Second Regular Session
Seventy-fourth General Assembly
STATE OF COLORADO
INTRODUCED
LLS NO. 24-0357.01 Christopher McMichael x4775
HOUSE BILL 24-1047
House Committees Senate Committees
Agriculture, Water & Natural Resources
A BILL FOR AN ACT
C
ONCERNING THE SCOPE OF PRACTICE FOR VETERINARY TECHNICIANS ,101
AND, IN CONNECTION THEREWITH, DIRECTING THE STATE BOARD102
OF VETERINARY MEDICINE TO PROMULGATE RULES REGARDING103
THE SUPERVISION OF AND TH E DELEGATION OF CERTAIN104
VETERINARY MEDICINE TASKS TO VETERINARY TECHNICIANS ,105
VETERINARY TECHNICIAN SPECIALISTS , OR OTHER PERSONNEL106
BY A LICENSED VETERINARIAN AND ESTABLISHING A107
VETERINARY TECHNICIAN SPECIALIST DESIGNATION .108
Bill Summary
(Note: This summary applies to this bill as introduced and does
not reflect any amendments that may be subsequently adopted. If this bill
passes third reading in the house of introduction, a bill summary that
applies to the reengrossed version of this bill will be available at
HOUSE SPONSORSHIP
McCormick and Catlin, McLachlan
SENATE SPONSORSHIP
Roberts and Simpson, Bridges, Pelton B., Pelton R.
Shading denotes HOUSE amendment. Double underlining denotes SENATE amendment.
Capital letters or bold & italic numbers indicate new material to be added to existing law.
Dashes through the words or numbers indicate deletions from existing law. http://leg.colorado.gov/.)
Water Resources and Agriculture Review Committee. The
board of veterinary medicine (board) is required to promulgate rules
establishing certain veterinary medicine tasks that a licensed veterinarian
may delegate to veterinary technicians and veterinary technician
specialists and the recommended level of supervision for the tasks.
A licensed veterinarian may delegate tasks pursuant to the board's
rules after first establishing a veterinarian-client-patient relationship with
an animal or group of animals and the owner of the animal or animals.
The licensed veterinarian is required to provide an appropriate level of
supervision of the veterinary technician or veterinary technician specialist
in accordance with applicable rules of the board. If there are not
applicable rules related to the specific veterinary task that is being
delegated, the veterinarian may delegate the task based on the assessment
of the veterinary medical care being provided, the experience, education,
and training of the person providing the care, and in compliance with all
state and federal laws.
Beginning on January 1, 2026, the bill authorizes a veterinary
technician to receive a veterinary technician specialist designation as part
of the veterinary technician's registration, grants title protection for
veterinary technician specialists, and prohibits the unauthorized practice
as a veterinary technician specialist by a person who does not have a
veterinary technician specialist designation.
Be it enacted by the General Assembly of the State of Colorado:1
SECTION 1. Legislative declaration. (1) The general assembly2
finds and declares that:3
(a) In Colorado, there is an increasing need for veterinary care,4
both for companion animals and for livestock or production animals;5
(b) Licensed veterinarians in Colorado are stretched thin from the6
increased demands for veterinary care, especially in rural areas of the7
state where clients and patients may have more limited access to8
veterinary care;9
(c) Many veterinary practices in Colorado employ veterinary10
technicians or veterinary technician specialists, who are staff that are11
HB24-1047-2- educated and trained to perform various veterinary services and are often1
underutilized by supervising veterinarians;2
(d) Clear guidelines are needed for veterinarians regarding the3
veterinary services that may be delegated to veterinary technicians and4
veterinary technician specialists to efficiently and effectively utilize the5
education, training, and expertise of all veterinary staff and ensure that6
Colorado's animals have adequate access to veterinary care; and7
(e) Expanding the scope of practice for veterinary technicians and8
veterinary technician specialists and authorizing licensed veterinarians to9
delegate specific tasks to veterinary technicians and veterinary technician10
specialists will allow these veterinary professionals to contribute more to11
the delivery of veterinary care.12
SECTION 2. In Colorado Revised Statutes, 12-315-104, amend13
(6), (10), (10.5), (13), (21), (21.5), and (24); and add (5.5), (16.3), (16.5),14
and (26) as follows:15
12-315-104. Definitions. As used in this article 315, unless the16
context otherwise requires:17
(5.5) "D
ELEGATION" OR "DELEGATE" MEANS A LICENSED18
VETERINARIAN'S ACT OF ENTRUSTING TO AN INDIVIDUAL THE AUTHORITY19
TO PERFORM A VETERINARY MEDICINE TASK UNDER THE APPROPRIATE20
LEVEL OF SUPERVISION BY THE LICENSED VETERINARIAN AFTER THE21
LICENSED VETERINARIAN HAS DETERMINED THAT THE INDIVIDUAL IS22
COMPETENT TO PERFORM THE VETERINARY MEDICINE TASK .23
(6) "Direct supervision" means the supervising licensed24
veterinarian is readily available on the premises where the patient is being25
treated
AND IS ABLE TO SUPERVISE THE VETERINARY MEDICINE TASKS26
THAT HAVE BEEN DELEGATED TO AN INDIVIDUAL .27
HB24-1047
-3- (10) "Immediate supervision" means the supervising licensed1
veterinarian and any person being supervised are in direct contact with the2
patient IS PHYSICALLY IN THE IMMEDIATE AREA ON THE PREMISES AND3
WITHIN AUDIBLE OR VISUAL RANGE OF THE PATIENT AND THE INDIVIDUAL4
PERFORMING THE VETERINARY MEDICINE TASKS THAT HAVE BEEN5
DELEGATED BY THE LICENSED VETERINARIAN .6
(10.5) "Indirect supervision" means supervision in which the7
supervising licensed veterinarian directs or supervises the authorized8
delegated NEED NOT BE ON THE VETERINARY PREMISES BUT :9
(a) H
AS GIVEN EITHER WRITTEN OR VERBAL INSTRUCTIONS FOR10
THE treatment or collection of diagnostic information
of a patient; at11
veterinary premises without being on the premises but being AND12
(b) I
S readily available for communication.13
(13) "Patient" means an
ANY animal OR GROUP OF ANIMALS that14
is examined or treated by a licensed veterinarian and includes herds,15
flocks, litters, and other groups of animals.16
(16.3) "S
UPERVISING LICENSED VETERINARIAN " MEANS A17
LICENSED VETERINARIAN IN THE STATE WHO DELEGATES AND ASSUMES18
RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE VETERINARY CARE PROVIDED TO A PATIENT BY19
AN INDIVIDUAL EMPLOYED BY THE SAME PRACTICE AS THE LICENSED20
VETERINARIAN AND WORKING UNDER AN APPROPRIATE LEVEL OF21
SUPERVISION BY THE LICENSED VETERINARIAN .22
(16.5) (a) "S
UPERVISION" MEANS A LICENSED VETERINARIAN 'S23
OVERSIGHT AND MONITORING OF ANOTHER INDIVIDUAL 'S ASSISTANCE IN24
THE TREATMENT OF ANIMALS AS PART OF THE VETERINARIAN 'S PRACTICE25
OF VETERINARY MEDICINE.26
(b) "S
UPERVISION" INCLUDES:27
HB24-1047
-4- (I) DIRECT SUPERVISION;1
(II) I
MMEDIATE SUPERVISION; AND2
(III) I
NDIRECT SUPERVISION.3
(21) "Veterinary premises" or "premises" means a veterinary4
office, hospital, clinic,
BUILDING, MOBILE UNIT, FACILITY, or temporary
5
OTHER location where veterinary medicine is being practiced MEDICAL6
SERVICES ARE PROVIDED by or under the direction and supervision of a7
licensed veterinarian.8
(21.5) "Veterinary professional" means a veterinarian licensed9
pursuant to this part 1 and OR a veterinary technician OR VETERINARY10
TECHNICIAN SPECIALIST registered pursuant to part 2 of this article 315.11
(24) "Veterinary technician" means a veterinary technician12
registered pursuant to part 2 of this article 315 SECTION 12-315-203.13
(26) "V
ETERINARY TECHNICIAN SPECIALIST" MEANS A VETERINARY14
TECHNICIAN WHO HAS BEEN AWARDED DESIGNATION FROM :15
(a) A
N ACADEMY RECOGNIZED BY THE NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF16
V
ETERINARY TECHNICIANS IN AMERICA'S COMMITTEE OF VETERINARY17
TECHNICIAN SPECIALITIES OR ITS SUCCESSOR ORGANIZATION , WHICH18
ORGANIZATION IS A RECOGNIZED VETERINARY TECHNICIAN SPECIALIST19
ORGANIZATION; OR20
(b) A
NATIONALLY RECOGNIZED VETERINARY TECHNICIAN21
SPECIALIST ORGANIZATION APPROVED BY THE BOARD PURSUANT TO22
SECTION 12-315-201 (1)(c).23
SECTION 3. In Colorado Revised Statutes, 12-315-105, amend24
(1) introductory portion, (1)(j), and (2)(a); and add (1)(r) and (1)(s) as25
follows:26
12-315-105. License requirements and exceptions - definitions27
HB24-1047
-5- - rules. (1) A person AN INDIVIDUAL shall not practice veterinary1
medicine in this state if the person INDIVIDUAL is not a licensed2
veterinarian. A person AN INDIVIDUAL shall not practice artificial3
insemination or ova transplantation of cattle or other animal species in4
this state except in accordance with
RULES ESTABLISHED PURSUANT TO5
section 12-315-106 (5)(c). A
N INDIVIDUAL NOT LICENSED AS A6
VETERINARIAN PURSUANT TO THIS PART 1 SHALL NOT DIAGNOSE, ISSUE7
PROGNOSES FOR, PRESCRIBE FOR, AUTHORIZE TREATMENT PLANS FOR , OR8
PERFORM SURGERY ON AN ANIMAL . This article 315 does not prohibit:9
(j) (I) Any person
INDIVIDUAL from performing duties other than10
diagnosis, prescription, surgery, or initiating treatment under the direction11
and APPROPRIATE LEVEL OF supervision of BY a licensed veterinarian who12
shall be IS responsible for the person's INDIVIDUAL'S performance IN13
ACCORDANCE WITH BOARD RULES ADOPTED PURSUANT TO SECTION14
12-315-105.5
(4); OR15
(II) A
LICENSED VETERINARIAN FROM DELEGATING VETERINARY16
TASKS RELATED TO THE DIAGNOSIS , PROGNOSIS, PRESCRIPTION, OR17
TREATMENT OF, OR THE PERFORMANCE OF SURGERY ON , AN ANIMAL18
UNDER THE LICENSED VETERINARIAN'S SUPERVISION IN ACCORDANCE WITH19
BOARD RULES ADOPTED PURSUANT TO SECTION 12-315-105.5 (4);20
(r) A
N INDIVIDUAL ACTING UNDER THE SUPERVISION OF A21
LICENSED VETERINARIAN FROM PROVIDING CARE TO ANIMALS LOCATED AT22
AN ANIMAL SHELTER THAT ARE THE PROPERTY OF AN ANIMAL SHELTER IF :23
(I) T
HE INDIVIDUAL IS PERFORMING TASKS IN COMPLIANCE WITH24
A WRITTEN OR VERBAL PROTOCOL PROVIDED BY THE SUPERVISING25
LICENSED VETERINARIAN; AND26
(II) T
HE SUPERVISING LICENSED VETERINARIAN HAS DETERMINED27
HB24-1047
-6- THE INDIVIDUAL HAS RECEIVED SUFFICIENT AND PROPER TRAINING ; OR1
(s) A
N INDIVIDUAL FROM PERFORMING ACCEPTED ANIMAL2
HUSBANDRY ON LIVESTOCK AS THOSE TERMS ARE DEFINED IN SECTION3
35-42-103
IF:4
(I) T
HE INDIVIDUAL IS AN OWNER OF AN ANIMAL OR IS AN5
INDIVIDUAL ACTING UNDER THE DIRECTION OF THE OWNER OF THE ANIMAL6
PURSUANT TO SUBSECTION (1)(f)(I) OF THIS SECTION; OR7
(II) T
HE INDIVIDUAL ACTS UNDER THE SUPERVISION OF A LICENSED8
VETERINARIAN AND:9
(A) T
HE SUPERVISING LICENSED VETERINARIAN HAS ESTABLISHED10
A VETERINARIAN-CLIENT-PATIENT RELATIONSHIP WITH THE LIVESTOCK11
AND ITS OWNER;12
(B) T
HE INDIVIDUAL IS PERFORMING TASKS IN COMPLIANCE WITH13
A WRITTEN OR VERBAL PROTOCOL DEVELOPED BY THE SUPERVISING14
LICENSED VETERINARIAN; AND15
(C) T
HE SUPERVISING LICENSED VETERINARIAN HAS DETERMINED16
THE INDIVIDUAL PERFORMING THE TASKS HAS RECEIVED SUFFICIENT AND17
PROPER TRAINING.18
(2) (a) Notwithstanding subsection (1)(f) of this section, and
19
except as permitted by subsection (1)(j) of this section, a person who is20
not a licensed veterinarian shall not administer, distribute, dispense, or21
prescribe prescription drugs. Except as provided in subsection (2)(b) of22
this section, a licensed veterinarian must have a veterinarian-client-patient23
relationship with the animal and its owner or other caretaker in order to24
administer, distribute, dispense, or prescribe prescription drugs to or for25
an animal. A
LICENSED VETERINARIAN MAY DELEGATE THE26
ADMINISTRATION OF PRESCRIPTION DRUGS OR THE FILLING OF A27
HB24-1047
-7- PRESCRIPTION ORDER TO AN INDIVIDUAL UNDER AN APPROPRIATE LEVEL1
OF SUPERVISION DETERMINED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THIS ARTICLE 3152
AND BOARD RULES ADOPTED PURSUANT TO SECTION 12-315-105.5 (4).3
SECTION 4. In Colorado Revised Statutes, add 12-315-105.5 as4
follows:5
12-315-105.5. Delegation to and supervision of veterinary6
technicians, veterinary technician specialists, and other qualified7
personnel - rules. (1) A
LICENSED VETERINARIAN MAY DELEGATE8
VETERINARY MEDICINE TASKS AND DUTIES TO VETERINARY TECHNICIANS9
OR VETERINARY TECHNICIAN SPECIALISTS IN ACCORDANCE WITH THIS10
SECTION AND RULES THAT THE BOARD ADOPTS PURSUANT TO SUBSECTION11
(4)
OF THIS SECTION.12
(2) A
LICENSED VETERINARIAN SHALL ESTABLISH A13
VETERINARIAN-CLIENT-PATIENT RELATIONSHIP WITH AN ANIMAL OR14
GROUP OF ANIMALS AND THE OWNER OF THE ANIMAL OR GROUP OF15
ANIMALS BEFORE THE VETERINARIAN DELEGATES A VETERINARY MEDICINE16
TASK TO A VETERINARY TECHNICIAN , A VETERINARY TECHNICIAN17
SPECIALIST, OR OTHER QUALIFIED PERSONNEL.18
(3) (a) W
HEN DETERMINING WHETHER TO DELEGATE A19
VETERINARY MEDICINE TASK TO A VETERINARY TECHNICIAN , A20
VETERINARY TECHNICIAN SPECIALIST, OR OTHER QUALIFIED PERSONNEL,21
A LICENSED VETERINARIAN SHALL CONSIDER :22
(I) T
HE LEVEL OF EDUCATION, SKILLS, TRAINING, LICENSING, AND23
EXPERIENCE OF THE VETERINARY TECHNICIAN , THE VETERINARY24
TECHNICIAN SPECIALIST, OR OTHER QUALIFIED PERSONNEL;25
(II) T
HE APPROPRIATE LEVEL OF SUPERVISION FOR THE DELEGATED26
VETERINARY MEDICINE TASK PURSUANT TO SUBSECTION (4) OF THIS27
HB24-1047
-8- SECTION AND, IF RULES HAVE BEEN ESTABLISHED BY THE BOARD , ANY1
APPLICABLE RULES ESTABLISHED BY THE BOARD PURSUANT TO2
SUBSECTION (4) OF THIS SECTION; AND3
(III) W
HETHER THE DELEGATION OF THE VETERINARY MEDICINE4
TASK COMPLIES WITH ALL APPLICABLE STATE AND FEDERAL LAWS .5
(b) (I) I
F A LICENSED VETERINARIAN DELEGATES A VETERINARY6
MEDICINE TASK TO A VETERINARY TECHNICIAN , VETERINARY TECHNICIAN7
SPECIALIST, OR OTHER QUALIFIED PERSONNEL AND THAT TASK IS COVERED8
BY RULES ESTABLISHED PURSUANT TO SUBSECTION (4) OF THIS SECTION OR9
AN APPLICABLE BOARD RULE, THE LICENSED VETERINARIAN MUST PROVIDE10
SUPERVISION AT LEAST AT THE LEVEL OF SUPERVISION PRESCRIBED BY11
RULE.12
(II) I
F A LICENSED VETERINARIAN DELEGATES A VETERINARY13
MEDICINE TASK TO A VETERINARY TECHNICIAN , VETERINARY TECHNICIAN14
SPECIALIST, OR OTHER QUALIFIED PERSONNEL AND THAT TASK IS NOT15
COVERED BY RULES ESTABLISHED PURSUANT TO SUBSECTION (4) OF THIS16
SECTION OR AN APPLICABLE BOARD RULE , THE LICENSED VETERINARIAN17
MAY DELEGATE THE TASK AT AN APPROPRIATE LEVEL OF SUPERVISION , AS18
DETERMINED BY THE LICENSED VETER INARIAN IN ACCORDANCE WITH THIS19
SECTION.20
(4) O
N OR BEFORE SEPTEMBER 1, 2025, THE BOARD SHALL ADOPT21
RULES REGARDING THE FOLLOWING VETERINARY MEDICINE TASKS THAT22
A LICENSED VETERINARIAN MAY DELEGATE TO A VETERINARY TECHNICIAN23
OR A VETERINARY TECHNICIAN SPECIALIST AND THE APPROPRIATE LEVEL24
OF SUPERVISION FOR A VETERINARY TECHNICIAN OR A VETERINARY25
TECHNICIAN SPECIALIST TO PERFORM THOSE TASKS :26
(a) A
LICENSED VETERINARIAN MAY DELEGATE THE FOLLOWING27
HB24-1047
-9- TASKS TO A VETERINARY TECHNICIAN OR VETERINARY TECHNICIAN1
SPECIALIST WHO IS UNDER THE LICENSED VETERINARIAN 'S IMMEDIATE2
SUPERVISION:3
(I) A
SSISTING IN SURGICAL PROCEDURES; AND4
(II) T
HE PLACEMENT OF ABDOMINAL , THORACIC,5
ESOPHAGOSTOMY, OR PERCUTANEOUS ENDOSCOPIC GASTROSTOMY TUBES ;6
(b) A
LICENSED VETERINARIAN MAY DELEGATE THE FOLLOWING7
TASKS TO A VETERINARY TECHNICIAN OR VETERINARY TECHNICIAN8
SPECIALIST WHO IS UNDER AT LEAST DIRECT SUPERVISION BY THE9
LICENSED VETERINARIAN:10
(I) D
ENTAL PROCEDURES, INCLUDING:11
(A) R
EMOVING CALCULUS, SOFT DEPOSITS, PLAQUE, AND STAINS;12
(B) S
MOOTHING, FILING, AND POLISHING OF TEETH;13
(C) S
INGLE ROOT EXTRACTIONS THAT DO NOT REQUIRE14
SECTIONING OF THE TOOTH OR SECTIONING OF THE BONE ; AND15
(D) S
UTURING A GINGIVAL INCISION;16
(II) E
UTHANASIA; AND17
(III) P
LACEMENT OF EPIDURAL AND INTRAOSSEOUS CATHETERS ;18
(c) A
LICENSED VETERINARIAN MAY DELEGATE THE FOLLOWING19
TASKS TO A VETERINARY TECHNICIAN OR VETERINARY TECHNICIAN20
SPECIALIST WHO IS UNDER AT LEAST INDIRECT SUPERVISION BY THE21
LICENSED VETERINARIAN:22
(I) U
NLESS PROHIBITED BY STATE OR FEDERAL LAW , THE23
ADMINISTRATION AND APPLICATION OF TREATMENTS , INCLUDING:24
(A) P
RESCRIPTION DRUGS;25
(B) M
EDICATIONS;26
(C) C
ONTROLLED SUBSTANCES ;27
HB24-1047
-10- (D) ENEMAS; AND1
(E) B
IOLOGICAL IMMUNOLOGICAL AGENTS ;2
(II) I
NTRAVENOUS AND INTRA-ARTERIAL CATHETERIZATIONS AND3
MAINTENANCE;4
(III) I
MAGING, INCLUDING RADIOGRAPHY , ULTRASONOGRAPHY ,5
COMPUTED TOMOGRAPHY , MAGNETIC RESONANCE IMAGING , AND6
FLUOROSCOPY AND THE ADMINISTRATION OF RADIOPAQUE AGENTS OR7
MATERIALS;8
(IV) U
NLESS PROHIBITED BY STATE OR FEDERAL LAW , THE9
COLLECTION OF:10
(A) B
LOOD;11
(B) C
ELLULAR OR MICROBIOLOGICAL SAMPLES THROUGH SKIN12
SCRAPINGS, IMPRESSIONS, OR OTHER NONSURGICAL METHODS ; AND13
(C) U
RINE THROUGH BLADDER EXPRESSION , UNOBSTRUCTED14
CATHETERIZATION, OR INSERTION OF AN INDWELLING URINARY CATHETER ;15
(V) M
ONITORING OF:16
(A) A
N ELECTROCARDIOGRAM , OR "EKG";17
(B) B
LOOD PRESSURE; AND18
(C) C
ARBON DIOXIDE AND BLOOD OXYGEN SATURATION ;19
(VI) C
LINICAL LABORATORY TEST PROCEDURES ;20
(VII) H
ANDLING AND DISPOSING OF BIOHAZARDOUS WASTE21
MATERIALS;22
(VIII) I
MPLANTATION OF A SUBCUTANEOUS MICROCHIP ;23
(IX) L
ASER THERAPY;24
(X) A
NIMAL REHABILITATION THERAPIES;25
(XI) O
CULAR TONOMETRY , SCHIRMER TEAR TESTS , OR26
FLUORESCEIN STAIN APPLICATION;27
HB24-1047
-11- (XII) SUTURE AND STAPLE REMOVAL ;1
(XIII) A
PPLICATION OF SPLINTS AND SLINGS FOR THE TEMPORARY2
IMMOBILIZATION OF FRACTURES;3
(XIV) A
DMINISTRATION OF CHEMOTHERAPY OR RADIATION4
THERAPY;5
(XV) R
EPRODUCTIVE ULTRASOUND AND SEMEN EVALUATION ;6
(XVI) B
LOOD OR BLOOD COMPONENT COLLECTION , PREPARATION,7
AND ADMINISTRATION FOR TRANSFUSION OR BLOOD BANKING PURPOSES ;8
(XVII) P
LACEMENT OF GASTRIC , NASOGASTRIC, OR9
NASOESOPHAGEAL TUBES ;10
(XVIII) E
AR FLUSHING WITH PRESSURE OR SUCTION ;11
(XIX) F
LUID ASPIRATION FROM A BODY CAVITY OR ORGAN ;12
(XX) S
UTURING, STAPLING, OR GLUING AN EXISTING SURGICAL13
SKIN INCISION OR SKIN LACERATION NOT PENETRATING A JOINT OR BODY14
CAVITY, INCLUDING MINOR WOUND MANAGEMENT AND DEBRIDEMENT ;15
(XXI) P
LACEMENT OF NASAL CATHETERS ; AND16
(XXII) E
MERGENCY PATIENT CARE, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED17
TO:18
(A) A
PPLICATION OF TOURNIQUETS OR PRESSURE PROCEDURES TO19
CONTROL HEMORRHAGE ;20
(B) A
PPLICATION OF APPROPRIATE WOUND DRESSINGS ;21
(C) R
ESUSCITATIVE OXYGEN PROCEDURES ;22
(D) A
NTI-SEIZURE TREATMENT;23
(E) S
UPPORTIVE TREATMENT IN HEAT PROSTRATION CASES ;24
(F) A
DMINISTRATION OF A DRUG, CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE , OR25
PARENTERAL FLUIDS TO MANAGE AND CONTROL PAIN , PREVENT FURTHER26
INJURY, PREVENT OR CONTROL SHOCK, OR PREVENT THE SUFFERING OF AN27
HB24-1047
-12- ANIMAL, UP TO AND INCLUDING EUTHANASIA NOTWITHSTANDING1
SUBSECTION (4)(b)(II) OF THIS SECTION; AND2
(G) I
NITIATION AND PERFORMANCE OF CARDIOPULMONARY3
RESUSCITATION, OR "CPR", INCLUDING ADMINISTRATION OF MEDICATION4
AND DEFIBRILLATION, AND IMMEDIATE POST-RESUSCITATION CARE.5
(d) A
LICENSED VETERINARIAN MAY DELEGATE THE TREATMENT6
OF MINOR MEDICAL CONDITIONS THAT ARISE FOR A PATIENT , AS7
DETERMINED BY THE LICENSED VETERINARIAN , TO A VETERINARY8
TECHNICIAN WITH ADVANCED EXPERIEN CE OR A VETERINARY TECHNICIAN9
SPECIALIST WHO IS UNDER THE LICENSED VETERINARIAN 'S SUPERVISION IF:10
(I)
THE LICENSED VETERINARI AN HAS A VALID AND CURRENT11
VETERINARIAN-CLIENT-PATIENT RELATIONSHIP FOR THE PATIENT;12
(II) T
HE TREATMENT IS PERFORMED IN CONSULTATION WITH THE13
LICENSED VETERINARIAN UNDER AT LEAST INDIRECT SUPERVISION AND14
UNDER PREVIOUSLY ESTABLISHED WRITTEN PROTOCOLS ; AND15
(III) T
HE LICENSED VETERINARIAN WILL BE ABLE TO STEP IN TO16
PERFORM THE TREATMENT IF IT IS DETERMINED THAT THE CONDITION OF17
THE PATIENT REQUIRES CARE BEYOND THE ABILITIES OF THE VETERINARY18
TECHNICIAN OR VETERINARY TECHNICIAN SPECIALIST .19
(5) T
HE BOARD SHALL REVIEW AND UPDATE THE RULES20
PROMULGATED PURSUANT TO SUBSECTION (4) OF THIS SECTION AS21
NECESSARY TO ACCOUNT FOR DEVELOPMENTS IN THE PRACTICE OF22
VETERINARY MEDICINE AND VETERINARY TECHNOLOGY .23
(6) A
LICENSED VETERINARIAN MAY DELEGATE ANY VETERINARY24
MEDICINE TASK TO A VETERINARY TECHNICIAN SPECIALIST WHO IS UNDER25
AT LEAST INDIRECT SUPERVISION BY THE LICENSED VETERINARIAN IF THE26
LICENSED VETERINARIAN DETERMINES THE TASK IS WITHIN THE27
HB24-1047
-13- VETERINARY TECHNICIAN SPECIALIST'S TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE AND IS1
OTHERWISE NOT IN CONFLICT WITH THIS ARTICLE 315 OR ANY OTHER2
STATE OR FEDERAL LAW.3
(7)
A LICENSED VETERINARIAN MAY DELEGATE ANY VETERINARY4
MEDICINE TASK TO AN INDIVIDUAL WHO IS NOT A VETERINARY TECHNICIAN5
OR VETERINARY TECHNICIAN SPECIALIST IF THE INDIVIDUAL IS UNDER THE6
LICENSED VETERINARIAN'S DIRECT OR IMMEDIATE SUPERVISION WHEN7
PERFORMING THE VETERINARY MEDICINE TASK .8
SECTION 5. In Colorado Revised Statutes, 12-315-106, amend9
(5)(a) and (5)(b) as follows:10
12-315-106. Board of veterinary medicine - creation - powers11
- rules. (5) The board has the power to:12
(a) Examine and determine the qualifications and fitness of13
applicants for a license to practice veterinary medicine, or
for registration14
as a veterinary technician,
OR FOR DESIGNATION AS A VETERINARY15
TECHNICIAN SPECIALIST in this state;16
(b) Pursuant to section 12-20-404, issue, renew, deny, suspend, or17
revoke licenses to practice veterinary medicine, or
registrations of18
veterinary technicians,
AND DESIGNATIONS OF REGISTERED VETERINARY19
TECHNICIANS AS VETERINARY TECHNICIAN SPECIALISTS in the state or20
otherwise discipline or fine, or both, licensees or registrants consistent21
with this article 315 and the rules adopted by the board under this article22
315;23
SECTION 6. In Colorado Revised Statutes, 12-315-110, amend24
(3)(a)(II) as follows:25
12-315-110. License renewal - waiver - rules - continuing26
education. (3) (a) (II) The board-approved continuing educational27
HB24-1047
-14- program must:1
(A) Require two hours of jurisprudence on the "Colorado2
Veterinary Practice Act" biennially; and3
(B) Permit a licensee to take up to sixteen hours of continuing4
education courses in nonbiomedical topics, which topics may include5
client communication, management, leadership, and other topics that6
support veterinary practice and a highly functional veterinary workforce;7
AND8
(C) R
EQUIRE TWO HOURS EACH LICENSING PERIOD ON TOPICS9
RELATED TO THE DELEGATION OF VETERINARY MEDICINE TASKS AND THE10
SUPERVISION OF VETERINARY TECHNICIANS , VETERINARY TECHNICIAN11
SPECIALISTS, AND OTHER PERSONNEL.12
SECTION 7. In Colorado Revised Statutes, 12-315-112, amend13
(1)(ee) as follows:14
12-315-112. Discipline of licensees. (1) Upon receipt of a signed15
complaint by a complainant or upon its own motion, the board may16
proceed to a hearing in accordance with section 12-315-113. After a17
hearing, and by a concurrence of a majority of members, the board may18
take disciplinary or other action as authorized in section 12-20-40419
against an applicant for a license or a licensed veterinarian for any of the20
following reasons:21
(ee) Failure to properly supervise a veterinary student, a veterinary22
student preceptor, a veterinary technician, or
A VETERINARY TECHNICIAN23
SPECIALIST, other veterinary staff, OR OTHER INDIVIDUALS WHO ARE24
PERFORMING VETERINARY MEDICINE TASKS UNDER A LICENSED25
VETERINARIAN'S SUPERVISION;26
SECTION 8. In Colorado Revised Statutes, 12-315-201, amend27
HB24-1047
-15- (1) introductory portion and (2); and add (1)(c), (1)(d), and (1.5) as1
follows:2
12-315-201. Additional board duties - rules - repeal. (1) In3
addition to any other duties specified in this part 2 or section 12-315-1064
AND SECTIONS 12-315-105.5 AND 12-315-106, the board shall:5
(c) A
PPROVE NATIONALLY RECOGNIZED VETERINARY TECHNICIAN6
SPECIALIST CERTIFICATION ORGANIZATIONS FOR THE PURPOSES OF7
DESIGNATING VETERINARY TECHNICIAN SPECIALISTS IN THIS STATE ; AND8
(d) A
DOPT ANY RULES NECESSARY FOR THE DELEGATION OF9
VETERINARY TASKS TO VETERINARY TECHNICIANS AND V ETERINARY10
TECHNICIAN SPECIALISTS AND FOR THE SUPERVISION OF THOSE DELEGATED11
TASKS BY A LICENSED VETERINARIAN .12
(1.5) T
HE BOARD SHALL NOT:13
(a) C
HARGE A FEE IN ADDITION TO THE REGISTRATION FEE14
CHARGED PURSUANT TO SECTION 12-315-123 FOR THE DESIGNATION OF15
VETERINARY TECHNICIAN SPECIALISTS ; OR16
(b) I
NCREASE THE AMOUNT OF THE REGISTRATION FEE CHARGED17
PURSUANT TO SECTION 12-315-123 FOR VETERINARY TECHNICIANS WHO18
SEEK VETERINARY TECHNICIAN SPECIALIST DESIGNATION TO AN AMOUNT19
THAT IS MORE THAN THE REGISTRATION FEE THAT IS REQUIRED OF OTHER20
VETERINARY TECHNICIANS.21
(2) If the board does not approve a credentialing organization for22
purposes of credentialing veterinary technicians
OR VETERINARY23
TECHNICIAN SPECIALISTS in this state pursuant to subsection (1)(a) OR24
(1)(c) of this section because there is no credentialing organization that25
meets the requirements set forth in subsections (1)(a)(I) to (1)(a)(IV)
OR26
SUBSECTION (1)(c) of this section or for any other reason, the board shall27
HB24-1047
-16- establish by rule and administer a credentialing process for veterinary1
technician registration
OR VETERINARY TECHNICIAN SPECIALIST2
DESIGNATION pursuant to this part 2.3
SECTION 9. In Colorado Revised Statutes, 12-315-203, add4
(4.5) as follows:5
12-315-203. Application for veterinary technician registration6
- qualifications - provisional registration - fee - veterinary technician7
specialist designation - rules - repeal. (4.5) (a) O
N AND AFTER JANUARY8
1,
2026, A VETERINARY TECHNICIAN MAY APPLY TO THE BOARD FOR9
DESIGNATION AS A VETERINARY TECHNICIAN SPECIALIST AS PART OF AN10
APPLICATION FOR A NEW OR A RENEWAL REGISTRATION AS A VETERINARY11
TECHNICIAN.12
(b) T
O OBTAIN A VETERINARY TECHNICIAN SPECIALIST13
DESIGNATION, AN APPLICANT MUST DEMONSTRATE TO THE BOARD 'S14
SATISFACTION, IN THE FORM AND MANNER SPECIFIED BY THE BOARD BY15
RULE, THAT THE APPLICANT HAS BEEN AWARDED A SPECIALIST16
DESIGNATION OR CERTIFICATION FROM :17
(I) A
N ACADEMY RECOGNIZED BY THE NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF18
V
ETERINARY TECHNICIANS IN AMERICA'S COMMITTEE OF VETERINARY19
TECHNICIAN SPECIALITIES, OR ITS SUCCESSOR ORGANIZATION; OR20
(II) A
N ORGANIZATION THAT THE BOARD HAS DETERMINED BY21
RULE TO HAVE EQUIVALENT TRAINING AND EDUCATIONAL REQUIREMENTS22
PURSUANT TO SECTION 12-315-201 (1)(c).23
SECTION 10. In Colorado Revised Statutes, amend 12-315-20424
as follows:25
12-315-204. Use of title restricted. (1) On and after January 1,26
2024, only a person
AN INDIVIDUAL who is registered pursuant to this part27
HB24-1047
-17- 2 SECTION 12-315-203 may use the title "veterinary technician" or1
"registered veterinary technician" or the initials "VT" or "RVT".2
(2) O
N AND AFTER JANUARY 1, 2026, ONLY AN INDIVIDUAL WHO3
HAS A VETERINARY TECHNICIAN SPECIALIST DESIGNATION PURSUANT TO4
SECTION 12-315-203 (4.5) MAY USE THE TITLE "VETERINARY TECHNICIAN5
SPECIALIST" OR "REGISTERED VETERINARY TECHNICIAN SPECIALIST " OR6
THE INITIALS "VTS" OR "RVTS".7
SECTION 11. In Colorado Revised Statutes, 12-315-206, amend8
(3) as follows:9
12-315-206. Expiration, renewal, reinstatement, or10
reactivation of a registration - inactive status - rules - definition.11
(3) (a) The board shall not renew, reinstate, or reactivate a registration12
issued pursuant to section 12-315-203 (3) unless the veterinary technician13
demonstrates to the board's satisfaction that the veterinary technician14
maintains active credentialing with the credentialing organization. Subject15
to board rule, the evidence may be provided by an attestation on the16
registration application.17
(b) T
HE BOARD SHALL NOT RENEW A VETERINARY TECHNICIAN 'S18
DESIGNATION AS A SPECIALIST OBTAINED PURSUANT TO SECTION19
12-315-203
(4.5) UNLESS THE VETERINARY TECHNICIAN SPECIALIST20
DEMONSTRATES TO THE BOARD 'S SATISFACTION THAT THE VETERINARY21
TECHNICIAN SPECIALIST HAS SATISFIED THE CONTINUING EDUCATION22
REQUIREMENTS OF THE CREDENTIALING ORGANIZATION THAT ARE23
NECESSARY TO MAINTAIN AN ACTIVE DESIGNATION OR CERTIFICATION AS24
A VETERINARY TECHNICIAN SPECIALIST.25
SECTION 12. In Colorado Revised Statutes, 12-315-207, amend26
(1) introductory portion, (1)(e), and (1)(n) as follows:27
HB24-1047
-18- 12-315-207. Discipline of a registered veterinary technician -1
repeal. (1) Upon receipt of a signed complaint by a complainant or upon2
its own motion, the board may proceed to a hearing in accordance with3
section 12-315-113. After a hearing, and by a concurrence of a majority4
of members, the board may take disciplinary action as authorized in5
section 12-20-404 against an applicant for a registration, or a registered6
veterinary technician,
OR A VETERINARY TECHNICIAN SPECIALIST for any7
of the following reasons:8
(e) Unprofessional or unethical conduct or engaging in practices9
that are in violation of generally accepted standards for practice as a10
veterinary technician
OR AS A VETERINARY TECHNICIAN SPECIALIST or11
prescribed by the rules of the board;12
(n) Practicing or performing services beyond a registrant's
THE13
scope of competence
OF A REGISTERED VETERINARY TECHNICIAN OR A14
DESIGNATED VETERINARY TECHNICIAN SPECIALIST OR WITHOUT THE15
APPROPRIATE LEVEL OF SUPERVISION BY A LICENSED VETERINARIAN ;16
SECTION 13. In Colorado Revised Statutes, amend 12-315-20917
as follows:18
12-315-209. Duties of licensed veterinarian - supervision of19
veterinary technicians and veterinary technician specialists - rules.20
(1) A veterinary technician
OR VETERINARY TECHNICIAN SPECIALIST is21
authorized to provide care to animals under the direction and
22
APPROPRIATE LEVEL OF supervision, as defined DETERMINED by the board23
by rule of PURSUANT TO SECTION 12-315-105.5 (4), BY a licensed24
veterinarian who is responsible for the veterinary technician's
OR25
VETERINARY TECHNICIAN SPECIALIST 'S performance. The licensed26
veterinarian directing
DELEGATING TASKS TO and supervising the27
HB24-1047
-19- veterinary technician OR VETERINARY TECHNICIAN SPECIALIST is1
responsible for the care of the animal.2
(2) Nothing in this part 2 prohibits a person who is not a3
veterinary technician
OR VETERINARY TECHNICIAN SPECIALIST pursuant4
to this part 2 from performing tasks relating to animal care under the5
direction and
DIRECT OR IMMEDIATE supervision of a licensed veterinarian6
who is responsible for the care of the animal.7
SECTION 14. In Colorado Revised Statutes, amend 12-315-2108
as follows:9
12-315-210. Unauthorized practice - penalties. A person who10
practices or offers or attempts to practice as a veterinary technician11
without an active registration issued under this part 2
OR AS A12
VETERINARY TECHNICIAN SPECIALIST WITHOUT AN ACTIVE VETERINARY13
TECHNICIAN SPECIALIST DESIGNATION UNDER THIS PART 2 is subject to14
penalties pursuant to section 12-20-407 (1)(a).15
SECTION 15. Act subject to petition - effective date. This act16
takes effect at 12:01 a.m. on the day following the expiration of the17
ninety-day period after final adjournment of the general assembly; except18
that, if a referendum petition is filed pursuant to section 1 (3) of article V19
of the state constitution against this act or an item, section, or part of this20
act within such period, then the act, item, section, or part will not take21
effect unless approved by the people at the general election to be held in22
November 2024 and, in such case, will take effect on the date of the23
official declaration of the vote thereon by the governor.24
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