Source: AAHA
The American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) has officially opposed the introduction of mid-level practitioners (MLPs) in Veterinary medicine, citing concerns about patient safety, quality of care, and regulatory challenges. MLPs, similar to nurse practitioners in human medicine, would be allowed to diagnose, create treatment plans, and perform surgeries with less training than veterinarians.
AAHA argues that insufficient education and licensing standards for MLPs could lead to medical errors and increased liability. In addition, the association warns that MLPs could undermine the role of credentialed Veterinary technicians (CrVTs), creating confusion and worsening retention issues. Instead, AAHA advocates for enhancing the role of CrVTs to meet Veterinary demand without compromising care.
This debate extends to Colorado’s Proposition 129, which proposes a similar Veterinary Professional Associate (VPA) role. AAHA supports the “Keep Our Pets Safe” campaign, which calls for better Veterinary education and technological solutions rather than lowering care standards. Discussions on Veterinary workforce expansion continue.