14-03-2025
Colorado bill puts limits on new veterinary associate position
State lawmakers advanced a bill to create a veterinarian associate position despite questions about whether it contradicts what voters approved in the 2024 election.
Why it matters: Colorado is the first state to authorize a midlevel veterinarian position and how it is defined is a multimillion-dollar fight.
State of play: The legislation seeks to put guardrails on what voters approved in Proposition 129 last November by limiting the scope of practice.
A veterinarian could supervise up to three associates and must sign an agreement with each for accountability.
A state board will determine whether the veterinarian must be on the premises or in the room at the time of care by the associate.
An associate must inform patients they are not a veterinarian.
What they're saying: The bill's sponsor is state Rep. Karen McCormick (D-Longmont), a veterinarian and vocal critic of the ballot measure.
She described the legislation as "clear guidelines" that "in no way overturn the will of the voters."
Yes, but: Critics — including Gov. Jared Polis' administration — blasted the bill, saying it overrides voters who approved a more open-ended role in the ballot measure and overrides current rule-making happening at the state level.
"This is not what the voters intended, and revising their decision after the vote is both irresponsible and unnecessary," said Apryl Steele, CEO of Humane Colorado, formerly known as the Dumb Friends League, which spent more than $1 million in support of the ballot measure.
What's next: The legislation moves to a vote of the full House.
