BY REPRESENTATIVE(S) McCormick and Johnson, Bacon, English, Garcia, Hamrick, Lindstedt, Mabrey, Sirota, Smith, Bird, Duran, Phillips, Stewart K., Titone, Valdez, McCluskie;
also SENATOR(S) Kipp and Pelton B., Amabile, Bridges, Catlin, Pelton R., Roberts, Simpson, Snyder.
Concerning the veterinary workforce, and, in connection therewith, establishing requirements for the practice of veterinary medicine by veterinary professional associates.
Be it enacted by the General Assembly of the State of Colorado:
SECTION 1. Legislative declaration. (1) The general assembly finds and declares that:
(a) Proposition 129 was passed by voters in November 2024 and established the role of a veterinary professional associate in Colorado;
(b) As a national leader and the first state to establish the role of a veterinary professional associate, Colorado must set a strong foundation and put proper guidelines in place to provide adequate structure for and oversight of veterinary professional associates;
(c) By establishing clear guidelines for the department of regulatory agencies and the state board of veterinary medicine that will provide oversight and regulate veterinary professional associates, Colorado will ensure the protection of animals, patients, and owners in Colorado while also protecting public health and shaping the success of the new veterinary professional associate position; and
(d) Furthermore, clear guidelines and regulations related to the new veterinary professional associate position will ensure that the will of the voters is implemented and that Colorado's animals receive quality veterinary care.
SECTION 2. In Colorado Revised Statutes, 12-315-104, amend as they will become effective January 1, 2026, (21.5) and (21.7); and add (21.9) as follows:
12-315-104. Definitions. As used in this article 315, unless the context otherwise requires:
(21.5) "Veterinary professional" means a veterinarian licensed pursuant to this part 1, a veterinary professional associate registered pursuant to part 2 of this article 315, or a veterinary technician or veterinary technician specialist registered pursuant to part 2 of this article 315.
(21.7) "Veterinary professional associate" means an individual who holds a master's degree in veterinary clinical care, or the equivalent, as determined by the board pursuant to sections 12-315-106 (10) and 12-315-201 (4), and who is subject to the requirements in section 12-315-203.7.
(21.9) "Veterinary professional associate credentialing organization" means:
(a) A veterinary professional associate credentialing organization approved by the board pursuant to sections 12-315-106 (5)(j) and 12-315-201 (1)(g) to credential veterinary professional associates in this state; or
(b) The board if, pursuant to section 12-315-201 (3), no credentialing organization is approved.
SECTION 3. In Colorado Revised Statutes, 12-315-105, amend as it will become effective January 1, 2026, (1)(u) as follows:
12-315-105. License requirements and exceptions - practice of veterinary medicine - prescriptions - definitions - rules. (1) An individual shall not practice veterinary medicine in this state if the individual is not a licensed veterinarian. An individual shall not practice artificial insemination or ova transplantation of cattle or other animal species in this state except in accordance with rules established pursuant to section 12-315-106 (5)(c). An individual not licensed as a veterinarian pursuant to this part 1 shall not diagnose, issue prognoses for, prescribe for, or perform surgery on an animal. This article 315 does not prohibit:
(u) A veterinary professional associate from practicing veterinary medicine on species for which the veterinary professional associate has received training and that is:
(I) Within the veterinary professional associate's advanced education and experience; and
(II) Within the scope of practice for veterinary professional associates, as determined by the board pursuant to section 12-315-201 (1)(f); and
(II) (III) Performed while under the appropriate level of supervision ofby a licensed veterinarian who is responsible and accountable for the veterinary professional associate's performance.acts and omissions of the veterinary professional associate.
SECTION 4. In Colorado Revised Statutes, 12-315-105.5, amend (2), (3)(a) introductory portion, (3)(a)(I), (5)(a) introductory portion, and (5)(a)(I); and add (3.5), (5)(a)(III), (5)(a)(IV), (8), and (9) as follows:
12-315-105.5. Delegation to and supervision of veterinary technicians, veterinary technician specialists, veterinary professional associates, and other qualified personnel - rules. (2) A licensed veterinarian shall establish a veterinarian-client-patient relationship before the veterinarian delegates a task to a veterinary technician, a veterinary technician specialist, a veterinary professional associate, or other qualified personnel.
(3) (a) When determining whether to delegate a task to a veterinary technician, a veterinary technician specialist, a veterinary professional associate, or other qualified personnel, a licensed veterinarian shall consider:
(I) The level of education, skills, training, licensing, and experience of the veterinary technician, the veterinary technician specialist, the veterinary professional associate, or other qualified personnel;
(3.5) A licensed veterinarian may delegate the practice of veterinary medicine to a veterinary professional associate and supervise the performance of the veterinary professional associate if:
(a) The licensed veterinarian has signed an agreement with the veterinary professional associate in accordance with section 12-315-203.7 (6);
(b) The delegation, supervision, and performance of the practice of veterinary medicine are being conducted in compliance with this article 315 and all applicable board rules;
(c) The supervising licensed veterinarian is located at the same veterinary premises as the veterinary professional associate while the veterinary professional associate is performing the practice of veterinary medicine, unless the veterinary professional associate meets the indirect supervision requirements of subsection (9) of this section; and
(d) The supervising licensed veterinarian is supervising no more than three veterinary professional associates who are practicing veterinary medicine at any one time.
(5) (a) In promulgatingadopting rules pursuant to this section related to the delegation of tasks and supervision of veterinary professionals or other personnel, the board shall:
(I) Consult with licensed veterinarians, registered veterinary technicians, veterinary technician specialists, clients, and other relevant stakeholders, as determined by the board; and
(III) Require that a licensed veterinarian supervise a veterinary professional associate under either immediate supervision or direct supervision when the veterinary professional associate is practicing veterinary medicine, unless the veterinary professional associate meets the indirect supervision requirements of subsection (9) of this section; and
(IV) Permit a veterinary professional associate to perform veterinary tasks that do not constitute the practice of veterinary medicine under indirect supervision if the supervising licensed veterinarian determines that the veterinary tasks are within the veterinary professional associate's education and training and if the licensed veterinarian delegates the veterinary tasks in accordance with this section and applicable board rules.
(8) A licensed veterinarian shall follow all applicable state and federal law when issuing prescriptions.
(9) A veterinary professional associate may practice veterinary medicine under indirect supervision if the veterinary professional associate meets requisite clinical benchmarks, including performing the practice of veterinary medicine under the direct or immediate supervision of a licensed veterinarian for a specified amount of hours, as determined by the board.
SECTION 5. In Colorado Revised Statutes, 12-315-106, amend as it will become effective January 1, 2026, (5)(j); and add (10) as follows:
12-315-106. Board of veterinary medicine - creation - powers - rules. (5) The board has the power to:
(j) Adopt rules to approve a nationally recognized veterinary professional associate credentialing organization for purposes of credentialing veterinary professional associates in this state. The credentialing organization approved by the board maymust:
(I) Require completion of a university-approved program for veterinary professional associates andthat:
(A) If completed before September 1, 2033, must be approved by the board; or
(B) If completed on or after September 1, 2033, must be accredited by a nationally recognized accrediting organization or equivalent organization, as approved by the board;
(II) Require that an applicant pass a veterinary professional associate national examination that has been approved by the board; and
(III) Require continuing education for veterinary professional associates.
(10) (a) The board may establish by rule an equivalent registration pathway for a veterinary technician specialist to register as a veterinary professional associate.
(b) In establishing the equivalent registration pathway, the board:
(I) May consider the experience, education, and training of a veterinary technician who is designated as a veterinary technician specialist pursuant to section 12-315-203 (4.5) to be equivalent to the education requirements for a veterinary professional associate required by section 12-315-203.7 (2)(a); and
(II) Shall require a veterinary technician specialist to pass the same national credentialing exam to demonstrate entry-level competency to practice as a veterinary professional associate, as approved by the board.
SECTION 6. In Colorado Revised Statutes, 12-315-110, amend (3)(a)(II)(C) as follows:
12-315-110. License renewal - waiver - rules - continuing education. (3) (a) (II) The board-approved continuing educational program must:
(C) Require two hours each licensing period on topics related to the delegation of tasks to and the supervision of veterinary technicians, veterinary technician specialists, veterinary professional associates, and other personnel.
SECTION 7. In Colorado Revised Statutes, 12-315-119, amend (1) as follows:
12-315-119. Veterinary records in custody of animal care providers - definition - rules. (1) As used in this section, unless the context otherwise requires, "animal care provider" means:
(a) anyA veterinary practice or veterinary hospital, including the veterinary teaching hospital at Colorado state university, that provides veterinary care or treatment to animals; and
(b) A facility where a licensed veterinarian provides veterinary care.
SECTION 8. In Colorado Revised Statutes, 12-315-121, amend (3) as follows:
12-315-121. Corporate structure for the practice of veterinary medicine - definitions. (3) (a) (I) The practice of veterinary medicine by a corporation pursuant to this section must be performed by or under the supervision of a licensed veterinarian.
(II) Lay directors, officers, and shareholders of the corporation shall not exercise any authority whatsoever over the independent medical judgment of licensed veterinarians performing or supervising the practice of veterinary medicine by or on behalf of the corporation.
(b) A corporation, employer, director, or officer shall not require a licensed veterinarian to enter into a supervisory agreement or to supervise a veterinary professional associate as a condition of the veterinarian's continued employment.
SECTION 9. In Colorado Revised Statutes, 12-315-201, amend (1)(d) and (1.5); amend as they will become effective January 1, 2026, (1)(e) and (1)(f); and add (1)(g), (1)(h), (3), and (4) as follows:
12-315-201. Additional board duties - rules - repeal. (1) In addition to any other duties specified in this part 2 and sections 12-315-105.5 and 12-315-106, the board shall:
(d) Adopt any rules necessary for the delegation of veterinary tasks to veterinary technicians, and veterinary technician specialists, veterinary professional associates, or other personnel and for the supervision of those delegated tasks by a licensed veterinarian;
(e) Require biennial continuing education for veterinary professional associates, as may be determined by the board by rule, as a condition of renewing registration; and
(f) Adopt any rules necessary for determining the scope of practice and supervision offor veterinary professional associates;
(g) Except as provided in subsection (3) of this section, adopt rules to approve a nationally recognized veterinary professional associate credentialing organization for purposes of credentialing veterinary professional associates in this state in accordance with section 12-315-106 (5)(j); and
(h) Adopt any rules necessary to allow a veterinary professional associate to practice veterinary medicine under indirect supervision in accordance with section 12-315-105.5 (9).
(1.5) The board shall not:
(a) Charge a fee for the designation of veterinary technician specialists in addition to the registration fee charged pursuant to section 12-315-123 for the designation of veterinary technician specialistsfor veterinary technicians; or
(b) Increase the amount of the registration fee charged pursuant to section 12-315-123 for veterinary technicians who seek veterinary technician specialist designation to an amount that is more than the registration fee that is required of other veterinary technicians.
(3) If the board does not approve a veterinary professional associate credentialing organization for purposes of credentialing veterinary professional associates in this state pursuant to section 12-315-106 (5)(j) because there is no credentialing organization that meets the requirements set forth in section 12-315-106 (5)(j) or for any other reason, the board shall establish by rule and administer a credentialing process for veterinary professional associate registration.
(4) The board may establish by rule an equivalent registration pathway for a veterinary technician specialist to register as a veterinary professional associate, which pathway considers the experience, education, and training of a veterinary technician who is designated as a veterinary technician specialist pursuant to section 12-315-203 (4.5) to be equivalent to the education requirements for a veterinary professional associate required by section 12-315-203.7 (2)(a).
SECTION 10. In Colorado Revised Statutes, amend 12-315-202 as follows:
12-315-202. Registration required - rules. (1) Effective January 1, 2024, a personan individual who practices as a veterinary technician in 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.
(2) Effective January 1, 2026, an individual who intends to practice as a veterinary professional associate in this state must be registered by the board pursuant to this part 2 and rules adopted by the board for the registration of veterinary professional associates.
SECTION 11. In Colorado Revised Statutes, 12-315-203.7, amend as they will become effective January 1, 2026, (2), (3), and (4)(c); and add (4)(c.5) and (6) as follows:
12-315-203.7. Veterinary professional associate - qualifications - registration - fees - continuing education - rules. (2) Qualifications. (a) To be qualified for registration as a veterinary professional associate, an individual must:
(a) (I) Be at least eighteen years of age; and
(b) (II) Hold a master's degree in veterinary clinical care, or the equivalent, as determined by the board that:
(A) If completed before September 1, 2033, must be from a university-approved program that is approved by the board; or
(B) If completed on or after September 1, 2033, must be from a university-approved program that is accredited by a nationally recognized accrediting organization or equivalent organization, as approved by the board; and
(III) Pass a national credentialing exam to demonstrate entry-level competency to practice as a veterinary professional associate, as approved by the board.
(b) An individual who does not meet the qualifications set forth in subsection (2)(a) of this section may be qualified to register as a veterinary professional associate if the individual:
(I) Is registered as a veterinary technician with a designation as a veterinary technician specialist;
(II) In lieu of the education requirements set forth in subsection (2)(a)(II) of this section, meets the requirements of the equivalent registration pathway as established by the board pursuant to section 12-315-106 (10); and
(III) Passes the same national credentialing exam to demonstrate entry-level competency to practice as a veterinary professional associate, as approved by the board.
(3) Registration.CommencingEffective January 1, 2026, an individual who practices as a veterinary professional associate in this state must be registered by the board pursuant to this section and rules adopted by the board for the registration of veterinary professional associates.
(4) Rules. Prior to registering veterinary professional associates pursuant to this section, the board shall establish, by rule:
(c) Any information or confirmation required by the supervising licensed veterinarian, including the agreement entered into between the veterinarian and a veterinary professional associate pursuant to subsection (6) of this section;
(c.5) A registration fee for the registration of veterinary professional associates, which fee shall:
(I) Be paid by an individual applying for registration as a veterinary professional associate as part of their application; and
(II) Be set at an amount that does not result in the collection of fees in an aggregate amount that is greater than the amount of administrative costs incurred by the board in the implementation of this article 315 related to veterinary professional associates;
(6) (a) Before a veterinary professional associate begins working with a supervising licensed veterinarian, the supervising licensed veterinarian and the veterinary professional associate shall enter into a mutual agreement that states:
(I) That the supervising licensed veterinarian is responsible and accountable for the acts and omissions of the veterinary professional associate in their practice of veterinary medicine and verifying that the veterinary professional associate has the competency to practice veterinary medicine or perform any tasks delegated to them by the supervising licensed veterinarian related to the practice of veterinary medicine;
(II) That the licensed veterinarian shall supervise no more than three veterinary professional associates who are practicing veterinary medicine at any one time and that a veterinary professional associate and the supervising licensed veterinarian must be located at the same veterinary premises while the veterinary professional associate is practicing veterinary medicine, unless the veterinary professional associate meets the indirect supervision requirements of section 12-315-105.5 (9);
(III) The species for which the veterinary professional associate has received education and training in the practice of veterinary medicine; and
(IV) The date on which the licensed veterinarian will begin supervising and working with the veterinary professional associate.
(b) (I) A veterinary professional associate shall enter into an agreement described in subsection (6)(a) of this section with every licensed veterinarian that will supervise the veterinary professional associate in the veterinary professional associate's performance of veterinary medicine.
(II) A supervising licensed veterinarian shall enter into the agreement described in subsection (6)(a) of this section with every veterinary professional associate employed at the veterinary premises that the supervising licensed veterinarian intends to supervise in the practice of veterinary medicine.
(c) The supervising licensed veterinarian and the veterinary professional associate shall keep a copy of the agreement described in subsection (6)(a) of this section on file at the veterinarian's and veterinary professional associate's place of business.
(d) If the supervisory relationship between a supervising licensed veterinarian and the veterinary professional associate is terminated for any reason, including termination of employment of either party or termination of the supervisory relationship between the parties, the date that the supervisory relationship concluded shall be recorded and placed on file with the agreement described in subsection (6)(a) of this section.
SECTION 12. In Colorado Revised Statutes, 12-315-208, amend as they will become effective January 1, 2026, (1)(a)(I) introductory portion and (1)(a)(I)(B) as follows:
12-315-208. Examination of registrants - behavioral health - mental health - physical conditions. (1) (a) (I) If, upon receipt of a signed complaint by a complainant, the board has reasonable cause to believe that a veterinary technician or veterinary professional associate is unable to practice as a veterinary technician or veterinary professional associate with reasonable skill and safety to patients or clients due to a physical condition or a behavioral health, mental health, or substance use disorder, the board may require in writing that the veterinary technician or veterinary professional associate submit to an examination to evaluate:
(B) Any impact the physical condition or the behavioral health, mental health, or substance use disorder has on the veterinary technician's or veterinary professional associate's ability to practice as a veterinary technician or veterinary professional associate with reasonable skill and safety to patients and clients.
SECTION 13. In Colorado Revised Statutes, 12-315-209.7, amend as they will become effective January 1, 2026, (1), (2), (3) introductory portion, and (4) introductory portion; and add (5) as follows:
12-315-209.7. Duties of licensed veterinarian - direction and supervision of veterinary professional associate - rules. (1) Except as provided in subsection (2) of this section, a person practicing veterinary medicine as a veterinary professional associate may perform duties and actions authorized pursuant to section 12-315-105 (1)(u) that are within the scope of the veterinary professional associate's advanced education and experience if the person performs those dutiespractices veterinary medicine under the appropriate level of supervision ofby a licensed veterinarian.
(2) A veterinary professional associate shall perform only those duties or actions delegated by the licensed supervising veterinarian, with whom the veterinary professional associate has a signed agreement in accordance with section 12-315-203.7 (6), for which the veterinary professional associate has the necessary training, and experience, and competency, as determined by the supervising veterinarian, to meet generally accepted standards of veterinary care.
(3) If a veterinary professional associate is delegated duties beyond the veterinary professional associate's training, and experience, and competency, the licensed veterinarian:
(4) If a veterinary professional associate performs duties beyond the veterinary professional associate's training, and experience, and competency or does not conform with the requirement to perform all duties and actions pursuant to section 12-315-105 (1)(u) under the appropriate level of supervision ofby a licensed supervising veterinarian as specified in subsection (1) of this section, the veterinary professional associate may be subject to:
(5) (a) Before a veterinary professional associate engages in the practice of veterinary medicine on a patient, the veterinary professional associate shall clearly identify themself to the client, both visually and verbally, as a veterinary professional associate. A person that employs a veterinary professional associate shall identify to a client that a veterinary professional associate providing care to the client's animal is a veterinary professional associate.
(b) The board may adopt rules regarding how a veterinary professional associate and a person that employs a veterinary professional associate must identify the veterinary professional associate to clients in accordance with subsection (5)(a) of this section.
SECTION 14. In Colorado Revised Statutes, 12-30-109, amend (2) and (4)(e); and add (4)(f.5) as follows:
12-30-109. Prescriptions - limitations - definition - rules. (2) A prescriber licensed pursuant to article 315 of this title 12 may prescribe opioids and benzodiazepines electronically in accordance with section 12-315-305.
(4) As used in this section, "prescriber" means:
(e) A podiatrist licensed pursuant to article 290 of this title 12; or
(f.5) A veterinarian licensed pursuant to article 315 of this title 12; or
SECTION 15. Act subject to petition - effective date. This act takes effect January 1, 2026; except that, if a referendum petition is filed pursuant to section 1 (3) of article V of the state constitution against this act or an item, section, or part of this act within the ninety-day period after final adjournment of the general assembly, then the act, item, section, or part will not take effect unless approved by the people at the general election to be held in November 2026 and, in such case, will take effect on the date of the official declaration of the vote thereon by the governor.
Signed By: Julie McCluskie, Speaker of the House of Representatives
Signed By: James Rashad Coleman, Sr., President of the Senate
Signed By: Vanessa Reilly, Chief Clerk of the House of Representatives
Signed By: Esther van Mourik, Secretary of the Senate
Signed By: Jared S. Polis, Governor of the State of Colorado