Is Colorado's New Veterinary Professional Associate Bill Undermining Voter Intent? The Debate Heats Up

A new bill aimed at implementing the veterinary professional associate (VPA) position in Colorado has sparked heated debate among veterinary advocates and critics alike. The bill, House Bill 1285, outlines the education, accreditation, and scope of practice for the newly created VPA role, a position established by Colorado voters through Proposition 129 in November 2023.

Veterinary professional associates are meant to bridge the gap between veterinary technicians and full veterinarians, with a master’s degree in veterinary clinical care—more advanced than a technician’s associate degree, but not as extensive as the eight or more years required to become a veterinarian. The new bill, however, has left many questioning whether it fully aligns with the intent of Proposition 129.

While the bill passed in a strong 11-1 vote, it has faced significant opposition. Critics argue that the bill weakens the proposition’s intent by limiting the VPA’s ability to provide care and lowering educational requirements. Steele contends that voters did not approve this revision and that the bill could lead to confusion within the veterinary community and ultimately undermine the veterinary workforce solution Proposition 129 aimed to address.

Others, support aspects of the bill, particularly its requirement for VPAs to be directly supervised by licensed veterinarians during high-risk procedures. They argue that proper regulations are essential to ensure animal safety, especially during surgeries, and to address concerns from both veterinary professionals and the public.

The ongoing debate underscores a deeper issue: balancing the will of the voters with the practical needs of the veterinary profession. As the bill continues to make its way through the legislative process, one thing is clear—the future of Colorado's veterinary workforce hinges on finding common ground between advocacy groups, veterinarians, and lawmakers.