Colorado Veterinary Professional Associate Bill Sparks Debate Among Advocates and Critics

A new bill in Colorado is causing controversy over its implementation of Proposition 129, which created the Veterinary Professional Associate (VPA) position to help address the state’s Veterinary shortage. Advocates argue that House Bill 1285 imposes unnecessary restrictions that contradict what voters approved.

VPAs, designed to bridge the gap between Veterinary technicians and veterinarians, would be trained to diagnose, perform surgeries, and conduct procedures. However, the bill requires VPAs to be supervised by a licensed veterinarian and restricts their ability to establish a direct veterinarian-client-patient relationship. Critics, including Humane Colorado, argue this limits VPAs’ effectiveness, weakens educational requirements, and undermines voter intent.

Supporters of the bill, including veterinarians, say regulations are necessary to ensure patient safety, particularly for high-risk procedures. The debate highlights tension between voter-driven policies and professional oversight, with concerns about whether VPAs will truly ease Veterinary shortages or remain too restricted to make an impact.