Colorado veterinarians may be aware of a law passed in 2019 that required all controlled substances in Colorado to be prescribed through e-scribe after July 1, 2021.
Several veterinarians have reached out to CVMA asking if this new Colorado law applies to them. The short answer: No.
Colorado Senate Bill 19-079 was passed in 2019 (read this summary on the Colorado General Assembly website for more information). It required that health care practitioners with prescribing authority to prescribe schedule II, II, or IV controlled substances only via a prescription that is electronically transmitted to a pharmacy unless a specified exception applies. The requirements in SB 19-079 to transmit prescription electronically began on July 1, 2021 for podiatrists (P.2), physicians (P. 8), physician assistants (p. 8), advanced practice nurses (P. 12), and optometrists (P. 16). For dentists (P. 5) and practitioners in a rural or solo practice, electronic prescribing begins on July 1, 2023.
SB 19-079 specifically amends the practice acts of each of the health care professions listed above, which does not include veterinarians.
In addition, SB 19-079 Sections 16 and 17 (see page 19 of the bill) allows veterinarians to prescribe electronically but does not require them to prescribe electronically. SB 19-079 does this by amending Title 12, Article 30, Section 109 to allow opioid prescribers licensed in Article 315 (the Veterinary Practice Act) to prescribe electronically.
One of CVMA’s most important jobs is helping practitioners understand the regulations affecting veterinary practice in Colorado, and to advocate on behalf of veterinarians when legislation and regulations are being created. CVMA’s legislative and regulatory advocacy on behalf of Colorado veterinarians is a significant effort, as well as a primary benefit of CVMA membership. We need support from all veterinarians in Colorado to support this mission. Will you join us in this cause? Learn more here.
