HB 25-1285: Veterinary Workforce Requirements

Official summary

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

The act 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 act specifies how an individual can register as a VPA in Colorado and clarifies the circumstances under which a VPA can practice veterinary medicine. The act clarifies that a VPA is only permitted to practice veterinary medicine under the supervision of a licensed veterinarian. A licensed veterinarian shall supervise no more than 3 VPAs who are practicing veterinary medicine at any one time. The act requires a licensed veterinarian and a VPA to enter into a mutual supervisory agreement before the licensed veterinarian and the VPA begin working together. The supervising licensed veterinarian may delegate 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 law and board of veterinary medicine (board) rules; and The supervising licensed veterinarian and VPA are located at the same veterinary premises while practicing veterinary medicine, unless the VPA meets certain indirect supervision requirements. The act instructs the board to adopt rules regarding the practice of veterinary medicine by VPAs, including rules that: Require a VPA to practice veterinary medicine under an appropriate level of supervision by a licensed veterinarian; Determine clinical benchmarks that a VPA must meet in order to practice veterinary medicine under indirect supervision by a licensed veterinarian; Approve a nationally recognized VPA credentialing organization that requires a VPA to complete a university-approved VPA program that is approved by the board or a university-approved VPA program that is accredited by the nationally recognized credentialing organization, 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; and Determine continuing education requirements for VPAs. The board may also adopt rules establishing an equivalent registration pathway for a veterinary technician specialist to register as a VPA, which pathway considers the veterinary technician specialist's experience, education, and training as a substitute for the education requirements needed to register as a VPA and requires the veterinarian technician specialist to pass the same national credentialing exam as a VPA. The act requires a VPA to identify themself as a VPA to a client before practicing veterinary medicine on a patient. The act requires a licensed veterinarian to comply with certain restrictions when prescribing opioids and benzodiazepines. (Note: This summary applies to this bill as enacted.)

Sponsors

Sponsors by party (alphabetical): Democratic 20 · Republican 5

“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. May 30, 2025Governor Signed
2. April 30, 2025Sent to the Governor
3. April 29, 2025Signed by the Speaker of the House
4. April 29, 2025Signed by the President of the Senate
5. April 11, 2025House Considered Senate Amendments - Result was to Concur - Repass
6. April 10, 2025House Considered Senate Amendments - Result was to Laid Over Daily
7. April 9, 2025Senate Third Reading Passed - No Amendments
8. April 8, 2025Senate Second Reading Passed with Amendments - Floor
9. April 3, 2025Senate Committee on Agriculture & Natural Resources Refer Unamended to Senate Committee of the Whole
10. March 31, 2025Introduced In Senate - Assigned to Agriculture & Natural Resources
11. March 26, 2025House Third Reading Passed - No Amendments
12. March 25, 2025House Second Reading Special Order - Passed with Amendments - Committee, Floor

Showing 12 most recent of 15 actions. Full history