HB 1198: Access to Veterinary Care

Official summary

Abstract published by the legislature (via Open States). Text as published by the legislature; reproduced verbatim.

The act requires the state board of veterinary medicine (board) to review and update the existing process by which an individual who has a license to practice veterinary medicine in another state may be licensed by endorsement to practice veterinary medicine in Colorado. The board shall adopt rules with the intent to expedite the licensure by endorsement process, including eliminating duplicative requirements and streamlining the pathway to licensure.     The act clarifies that a veterinarian who administers, dispenses, distributes, or prescribes medicine to a patient in an emergency situation is not acting as a pharmacist or conducting the practice of pharmacy, and, as such, is not subject to discipline by the state board of pharmacy.     The act relocates certain provisions specific to the practice of veterinary medicine from regulation by the state board of pharmacy to regulation under Colorado's veterinary practice act.     Under current law, the board must approve a credentialing organization for the purpose of credentialing veterinary technicians, which credentialing organization must require the completion of an American Veterinary Medical Association accredited program for veterinary technicians. The act updates the requirement to require the completion of an accredited program for veterinary technicians offered by other associations.     The act also establishes a veterinary prescription drug donation program. An owner of an animal may donate unused veterinary drugs that have been prescribed to the owner to a licensed veterinarian or an animal shelter. A licensed veterinarian may use any drugs accepted through donation if the veterinarian and drugs meet certain conditions.(Note: This summary applies to this bill as enacted.)

Sponsors

Sponsors by party (alphabetical): Democratic 25 · Republican 14

“Support” is shown only as formal sponsorship recorded by the legislature. Roll-call votes are available on the official bill page.

Recent official actions

1. April 29, 2026Governor Signed
2. April 23, 2026Sent to the Governor
3. April 22, 2026Signed by the Speaker of the House
4. April 22, 2026Signed by the President of the Senate
5. April 2, 2026House Considered Senate Amendments - Result was to Concur - Repass
6. April 1, 2026House Considered Senate Amendments - Result was to Laid Over Daily
7. March 31, 2026Senate Third Reading Passed - No Amendments
8. March 30, 2026Senate Second Reading Passed with Amendments - Committee
9. March 25, 2026Senate Committee on Agriculture & Natural Resources Refer Amended - Consent Calendar to Senate Committee of the Whole
10. March 12, 2026Introduced In Senate - Assigned to Agriculture & Natural Resources
11. March 9, 2026House Third Reading Passed - No Amendments
12. March 6, 2026House Second Reading Special Order - Passed with Amendments - Committee

Showing 12 most recent of 15 actions. Full history