Tracking Veterinary Rules is one of the key advocacy activities CVMA performs on behalf of members and the profession in Colorado. In keeping with this mission, CVMA testified in support of changes to the Veterinary Rules and Regulations at the State Board of Veterinary Medicine permanent rulemaking hearing on February 11, 2021.
The hearing was held to gather input on changes made to the veterinary rules following a review by the Office of Legislative Legal Services, and was the last step in a year-long process of a mandatory review of the Colorado Veterinary Rules that began in February 2020.
Rule 1.4 E., F., and G. now quote the statutory language that sets forth the requirements for establishing a veterinarian-client-patient relationship as written in the Veterinary Practice Act 12-315-104(19), C.R.S. A summary of the statutory requirements was deleted from the rules.
The Veterinary Rules and Regulations have been under revision for the past year, and CVMA has represented the interests of Colorado veterinarians at a number of hearings and working sessions. CVMA attends all hearings held by the state board, and was the only participant to offer verbal comments at the February 11 rulemaking hearing. CVMA believes the revised rules to be well-organized and easy to navigate.
Timeline
February 2020 – The state board opened a mandatory review of the Veterinary Rules in compliance with state law. CVMA attended.
August 7, 2020 — The state board held a stakeholder meeting to gather input. CVMA testified.
August 20, 2020 – The state board held a permanent rulemaking hearing. CVMA testified.
September/November 2020 — Office of Legislative Legal Services (OLLS) review
November 24, 2020 – Stakeholder meeting to introduce OLLS changes to rules. CVMA testified.
February 11, 2021 – Final rulemaking hearing. CVMA testified.
