Many Colorado veterinarians may have heard about a new requirement in the State Board of Veterinary Medicine rules (Rule 1.2(G) on page 9) for substance use prevention training for licensing. Here’s what you need to know about the new requirement:
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- The new rules are based on SB19-228 (Substance Use Disorders Prevention), which was passed during the 2019 Colorado legislative session. Read more about the background of this bill and the new rules.
- The new rules went into effect on November 30, 2019 and require any veterinarian who is seeking a license renewal, reactivation, or reinstatement to complete at least one hour of CE per licensing cycle related to:
- Best practices for opioid prescribing, according to the most recent version of the Division’s Guidelines for Prescribing and Dispensing Opioids;
- Recognition of substance use disorders;
- Referral of patients with substance use disorders for treatment; and,
- Use of the Electronic Prescription Drug Monitoring Program.
- To the extent the statutorily required training pertains to the practice of human medicine, this training does not authorize veterinary medicine practitioners to engage in the practice of human medicine, nor does it require the veterinary medicine practitioner to refer human beings to treatment for suspected substance abuse disorders.
- The new requirements exempt any veterinarian who meets the following criteria:
- Maintains a national board certification that requires equivalent substance use prevention training; or
- Attests to the Board that the health care provider does not prescribe opioids.
FAQs
Helping veterinarians succeed in Colorado is a key part of the CVMA mission. To help Colorado veterinarians navigate the new substance use prevention training requirements, CVMA has created a list of frequently asked questions.
I have a question about my license – can CVMA help with that?
While we love to be as helpful as we can, unfortunately CVMA does not manage Colorado veterinary licenses and is unable to help with specific questions related to licensing. Licensing is managed by DORA. DORA has a list of FAQs on their account login page that references some helpful steps related to licensing. Specific licensing questions can be directed to [email protected].
Will CVMA offer CE to fulfill these requirements?
Yes. CVMA has developed CE that meets the licensing requirements. Click here to learn more about the CE.
How many hours of CE are required to meet these requirements?
The State Board of Veterinary Medicine requires 1 hour per licensing cycle on this topic.
Is this new training in addition to the 32 hours of CE currently required by the State Board of Veterinary Medicine?
No. This 1 hour of training on substance use prevention is included in the 32 hours of CE already required by the State Board of Veterinary Medicine.
Why was this requirement added?
On May 23, 2019, Governor Jared Polis signed SB19-228 Substance Use Disorders Prevention. The new law requires the State Board of Veterinary Medicine to adopt rules on substance use prevention training for prescribers; the new rules went into effect on November 30, 2019. Read more about the background of the bill and CVMA’s input on the new rules.
Is this a CVMA requirement?
No. This new requirement is a result of legislation that was passed. CVMA is assisting veterinarians in obtaining the required CE by offering it at chapter visits and convention.
Where can I read more about the new substance use prevention training requirements?
Veterinarians can find more information on the requirements in Rule 1.2(G) on page 9 of the new Rules.
Who can I contact for more information?
For more information about the new requirements, please contact the State Board of Veterinary Medicine at [email protected]. For additional questions about the CE that will be offered by CVMA, please contact CVMA at [email protected].
Where do I go to learn more about the CE offered by CVMA on this topic?
Veterinarians can visit colovma.org/substance to learn more and get access to the CE.
