Bill > HB1285

This bill establishes a new category of veterinary professional called a "veterinary professional associate" in Colorado, creating a comprehensive framework for their registration, practice, and supervision. The bill, which will take effect on January 1, 2026, requires veterinary professional associates to hold a master's degree in veterinary clinical care, pass a national credentialing exam, and work under the supervision of a licensed veterinarian. Licensed veterinarians will be responsible and accountable for the acts and omissions of veterinary professional associates, with specific requirements for supervision, including limitations on the number of veterinary professional associates a single veterinarian can supervise. The bill also establishes that veterinary professional associates must clearly identify themselves to clients and can only practice on species for which they have received specific training. Additionally, the legislation provides an alternative pathway for veterinary technician specialists to become veterinary professional associates and requires the Board of Veterinary Medicine to develop rules and guidelines for credentialing, registration, and practice. The overall goal is to create a structured, safe, and regulated way for these new veterinary professionals to contribute to animal healthcare while ensuring patient and client protection.

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https://leg.colorado.gov/bills/hb25-1285