CVMA is very pleased to announce that HB25-1285 has officially passed both the Colorado House and Senate. HB25-1285, sponsored by Rep. Karen McCormick, provides essential statutory guidance for the State Board of Veterinary Medicine to write complete, effective rules for the Veterinary Professional Associate (VPA). With final legislative steps nearly complete, the bill now heads to the Governor’s desk. When signed, HB25-1285 will establish a clear and safe framework for integrating the VPA role, ensuring consumer protection, animal health and safety and the effective inclusion of the VPA in the veterinary workforce.
This milestone represents ongoing efforts of dedicated CVMA advocacy. We extend our heartfelt thanks to CVMA members across Colorado—whether you contacted lawmakers, shared your insights, or stayed informed, your involvement made a meaningful impact. THANK YOU!
What’s Next?
While HB25-1285 establishes statutory framework for the VPA role, the State Board of Veterinary Medicine (SBVM) is responsible for defining regulations concerning all aspects of the VPA’s practice through its Rulemaking process, which began in February 2025. Many veterinarians and organizations have already submitted written comments to the SBVM to inform the rulemaking process. CVMA submitted a set of comments on March 6.
In addition, a Task Force composed of representatives from CACVT, CSU CVMBS, and CVMA hosted two town halls in February to gather input from veterinarians, veterinary technicians and CSU faculty. The feedback collected helped shape the Task Force’s formal comments, which were submitted to the SBVM on April 8.
To review submitted comments or provide your own, click here. The next stakeholder meeting for public input will take place on May 7, 2025. Register today!
CVMA and CVMA’s Advocacy Commission remain actively involved in shaping the regulatory process to reflect the profession’s values and uphold the highest standards of animal care, public trust, and professional responsibility.
Why is this important?
CVMA opposed Proposition 129 “Establish the Veterinary Professional Associate” because our members clearly expressed concern about patient safety and care that reflects their deep commitment to the quality care that Colorado animal owners expect and deserve. The percentage of Colorado veterinarians who would not hire a VPA has significantly increased by 36% over the past three years, from 59% to 93%:
The voters passed proposition 129 in November 2024. CVMA recognizes that the initiative is moving forward and respects the will of the voters who passed Proposition 129. We believe our energy is best invested in ensuring successful implementation through a sound regulatory framework comparable to that for veterinarians, veterinary technician specialists, and veterinary technicians. CVMA is uniquely positioned to help guide these regulations, drawing on our members’ extensive clinical experience and deep understanding of veterinary practice realities.
What we seek is the implementation of clear, comprehensive rules that will give veterinarians the confidence to embrace this new category of professionals. We hope that with proper safeguards in place, VPAs can be a productive contributor to veterinary medicine in Colorado.
Passing HB25-1285 will provide legal guidance to the SBVM to set clear regulations for the VPA that:
- Ensure safe, quality care for Colorado’s animals
- Build consumer trust, confidence, and provide consumer protection
- Include clear requirements for delegation, supervision, responsibility, and liability
- Protect public health
- Facilitate collaborative, patient-centered care and efficient, effective delivery of veterinary services
Make a donation to the CVMA PAC, and let’s continue to advocate for a future where veterinary medicine in Colorado can flourish. Together, we can protect and advance our profession for the benefit of all.
