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DENVER, CO – The House today passed legislation on a preliminary vote to increase access to veterinary care, especially in rural and underserved Colorado communities. HB24-1047 would allow veterinary technicians and veterinary technician specialists to perform additional tasks related to the care and treatment of animals.
“We must take a responsible approach to address Colorado’s shortage in veterinary medicine that ensures the best care for our beloved pets and animals,” said Veterinarian Rep. Karen McCormick, D-Longmont. “This legislation will allow veterinary technicians to practice to the full extent of their training and expertise, thereby extending access to veterinary care across the state. My goal with this legislation is to ensure our pets and animals, especially in rural and underserved communities, have access to the veterinary care they need to keep them safe and healthy.”
HB24-1047, also sponsored by Representative Marc Caitlin, R-Montrose, would help address Colorado’s veterinary storage by allowing veterinarians who have established a veterinarian-client-patient relationship to delegate certain tasks to veterinary technicians and veterinary technician specialists. This bill aims to elevate the veterinary technician profession as mid-level providers. One piece of the puzzle toward addressing the veterinary crisis is to fully utilize the education, skill-set, and expertise of veterinary technicians and veterinary technician specialists in providing care to animals in our state.
Additionally, to ensure Colorado’s animals are receiving high-quality care, HB24-1047 would establish a framework for supervision and delegation by veterinarians and requires continuing education for veterinary technicians and veterinary technician specialists.
The House also passed HB24-1048 on a preliminary vote, sponsored by Representatives McCormick and Matthew Martinez, D-Monte Vista, to establish a framework and guidelines for the use of telehealth for veterinary services.