialing organization approved by the board
mayPage 7, Line 12(I) Require completion of a
university-approved programPage 7, Line 13university program accredited by the American Veterinary
Page 7, Line 14Medical Association, or an equivalently accredited program as approved by the board, for veterinary professional associates;
andPage 7, Line 15(II) Require that an applicant pass a veterinary professional
Page 7, Line 16associate national examination that has been approved by the board; and
Page 7, Line 17(III) Require continuing education for veterinary professional associates.
Page 7, Line 18(10) The board may establish by rule an equivalent
Page 7, Line 19registration pathway for a veterinary technician specialist to
Page 8, Line 1register as a veterinary professional associate. The board may
Page 8, Line 2consider the experience, education, and training of a veterinary
Page 8, Line 3technician who is designated as a veterinary technician
Page 8, Line 4specialist pursuant to section 12-315-203 (4.5) to be equivalent to
Page 8, Line 5the education requirements for a veterinary professional associate required by section 12-315-203.7 (2)(a).
Page 8, Line 6SECTION 6. In Colorado Revised Statutes, 12-315-110, amend (3)(a)(II)(C) as follows:
Page 8, Line 712-315-110. License renewal - waiver - rules - continuing
Page 8, Line 8education. (3) (a) (II) The board-approved continuing educational program must:
Page 8, Line 9(C) Require two hours each licensing period on topics related to
Page 8, Line 10the delegation of tasks to and the supervision of veterinary technicians,
Page 8, Line 11veterinary technician specialists, veterinary professional associates, and other personnel.
Page 8, Line 12SECTION 7. In Colorado Revised Statutes, 12-315-119, amend (1) as follows:
Page 8, Line 1312-315-119. Veterinary records in custody of animal care
Page 8, Line 14providers - definition - rules. (1) As used in this section, unless the context otherwise requires, "animal care provider" means:
Page 8, Line 15(a)
anyPage 8, Line 16veterinary teaching hospital at Colorado state university, that provides veterinary care or treatment to animals; and
Page 8, Line 17(b) A facility where a licensed veterinarian provides veterinary care.
Page 8, Line 18SECTION 8. In Colorado Revised Statutes, 12-315-121, amend
Page 8, Line 19(3) as follows:
Page 9, Line 112-315-121. Corporate structure for the practice of veterinary
Page 9, Line 2medicine - definitions. (3) (a) (I) The practice of veterinary medicine by
Page 9, Line 3a corporation pursuant to this section must be performed by or under the supervision of a licensed veterinarian.
Page 9, Line 4(II) Lay directors, officers, and shareholders of the corporation
Page 9, Line 5shall not exercise any authority whatsoever over the independent medical
Page 9, Line 6judgment of licensed veterinarians performing or supervising the practice of veterinary medicine by or on behalf of the corporation.
Page 9, Line 7(b) A corporation, employer, director, or officer shall
Page 9, Line 8not require a licensed veterinarian to supervise a veterinary professional associate as a condition of employment.
Page 9, Line 9SECTION 9. In Colorado Revised Statutes, 12-315-122, add (3) as follows:
Page 9, Line 1012-315-122. Veterinary premises - licensed veterinarian
Page 9, Line 11responsible for veterinary medical decisions - supervision of
Page 9, Line 12veterinary professional associate. (3) A licensed veterinarian may
Page 9, Line 13delegate the practice of veterinary medicine to a veterinary
Page 9, Line 14professional associate and supervise the performance of the veterinary professional associate if:
Page 9, Line 15(a) The licensed veterinarian has signed an agreement
Page 9, Line 16with the veterinary professional associate stating that the
Page 9, Line 17licensed veterinarian is responsible and liable for the acts and
Page 9, Line 18omissions of the veterinary professional associate in their
Page 9, Line 19practice of veterinary medicine at the veterinary premises and has filed that agreement with the board;
Page 9, Line 20(b) The delegation, supervision, and performance of the
Page 9, Line 21practice of veterinary medicine are being conducted in compliance with this article 315 and all applicable board rules;
Page 10, Line 1(c) The supervising licensed veterinarian is located at the
Page 10, Line 2same veterinary premises as the veterinary professional
Page 10, Line 3associate while the veterinary professional associate is performing the practice of veterinary medicine; and
Page 10, Line 4(d) The supervising licensed veterinarian is supervising
Page 10, Line 5only a single veterinary professional associate who is practicing veterinary medicine at any one time.
Page 10, Line 6SECTION 10. In Colorado Revised Statutes, 12-315-201, amend
Page 10, Line 7(1)(d) and (1.5); amend as they will become effective January 1, 2026, (1)(e) and (1)(f); and add (1)(g), (3), and (4) as follows:
Page 10, Line 812-315-201. Additional board duties - rules - repeal. (1) In
Page 10, Line 9addition to any other duties specified in this part 2 and sections 12-315-105.5 and 12-315-106, the board shall:
Page 10, Line 10(d) Adopt any rules necessary for the delegation of veterinary
Page 10, Line 11tasks to veterinary technicians,
andPage 10, Line 12veterinary professional associates, or other personnel and for the supervision of those delegated tasks by a licensed veterinarian;
Page 10, Line 13(e) Require biennial continuing education for veterinary
Page 10, Line 14professional associates, as
may beandPage 10, Line 15(f) Adopt any rules necessary for determining the scope of practice
and supervision ofPage 10, Line 16(g) Except as provided in subsection (3) of this section,
Page 10, Line 17adopt rules to approve a nationally recognized veterinary
Page 10, Line 18professional associate credentialing organization for purposes
Page 10, Line 19of credentialing veterinary professional associates in this state in accordance with section 12-315-106 (5)(j).
Page 11, Line 1(1.5) The board shall not:
Page 11, Line 2(a) Charge a fee for the designation of veterinary
Page 11, Line 3technician specialists in addition to the registration fee charged
Page 11, Line 4
pursuant to section 12-315-123 for the designation of veterinary technician specialistsPage 11, Line 5(b) Increase the amount of the registration fee charged
pursuantPage 11, Line 6
to section 12-315-123Page 11, Line 7technician specialist designation to an amount that is more than the registration fee that is required of other veterinary technicians.
Page 11, Line 8(3) If the board does not approve a veterinary
Page 11, Line 9professional associate credentialing organization for purposes
Page 11, Line 10of credentialing veterinary professional associates in this state
Page 11, Line 11pursuant to section 12-315-106 (5)(j) because there is no
Page 11, Line 12credentialing organization that meets the requirements set
Page 11, Line 13forth in section 12-315-106 (5)(j) or for any other reason, the
Page 11, Line 14board shall establish by rule and administer a credentialing process for veterinary professional associate registration.
Page 11, Line 15(4) The board may establish by rule an equivalent
Page 11, Line 16registration pathway for a veterinary technician specialist to
Page 11, Line 17register as a veterinary professional associate, which pathway
Page 11, Line 18considers the experience, education, and training of a
Page 11, Line 19veterinary technician who is designated as a veterinary
Page 11, Line 20technician specialist pursuant to section 12-315-203 (4.5) to be
Page 11, Line 21equivalent to the education requirements for a veterinary professional associate required by section 12-315-203.7 (2)(a).
Page 11, Line 22SECTION 11. In Colorado Revised Statutes, amend 12-315-202 as follows:
Page 12, Line 112-315-202. Registration required - rules. (1) Effective January
Page 12, Line 21, 2024,
a personPage 12, Line 3in this state must be registered by the board pursuant to this part 2 and rules adopted by the board for the registration of veterinary technicians.
Page 12, Line 4(2) Effective January 1, 2026, an individual who intends to
Page 12, Line 5practice as a veterinary professional associate in this state
Page 12, Line 6must be registered by the board pursuant to this part 2 and
Page 12, Line 7rules adopted by the board for the registration of veterinary professional associates.
Page 12, Line 8SECTION 12. In Colorado Revised Statutes, 12-315-203.7,
Page 12, Line 9amend as they will become effective January 1, 2026, (2), (3), and (4)(c); and add (4)(c.5) and (6) as follows:
Page 12, Line 1012-315-203.7. Veterinary professional associate - qualifications
Page 12, Line 11- registration - fees - continuing education - rules. (2) Qualifications.
Page 12, Line 12(a) To be qualified for registration as a veterinary professional associate, an individual must:
Page 12, Line 13
(a)eighteenandPage 12, Line 14
(b)Page 12, Line 15accredited program, as approved by the board, or the equivalent, as determined by the board; and
Page 12, Line 16(III) Pass a national credentialing exam approved by the
Page 12, Line 17board demonstrating entry-level competency to practice as a veterinary professional associate.
Page 12, Line 18(b) An individual who does not meet the qualifications set
Page 12, Line 19forth in subsection (2)(a) of this section may be qualified to
Page 12, Line 20register as a veterinary professional associate if the individual:
Page 13, Line 1(I) Is registered as a veterinary technician with a designation as a veterinary technician specialist; and
Page 13, Line 2(II) In lieu of the education requirements set forth in
Page 13, Line 3subsection (2)(a)(II) of this section, meets the requirements of the
Page 13, Line 4equivalent registration pathway as established by the board pursuant to section 12-315-106 (10).
Page 13, Line 5(3) Registration.
CommencingPage 13, Line 6individual who practices as a veterinary professional associate in this state
Page 13, Line 7must be registered by the board pursuant to this section and rules adopted by the board for the registration of veterinary professional associates.
Page 13, Line 8(4) Rules. Prior to registering veterinary professional associates pursuant to this section, the board shall establish, by rule:
Page 13, Line 9(c) Any information or confirmation required by the supervising
Page 13, Line 10licensed veterinarian, including the agreement entered into
Page 13, Line 11between the veterinarian and a veterinary professional associate pursuant to subsection (6) of this section;
Page 13, Line 12(c.5) A registration fee for the registration of veterinary professional associates, which fee shall:
Page 13, Line 13(I) Be paid by an individual applying for registration as a
Page 13, Line 14veterinary professional associate as part of their application; and
Page 13, Line 15(II) Be set at an amount that does not result in the
Page 13, Line 16collection of fees in an aggregate amount that is greater than
Page 13, Line 17the amount of administrative costs incurred by the board in the
Page 13, Line 18implementation of this article 315 related to veterinary professional associates;
Page 13, Line 19(6) (a) Before a veterinary professional associate begins
Page 14, Line 1working with a supervising licensed veterinarian, the
Page 14, Line 2supervising licensed veterinarian and the veterinary
Page 14, Line 3professional associate shall enter into an agreement and file the agreement with the board. The agreement must state:
Page 14, Line 4(I) That the supervising licensed veterinarian is
Page 14, Line 5responsible and liable for supervising the veterinary
Page 14, Line 6professional associate and verifying that the veterinary
Page 14, Line 7professional associate has the competency to practice
Page 14, Line 8veterinary medicine or perform any tasks delegated to them by
Page 14, Line 9the supervising licensed veterinarian related to the practice of veterinary medicine;
Page 14, Line 10(II) That the licensed veterinarian may only supervise a
Page 14, Line 11single veterinary professional associate who is practicing
Page 14, Line 12veterinary medicine at any one time and that the veterinary
Page 14, Line 13professional associate and the supervising licensed veterinarian
Page 14, Line 14must be located at the same veterinary premises while the
Page 14, Line 15veterinary professional associate is practicing veterinary medicine; and
Page 14, Line 16(III) The species for which the veterinary professional
Page 14, Line 17associate has received education and training in the practice of veterinary medicine.
Page 14, Line 18(b) (I) A veterinary professional associate shall enter
Page 14, Line 19into an agreement described in subsection (6)(a) of this section
Page 14, Line 20with every licensed veterinarian that will supervise the
Page 14, Line 21veterinary professional associate in the veterinary professional associate's performance of veterinary medicine.
Page 14, Line 22(II) A supervising licensed veterinarian shall enter into
Page 15, Line 1the agreement described in subsection (6)(a) of this section with
Page 15, Line 2every veterinary professional associate employed at the
Page 15, Line 3veterinary premises that the supervising licensed veterinarian intends to supervise in the practice of veterinary medicine.
Page 15, Line 4SECTION 13. In Colorado Revised Statutes, 12-315-208, amend
Page 15, Line 5as they will become effective January 1, 2026, (1)(a)(I) introductory portion and (1)(a)(I)(B) as follows:
Page 15, Line 612-315-208. Examination of registrants - behavioral health -
Page 15, Line 7mental health - physical conditions. (1) (a) (I) If, upon receipt of a
Page 15, Line 8signed complaint by a complainant, the board has reasonable cause to
Page 15, Line 9believe that a veterinary technician or veterinary professional associate is
Page 15, Line 10unable to practice as a veterinary technician or veterinary
Page 15, Line 11professional associate with reasonable skill and safety to patients or
Page 15, Line 12clients due to a physical condition or a behavioral health, mental health,
Page 15, Line 13or substance use disorder, the board may require in writing that the
Page 15, Line 14veterinary technician or veterinary professional associate submit to an examination to evaluate:
Page 15, Line 15(B) Any impact the physical condition or the behavioral health,
Page 15, Line 16mental health, or substance use disorder has on the veterinary technician's
Page 15, Line 17or veterinary professional associate's ability to practice as a veterinary
Page 15, Line 18technician or veterinary professional associate with reasonable skill and safety to patients and clients.
Page 15, Line 19SECTION 14. In Colorado Revised Statutes, 12-315-209.7,
Page 15, Line 20amend as they will become effective January 1, 2026, (1), (2), (3) introductory portion, and (4) introductory portion; and add (5) as follows:
Page 15, Line 2112-315-209.7. Duties of licensed veterinarian - direction and
Page 15, Line 22supervision of veterinary professional associate - rules. (1) Except as
Page 16, Line 1provided in subsection (2) of this section, a person practicing
Page 16, Line 2veterinary medicine as a veterinary professional associate may perform
Page 16, Line 3duties and actions authorized pursuant to section 12-315-105 (1)(u) that
Page 16, Line 4are within the scope of the veterinary professional associate's
advancedPage 16, Line 5education and experience if the person
performs those dutiesPage 16, Line 6veterinary medicine under the immediate or direct supervision of a licensed veterinarian.
Page 16, Line 7(2) A veterinary professional associate shall perform only those
Page 16, Line 8duties or actions delegated by the licensed supervising veterinarian, with
Page 16, Line 9whom the veterinary professional associate has a signed
Page 16, Line 10agreement filed with the board in accordance with section
Page 16, Line 1112-315-203.7 (6), for which the veterinary professional associate has the
Page 16, Line 12necessary training,
andPage 16, Line 13the supervising veterinarian, to meet generally accepted standards of veterinary care.
Page 16, Line 14(3) If a veterinary professional associate is delegated duties
Page 16, Line 15beyond the veterinary professional associate's training,
andPage 16, Line 16(4) If a veterinary professional associate performs duties beyond
Page 16, Line 17the veterinary professional associate's training,
andPage 16, Line 18competency or does not conform with the requirement to perform all
Page 16, Line 19duties and actions pursuant to section 12-315-105 (1)(u) under the
Page 16, Line 20immediate or direct supervision of a licensed supervising veterinarian
Page 16, Line 21as specified in subsection (1) of this section, the veterinary professional associate may be subject to:
Page 16, Line 22(5) Before a veterinary professional associate engages in
Page 16, Line 23the practice of veterinary medicine on a patient, the client must
Page 17, Line 1sign an informed consent form acknowledging that the patient
Page 17, Line 2will be treated by a veterinary professional associate. The informed consent form must include the following information:
Page 17, Line 3(a) A statement that the veterinary professional
Page 17, Line 4associate will be engaging in the practice of veterinary medicine on the patient;
Page 17, Line 5(b) A statement that the veterinary professional associate is not a licensed veterinarian; and
Page 17, Line 6(c) The name and license number of the licensed
Page 17, Line 7veterinarian who will be supervising the veterinary
Page 17, Line 8professional associate and who is responsible for the veterinary professional associate's performance of veterinary medicine.
Page 17, Line 9SECTION 15. In Colorado Revised Statutes, 12-315-302, amend (1) and (3) as follows:
Page 17, Line 1012-315-302. Veterinarian-client-patient relationship -
Page 17, Line 11telemedicine. (1) Only a licensed veterinarian may establish and maintain a veterinarian-client-patient relationship in this state.
Page 17, Line 12(3) An established veterinarian-client-patient relationship may be
Page 17, Line 13maintained only by a licensed veterinarian through examinations
Page 17, Line 14that occur using telecommunications technology in between appropriate
Page 17, Line 15in-person, physical examinations or visits to the premises where the patient is kept.
Page 17, Line 16SECTION 16. In Colorado Revised Statutes, 12-315-303, amend (1)(a); and add (1)(c) as follows:
Page 17, Line 1712-315-303. Treatment of patients using telehealth -
Page 17, Line 18telemedicine - veterinary professional associate prohibited - licensure
Page 17, Line 19- technology - consent. (1) (a) A person must be
licensed to practicePage 18, Line 1
veterinary medicinePage 18, Line 2(c) A veterinary professional associate is not permitted to practice veterinary medicine using telemedicine.
Page 18, Line 3SECTION 17. In Colorado Revised Statutes, 12-315-307, add (3) as follows:
Page 18, Line 412-315-307. Telesupervision - telesupervision for veterinary
Page 18, Line 5professional associates practicing veterinary medicine prohibited.
Page 18, Line 6(3) (a) A licensed veterinarian shall not use telesupervision to
Page 18, Line 7supervise a veterinary professional associate who is practicing veterinary medicine.
Page 18, Line 8(b) A licensed veterinarian may use telesupervision to
Page 18, Line 9supervise a veterinary professional associate who is performing
Page 18, Line 10veterinary tasks that do not constitute the practice of
Page 18, Line 11veterinary medicine if the licensed veterinarian delegates the
Page 18, Line 12tasks and supervises the veterinary professional associate in
Page 18, Line 13accordance with sections 12-315-105.5 and 12-315-122 and any applicable board rules.
Page 18, Line 14SECTION 18. In Colorado Revised Statutes, 12-30-109, amend (2) and (4)(e); and add (4)(f.5) as follows:
Page 18, Line 1512-30-109. Prescriptions - limitations - definition - rules. (2) A
Page 18, Line 16prescriber licensed pursuant to article 315 of this title 12 may prescribe
Page 18, Line 17opioids and benzodiazepines electronically in accordance with section 12-315-305.
Page 18, Line 18(4) As used in this section, "prescriber" means:
(e) A podiatrist licensed pursuant to article 290 of this title 12;
orPage 18, Line 19(f.5) A veterinarian licensed pursuant to article 315 of this title 12; or
Page 19, Line 1SECTION 19. In Colorado Revised Statutes, 24-72-204, amend as it will become effective January 1, 2026, (3)(a)(XIV) as follows:
Page 19, Line 224-72-204. Allowance or denial of inspection - grounds -
Page 19, Line 3procedure - appeal - definitions - repeal. (3) (a) The custodian shall
Page 19, Line 4deny the right of inspection of the following records, unless otherwise
Page 19, Line 5provided by law; except that the custodian shall make any of the
Page 19, Line 6following records, other than letters of reference concerning employment,
Page 19, Line 7licensing, or issuance of permits, available to the person in interest in accordance with this subsection (3):
Page 19, Line 8(XIV) Veterinary medical data, information, and records on
Page 19, Line 9individual animals that are owned by private individuals or business
Page 19, Line 10entities but are in the custody of a veterinary medical practice or hospital,
Page 19, Line 11including the veterinary teaching hospital at Colorado state university,
Page 19, Line 12that provides veterinary medical care and treatment to animals. A
Page 19, Line 13
veterinary-patient-clientPage 19, Line 14with respect to such data, information, and records only when a person in
Page 19, Line 15interest and a licensed veterinarian
or veterinary professional associatePage 19, Line 16
enter into a mutual agreementPage 19, Line 17veterinarian-client-patient relationship, as defined in section
Page 19, Line 1812-315-104 (19), in order to provide medical treatment for an individual
Page 19, Line 19animal and such person in interest maintains an ownership interest in such
Page 19, Line 20animal undergoing treatment.
For purposes ofPage 19, Line 21(3)(a)(XIV), "person in interest" means the owner of an animal
Page 19, Line 22undergoing veterinary medical treatment or such owner's designated
Page 19, Line 23representative. Nothing in this subsection (3)(a)(XIV) shall prevent the
Page 19, Line 24state agricultural commission, the state agricultural commissioner, or the
Page 20, Line 1state board of veterinary medicine from exercising their investigatory and
Page 20, Line 2enforcement powers and duties granted pursuant to section 35-1-106
Page 20, Line 3(1)(h), article 50 of title 35, and section 12-315-106 (5)(e), respectively.
Page 20, Line 4The
veterinary-patient-clientPage 20, Line 5described in this subsection (3)(a)(XIV), pursuant to section 12-315-120
Page 20, Line 6(5), may not be asserted for the purpose of excluding or refusing evidence
Page 20, Line 7or testimony in a prosecution for an act of animal cruelty under section 18-9-202 or for an act of animal fighting under section 18-9-204.
Page 20, Line 8SECTION 20. Act subject to petition - effective date. This act
Page 20, Line 9takes effect January 1, 2026; except that, if a referendum petition is filed
Page 20, Line 10pursuant to section 1 (3) of article V of the state constitution against this
Page 20, Line 11act or an item, section, or part of this act within the ninety-day period
Page 20, Line 12after final adjournment of the general assembly, then the act, item,
Page 20, Line 13section, or part will not take effect unless approved by the people at the
Page 20, Line 14general election to be held in November 2026 and, in such case, will take
Page 20, Line 15effect on the date of the official declaration of the vote thereon by the governor.