Second Regular Session
Seventy-fourth General Assembly
STATE OF COLORADO
REREVISED
This Version Includes All Amendments
Adopted in the Second House
LLS NO. 24-0357.01 Christopher McMichael x4775
HOUSE BILL 24-1047
House Committees Senate Committees
Agriculture, Water & Natural Resources Agriculture & 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 THE DELEGATION OF CERTAIN
104
TASKS TO VETERINARY TECHNICIANS , VETERINARY TECHNICIAN105
SPECIALISTS, OR OTHER PERSONNEL BY A LICENSED106
VETERINARIAN AND ESTABLISHING A VETERINARY TECHNICIAN107
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
SENATE
3rd Reading Unamended
February 26, 2024
SENATE
2nd Reading Unamended
February 23, 2024
HOUSE
3rd Reading Unamended
February 12, 2024
HOUSE
Amended 2nd Reading
February 9, 2024
HOUSE SPONSORSHIP
McCormick and Catlin, McLachlan, Amabile, Bacon, Bird, Boesenecker, Brown,
Clifford, Froelich, Garcia, Hamrick, Jodeh, Kipp, Lieder, Lindsay, Lindstedt, Lukens,
Marshall, Martinez, Mauro, McCluskie, Ortiz, Ricks, Rutinel, Snyder, Story, Titone, Winter
T., Woodrow, Young
SENATE SPONSORSHIP
Roberts and Simpson, Bridges, Pelton B., Pelton R., Danielson, Fields, Ginal, Hansen,
Kirkmeyer, Liston, Marchman, Michaelson Jenet, Priola, Will
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
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), and (21.5); and add (5.5), (16.3), (16.5), and14
(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
TASK UNDER THE APPROPRIATE LEVEL OF SUPERVISION20
BY THE LICENSED VETERINARIAN AFTER THE LICENSED VETERINARIAN HAS21
DETERMINED THAT THE INDIVIDUAL IS COMPETENT TO PERFORM THE 22
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
TASKS THAT HAVE BEEN26
DELEGATED TO AN INDIVIDUAL.27
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 TASKS THAT HAVE BEEN DELEGATED BY THE5
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) treatment or collection of diagnostic information of a patient10
at veterinary premises without being on the premises but being PROVIDES11
EITHER WRITTEN OR VERBAL INSTRUCTIONS FOR THE TASKS THAT HAVE12
BEEN DELEGATED TO AN INDIVIDUAL ; AND13
(b) I
S readily available for communication.14
(13) "Patient" means an
ANY animal OR GROUP OF ANIMALS that15
is examined or treated by a licensed veterinarian and includes herds,16
flocks, litters, and other groups of animals.17
(16.3) "S
UPERVISING LICENSED VETERINARIAN " MEANS A18
LICENSED VETERINARIAN IN THE STATE WHO DELEGATES AND ASSUMES19
RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE VETERINARY CARE PROVIDED TO A PATIENT BY20
AN INDIVIDUAL EMPLOYED
AT THE SAME PHYSICAL PRACTICE LOCATION21
AND WORKING OUT OF THE SAME PHYSICAL PREMISES AS THE LICENSED22
VETERINARIAN AND WORKING UNDER AN APPROPRIATE LEVEL OF23
SUPERVISION BY THE LICENSED VETERINARIAN .24
(16.5) (a) "S
UPERVISION" MEANS A LICENSED VETERINARIAN 'S25
OVERSIGHT AND MONITORING OF ANOTHER INDIVIDUAL 'S ASSISTANCE IN26
THE TREATMENT OF ANIMALS AS PART OF THE VETERINARIAN 'S PRACTICE27
1047
-4- OF VETERINARY MEDICINE.1
(b) "S
UPERVISION" INCLUDES:2
(I) D
IRECT SUPERVISION;3
(II) I
MMEDIATE SUPERVISION; AND4
(III) I
NDIRECT SUPERVISION.5
(21) "Veterinary premises" or "premises" means a veterinary6
office, hospital, clinic,
BUILDING, MOBILE UNIT, FACILITY, or temporary
7
OTHER location where veterinary medicine is being practiced MEDICAL8
SERVICES ARE PROVIDED by or under the direction and supervision of a9
licensed veterinarian.10
(21.5) "Veterinary professional" means a veterinarian licensed11
pursuant to this part 1 and OR a veterinary technician OR VETERINARY12
TECHNICIAN SPECIALIST registered pursuant to part 2 of this article 315.13
14
(26) "V
ETERINARY TECHNICIAN SPECIALIST" MEANS A VETERINARY15
TECHNICIAN WHO HAS BEEN AWARDED DESIGNATION FROM :16
(a) A
N ACADEMY RECOGNIZED BY THE NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF17
V
ETERINARY TECHNICIANS IN AMERICA'S COMMITTEE OF VETERINARY18
TECHNICIAN SPECIALITIES OR ITS SUCCESSOR ORGANIZATION , WHICH19
ORGANIZATION IS A RECOGNIZED VETERINARY TECHNICIAN SPECIALIST20
ORGANIZATION; OR21
(b) A
NATIONALLY RECOGNIZED VETERINARY TECHNICIAN22
SPECIALIST ORGANIZATION APPROVED BY THE BOARD PURSUANT TO23
SECTION 12-315-201 (1)(c).24
SECTION 3. In Colorado Revised Statutes, 12-315-105, amend25
(1) introductory portion, (1)(j), and (2)(a); and add
(1)(r), (1)(s), and26
(1)(t) as follows:27
1047
-5- 12-315-105. License requirements and exceptions - definitions1
- rules. (1) A person AN INDIVIDUAL shall not practice veterinary2
medicine in this state if the person INDIVIDUAL is not a licensed3
veterinarian. A person AN INDIVIDUAL shall not practice artificial4
insemination or ova transplantation of cattle or other animal species in5
this state except in accordance with
RULES ESTABLISHED PURSUANT TO6
section 12-315-106 (5)(c). A
N INDIVIDUAL NOT LICENSED AS A7
VETERINARIAN PURSUANT TO THIS PART 1 SHALL NOT DIAGNOSE, ISSUE8
PROGNOSES FOR, PRESCRIBE FOR,
OR PERFORM SURGERY ON AN9
ANIMAL. This article 315 does not prohibit:10
(j) Any person INDIVIDUAL from performing duties other than11
diagnosis, prescription, surgery, or initiating treatment TASKS under the12
direction and APPROPRIATE LEVEL OF supervision of BY a licensed13
veterinarian who shall be IS responsible for the person's INDIVIDUAL'S14
performance
IN ACCORDANCE WITH BOARD RULES ADOPTED PURSUANT TO1512-315-105.5.16
(r) A
N INDIVIDUAL ACTING UNDER
AT LEAST INDIRECT17
SUPERVISION OF A LICENSED VETERINARIAN FROM PROVIDING CARE TO18
ANIMALS LOCATED AT AN ANIMAL SHELTER THAT ARE THE PROPERTY OR19
UNDER THE STEWARDSHIP OF AN ANIMAL SHELTER IF :20
(I) T
HE INDIVIDUAL IS PERFORMING TASKS IN COMPLIANCE WITH21
A WRITTEN OR VERBAL PROTOCOL PROVIDED BY THE SUPERVISING22
LICENSED VETERINARIAN; AND23
(II) T
HE SUPERVISING LICENSED VETERINARIAN HAS DETERMINED24
THE INDIVIDUAL HAS RECEIVED SUFFICIENT AND PROPER TRAINING ;25
(s) AN INDIVIDUAL FROM PERFORMING ACCEPTED ANIMAL26
HUSBANDRY ON LIVESTOCK AS THOSE TERMS ARE DEFINED IN SECTION27
1047
-6- 35-42-103 IF THE INDIVIDUAL IS AN OWNER OF AN ANIMAL OR IS AN1
INDIVIDUAL ACTING UNDER THE DIRECTION OF THE OWNER OF THE ANIMAL2
PURSUANT TO SUBSECTION (1)(f)(I) OF THIS SECTION; OR3
(t) AN INDIVIDUAL FROM PERFORMING TASKS ON LIVESTOCK4
UNDER THE SUPERVISION OF A LICENSED VETERINARIAN AND :5
(I) THE SUPERVISING LICENSED VETERINARIAN HAS ESTABLISHED6
A VETERINARIAN-CLIENT-PATIENT RELATIONSHIP WITH THE LIVESTOCK7
AND THE OWNER OF THE LIVESTOCK ;8
(II) THE INDIVIDUAL IS PERFORMING TASKS IN COMPLIANCE WITH9
WRITTEN OR VERBAL INSTRUCTIONS OR COMMUNICATIONS DEVELOPED BY10
THE SUPERVISING LICENSED VETERINARIAN ; AND11
(III) THE SUPERVISING LICENSED VETERINARIAN HAS DETERMINED12
THE INDIVIDUAL PERFORMING THE TASKS HAS RECEIVED SUFFICIENT AND13
PROPER TRAINING.14
(2) (a) Notwithstanding subsection (1)(f) of this section, and15
except as permitted by subsection (1)(j) of this section, a person who is16
not a licensed veterinarian shall not administer, distribute, dispense, or17
prescribe prescription drugs. Except as provided in subsection (2)(b) of18
this section, a licensed veterinarian must have a veterinarian-client-patient19
relationship with the animal and its owner or other caretaker in order to20
administer, distribute, dispense, or prescribe prescription drugs to or for21
an animal. A
LICENSED VETERINARIAN MAY DELEGATE THE22
ADMINISTRATION OF PRESCRIPTION DRUGS OR THE FILLING OF A23
PRESCRIPTION ORDER TO AN INDIVIDUAL UNDER AN APPROPRIATE LEVEL24
OF SUPERVISION DETERMINED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THIS ARTICLE 31525
AND BOARD RULES ADOPTED PURSUANT TO SECTION 12-315-105.5 (4).26
SECTION 4. In Colorado Revised Statutes, add 12-315-105.5 as27
1047
-7- follows:1
12-315-105.5. Delegation to and supervision of veterinary2
technicians, veterinary technician specialists, and other qualified3
personnel - rules. (1) A
LICENSED VETERINARIAN MAY DELEGATE
TASKS4
IN ACCORDANCE WITH THIS SECTION AND RULES ADOPTED BY THE BOARD5
PURSUANT TO THIS SECTION.6
(2) A LICENSED VETERINARIAN SHALL ESTABLISH A7
VETERINARIAN-CLIENT-PATIENT RELATIONSHIP BEFORE THE8
VETERINARIAN DELEGATES A TASK TO A VETERINARY TECHNICIAN, A9
VETERINARY TECHNICIAN SPECIALIST , OR OTHER QUALIFIED PERSONNEL.10
(3) (a) W
HEN DETERMINING WHETHER TO DELEGATE A
TASK TO11
A VETERINARY TECHNICIAN, A VETERINARY TECHNICIAN SPECIALIST, OR12
OTHER QUALIFIED PERSONNEL , A LICENSED VETERINARIAN SHALL13
CONSIDER:14
(I) T
HE LEVEL OF EDUCATION, SKILLS, TRAINING, LICENSING, AND15
EXPERIENCE OF THE VETERINARY TECHNICIAN , THE VETERINARY16
TECHNICIAN SPECIALIST, OR OTHER QUALIFIED PERSONNEL;17
(II) T
HE APPROPRIATE LEVEL OF SUPERVISION FOR THE DELEGATED 18
TASK PURSUANT TO SUBSECTIONS (4), (6), AND (7) OF THIS SECTION19
AND, IF RULES HAVE BEEN ESTABLISHED BY THE BOARD , ANY APPLICABLE20
RULES ESTABLISHED BY THE BOARD PURSUANT TO SUBSECTION (4) OF THIS21
SECTION; AND22
(III) W
HETHER THE DELEGATION OF THE
TASK COMPLIES WITH23
ALL APPLICABLE STATE AND FEDERAL LAWS .24
(b) (I) I
F A LICENSED VETERINARIAN DELEGATES A
TASK TO A25
VETERINARY TECHNICIAN , VETERINARY TECHNICIAN SPECIALIST , OR26
OTHER QUALIFIED PERSONNEL AND THAT TASK IS COVERED BY RULES27
1047
-8- ESTABLISHED PURSUANT TO SUBSECTION (4) OF THIS SECTION OR AN1
APPLICABLE BOARD RULE, THE LICENSED VETERINARIAN MUST PROVIDE2
SUPERVISION AT LEAST AT THE LEVEL OF SUPERVISION PRESCRIBED BY3
RULE.4
(II) I
F A LICENSED VETERINARIAN DELEGATES A
TASK TO A5
VETERINARY TECHNICIAN , VETERINARY TECHNICIAN SPECIALIST , OR6
OTHER QUALIFIED PERSONNEL AND THAT TASK IS NOT COVERED BY RULES7
ESTABLISHED PURSUANT TO SUBSECTION (4) OF THIS SECTION OR AN8
APPLICABLE BOARD RULE, THE LICENSED VETERINARIAN MAY DELEGATE9
THE TASK AT AN APPROPRIATE LEVEL OF SUPERVISION, AS DETERMINED BY10
THE LICENSED VETERINARIAN IN ACCORDANCE WITH THIS PART 1.11
(4) O
N OR BEFORE SEPTEMBER 1, 2025, THE BOARD SHALL ADOPT12
RULES REGARDING THE FOLLOWING
TASKS THAT A LICENSED13
VETERINARIAN MAY DELEGATE TO A VETERINARY TECHNICIAN OR A14
VETERINARY TECHNICIAN SPECIALIST AND THE STATED LEVEL OF15
SUPERVISION TO PERFORM THOSE TASKS :16
(a) A
LICENSED VETERINARIAN MAY DELEGATE THE FOLLOWING17
TASKS TO A VETERINARY TECHNICIAN OR VETERINARY TECHNICIAN18
SPECIALIST WHO IS UNDER THE LICENSED VETERINARIAN 'S IMMEDIATE19
SUPERVISION:20
(I) A
SSISTING IN SURGICAL PROCEDURES; AND21
(II) T
HE PLACEMENT OF ABDOMINAL , THORACIC,22
ESOPHAGOSTOMY, OR PERCUTANEOUS ENDOSCOPIC GASTROSTOMY
TUBES.23
(b) A
LICENSED VETERINARIAN MAY DELEGATE THE FOLLOWING24
TASKS TO A VETERINARY TECHNICIAN OR VETERINARY TECHNICIAN25
SPECIALIST WHO IS UNDER AT LEAST DIRECT SUPERVISION BY THE26
LICENSED VETERINARIAN:27
1047
-9- (I) DENTAL PROCEDURES, INCLUDING, AT A MINIMUM:1
(A) R
EMOVING CALCULUS, SOFT DEPOSITS, PLAQUE, AND STAINS;2
(B) S
MOOTHING, FILING, AND POLISHING OF TEETH;3
(C) S
INGLE ROOT EXTRACTIONS THAT DO NOT REQUIRE4
SECTIONING OF THE TOOTH OR SECTIONING OF THE BONE ; AND5
(D) S
UTURING A GINGIVAL INCISION;6
(II) PLACEMENT OF EPIDURAL AND INTRAOSSEOUS CATHETERS ;7
(III) SUTURING, STAPLING, OR GLUING AN EXISTING SURGICAL SKIN8
INCISION; AND9
(IV) TREATMENT OF MINOR MEDICAL CONDITIONS , AS DETERMINED10
BY THE LICENSED VETERINARIAN, IF:11
(A) THE VETERINARY TECHNICIAN OR VETERINARY TECHNICIAN12
SPECIALIST HAS THE TRAINING AND COMPETENCY TO PERFORM THE13
TREATMENT;14
(B) THE TREATMENT IS PERFORMED IN CONSULTATION WITH THE15
LICENSED VETERINARIAN OR UNDER PREVIOUSLY ESTABLISHED WRITTEN16
PROTOCOLS; AND17
(C) THE LICENSED VETERINARIAN IS AVAILABLE TO MANAGE THE18
CASE IF IT IS DETERMINED THAT THE CONDITION OF THE PATIENT REQUIRES19
CARE BEYOND THE ABILITIES OF THE VETERINARY TECHNICIAN OR20
VETERINARY TECHNICIAN SPECIALIST .21
(c) A
LICENSED VETERINARIAN MAY DELEGATE THE FOLLOWING22
TASKS TO A VETERINARY TECHNICIAN OR VETERINARY TECHNICIAN23
SPECIALIST WHO IS UNDER AT LEAST INDIRECT SUPERVISION BY THE24
LICENSED VETERINARIAN:25
(I) U
NLESS PROHIBITED BY STATE OR FEDERAL LAW , THE26
ADMINISTRATION AND APPLICATION OF TREATMENTS , INCLUDING:27
1047
-10- (A) PRESCRIPTION DRUGS;1
(B) M
EDICATIONS;2
(C) C
ONTROLLED SUBSTANCES ;3
(D) E
NEMAS; AND4
(E) B
IOLOGICAL IMMUNOLOGICAL AGENTS ;5
(II) I
NTRAVENOUS AND INTRA-ARTERIAL CATHETERIZATIONS AND6
MAINTENANCE;7
(III) I
MAGING, INCLUDING RADIOGRAPHY , ULTRASONOGRAPHY ,8
COMPUTED TOMOGRAPHY , MAGNETIC RESONANCE IMAGING , AND9
FLUOROSCOPY AND THE ADMINISTRATION OF RADIOPAQUE AGENTS OR10
MATERIALS;11
(IV) U
NLESS PROHIBITED BY STATE OR FEDERAL LAW , THE12
COLLECTION OF:13
(A) B
LOOD;14
(B) C
ELLULAR OR MICROBIOLOGICAL SAMPLES THROUGH SKIN15
SCRAPINGS, IMPRESSIONS, OR OTHER NONSURGICAL METHODS ; AND16
(C) U
RINE THROUGH BLADDER EXPRESSION , UNOBSTRUCTED17
CATHETERIZATION,
CYSTOCENTESIS, OR INSERTION OF AN INDWELLING18
URINARY CATHETER;19
(V) M
ONITORING OF:20
(A) A
N ELECTROCARDIOGRAM , OR "EKG";21
(B) B
LOOD PRESSURE; AND22
(C) C
ARBON DIOXIDE AND BLOOD OXYGEN SATURATION ;23
(VI) C
LINICAL LABORATORY TEST PROCEDURES ;24
(VII) H
ANDLING AND DISPOSING OF BIOHAZARDOUS WASTE25
MATERIALS;26
(VIII) I
MPLANTATION OF A SUBCUTANEOUS MICROCHIP ;27
1047
-11- (IX) ADMINISTRATION OF A THERAPEUTIC LASER, EXCEPT FOR THE1
USE OF SURGICAL LASERS;2
(X) APPLICATION OF ANIMAL REHABILITATION THERAPIES ;3
(XI) O
CULAR TONOMETRY , SCHIRMER TEAR TESTS , OR4
FLUORESCEIN STAIN APPLICATION;5
(XII) S
UTURE AND STAPLE REMOVAL ;6
(XIII) A
PPLICATION OF SPLINTS AND SLINGS FOR THE TEMPORARY7
IMMOBILIZATION OF FRACTURES;8
(XIV) A
DMINISTRATION OF CHEMOTHERAPY OR RADIATION9
THERAPY;10
(XV) R
EPRODUCTIVE ULTRASOUND AND SEMEN EVALUATION ;11
(XVI) B
LOOD OR BLOOD COMPONENT COLLECTION , PREPARATION,12
AND ADMINISTRATION FOR TRANSFUSION OR BLOOD BANKING PURPOSES ;13
(XVII) P
LACEMENT OF GASTRIC , NASOGASTRIC, OR14
NASOESOPHAGEAL TUBES ;15
(XVIII) FLUID ASPIRATION FROM A BODY CAVITY OR ORGAN ;16
(XIX) MINOR WOUND MANAGEMENT ;17
(XX) PLACEMENT OF NASAL CATHETERS ; AND18
(XXI) EMERGENCY PATIENT CARE, SUCH AS:19
(A) A
PPLICATION OF TOURNIQUETS OR PRESSURE PROCEDURES TO20
CONTROL HEMORRHAGE ;21
(B) A
PPLICATION OF APPROPRIATE WOUND DRESSINGS ;22
(C) R
ESUSCITATIVE OXYGEN PROCEDURES ;23
(D) A
NTI-SEIZURE TREATMENT;24
(E) S
UPPORTIVE TREATMENT IN HEAT PROSTRATION CASES ;25
(F) A
DMINISTRATION OF A DRUG, CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE , OR26
PARENTERAL FLUIDS TO MANAGE AND CONTROL PAIN , PREVENT FURTHER27
1047
-12- INJURY, PREVENT OR CONTROL SHOCK, OR PREVENT THE SUFFERING OF AN1
ANIMAL, UP TO AND INCLUDING EUTHANASIA; AND2
(G) I
NITIATION AND PERFORMANCE OF CARDIOPULMONARY3
RESUSCITATION, OR "CPR", INCLUDING ADMINISTRATION OF MEDICATION4
AND DEFIBRILLATION, AND IMMEDIATE POST-RESUSCITATION CARE.5(5) (a) IN PROMULGATING RULES PURSUANT TO THIS SECTION6
RELATED TO THE DELEGATION OF TASKS AND SUPERVISION OF VETERINARY7
PROFESSIONALS OR OTHER PERSONNEL , THE BOARD SHALL:8
(I) CONSULT WITH LICENSED VETERINARIANS, REGISTERED9
VETERINARY TECHNICIANS, VETERINARY TECHNICIAN SPECIALISTS,10
CLIENTS, AND OTHER RELEVANT STAKEHOLDERS, AS DETERMINED BY THE11
BOARD; AND12
(II) PERMIT A VETERINARY TECHNICIAN SPECIALIST TO PERFORM13
ANY TASK UNDER AT LEAST INDIRECT SUPERVISION BY A LICENSED14
VETERINARY IN ACCORDANCE WITH SUBSECTION (6) OF THIS SECTION.15
(b) THE BOARD SHALL REVIEW AND UPDATE THE RULES16
PROMULGATED PURSUANT TO THIS SECTION AS NECESSARY TO ACCOUNT17
FOR DEVELOPMENTS IN THE PRACTICE OF VETERINARY MEDICINE AND18
VETERINARY TECHNOLOGY .19
(6) A
LICENSED VETERINARIAN MAY DELEGATE ANY
TASK TO20
A VETERINARY TECHNICIAN SPECIALIST WHO IS UNDER AT LEAST INDIRECT21
SUPERVISION BY THE LICENSED VETERINARIAN IF THE LICENSED22
VETERINARIAN DETERMINES THE TASK IS WITHIN THE VETERINARY23
TECHNICIAN SPECIALIST'S TRAINING, EXPERIENCE, AND COMPETENCY AND24
IS OTHERWISE NOT IN CONFLICT WITH THIS ARTICLE 315, AN APPLICABLE25
BOARD RULE, OR ANY OTHER STATE OR FEDERAL LAW .26
(7) NOTWITHSTANDING ANY PROVISION OF THIS ARTICLE 315, AN27
1047
-13- APPLICABLE BOARD RULE, OR ANY OTHER STATE OR FEDERAL LAW, A1
LICENSED VETERINARIAN MAY DELEGATE A TASK TO AN INDIVIDUAL WHO2
IS NOT A VETERINARY TECHNICIAN OR VETERINARY TECHNICIAN3
SPECIALIST IF THE VETERINARIAN DETERMINES THAT THE TASK IS WITHIN4
THE INDIVIDUAL'S TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE AND THE INDIVIDUAL IS5
UNDER THE VETERINARIAN'S DIRECT OR IMMEDIATE SUPERVISION; EXCEPT6
THAT THE TREATMENT OF MINOR MEDICAL CONDITIONS MAY ONLY BE7
DELEGATED TO A VETERINARY TECHNICIAN OR VETERINARY TECHNICIAN8
SPECIALIST IN ACCORDANCE WITH SUBSECTION (4)(b)(IV) OF THIS9
SECTION.10
SECTION 5. In Colorado Revised Statutes, 12-315-106, amend11
(5)(a) and (5)(b) as follows:12
12-315-106. Board of veterinary medicine - creation - powers13
- rules. (5) The board has the power to:14
(a) Examine and determine the qualifications and fitness of15
applicants for a license to practice veterinary medicine, or for registration16
as a veterinary technician,
OR FOR DESIGNATION AS A VETERINARY17
TECHNICIAN SPECIALIST in this state;18
(b) Pursuant to section 12-20-404, issue, renew, deny, suspend, or19
revoke licenses to practice veterinary medicine, or
registrations of20
veterinary technicians,
AND DESIGNATIONS OF REGISTERED VETERINARY21
TECHNICIANS AS VETERINARY TECHNICIAN SPECIALISTS in the state or22
otherwise discipline or fine, or both, licensees or registrants consistent23
with this article 315 and the rules adopted by the board under this article24
315;25
SECTION 6. In Colorado Revised Statutes, 12-315-110, amend26
(3)(a)(II) as follows:27
1047
-14- 12-315-110. License renewal - waiver - rules - continuing1
education. (3) (a) (II) The board-approved continuing educational2
program must:3
(A) Require two hours of jurisprudence on the "Colorado4
Veterinary Practice Act" biennially; and5
(B) Permit a licensee to take up to sixteen hours of continuing6
education courses in nonbiomedical topics, which topics may include7
client communication, management, leadership, and other topics that8
support veterinary practice and a highly functional veterinary workforce;9
AND10
(C) R
EQUIRE TWO HOURS EACH LICENSING PERIOD ON TOPICS11
RELATED TO THE DELEGATION OF
TASKS AND THE SUPERVISION OF12
VETERINARY TECHNICIANS, VETERINARY TECHNICIAN SPECIALISTS, AND13
OTHER PERSONNEL.14
SECTION 7. In Colorado Revised Statutes, 12-315-112, amend15
(1)(ee) as follows:16
12-315-112. Discipline of licensees. (1) Upon receipt of a signed17
complaint by a complainant or upon its own motion, the board may18
proceed to a hearing in accordance with section 12-315-113. After a19
hearing, and by a concurrence of a majority of members, the board may20
take disciplinary or other action as authorized in section 12-20-40421
against an applicant for a license or a licensed veterinarian for any of the22
following reasons:23
(ee) Failure to properly supervise a veterinary student, a veterinary24
student preceptor, a veterinary technician, or A VETERINARY TECHNICIAN25
SPECIALIST, other veterinary staff, OR OTHER INDIVIDUALS WHO ARE26
PERFORMING TASKS UNDER A LICENSED VETERINARIAN'S SUPERVISION;27
1047
-15- SECTION 8. In Colorado Revised Statutes, 12-315-201, amend1
(1) introductory portion and (2); and add (1)(c), (1)(d), and (1.5) as2
follows:3
12-315-201. Additional board duties - rules - repeal. (1) In4
addition to any other duties specified in this part 2 or section 12-315-1065
AND SECTIONS 12-315-105.5 AND 12-315-106, the board shall:6
(c) A
PPROVE NATIONALLY RECOGNIZED VETERINARY TECHNICIAN7
SPECIALIST CERTIFICATION ORGANIZATIONS FOR THE PURPOSES OF8
DESIGNATING VETERINARY TECHNICIAN SPECIALISTS IN THIS STATE ; AND9
(d) A
DOPT ANY RULES NECESSARY FOR THE DELEGATION OF10
VETERINARY TASKS TO VETERINARY TECHNICIANS AND VETERINARY11
TECHNICIAN SPECIALISTS AND FOR THE SUPERVISION OF THOSE DELEGATED12
TASKS BY A LICENSED VETERINARIAN .13
(1.5) T
HE BOARD SHALL NOT:14
(a) C
HARGE A FEE IN ADDITION TO THE REGISTRATION FEE15
CHARGED PURSUANT TO SECTION 12-315-123 FOR THE DESIGNATION OF16
VETERINARY TECHNICIAN SPECIALISTS ; OR17
(b) I
NCREASE THE AMOUNT OF THE REGISTRATION FEE CHARGED18
PURSUANT TO SECTION 12-315-123 FOR VETERINARY TECHNICIANS WHO19
SEEK VETERINARY TECHNICIAN SPECIALIST DESIGNATION TO AN AMOUNT20
THAT IS MORE THAN THE REGISTRATION FEE THAT IS REQUIRED OF OTHER21
VETERINARY TECHNICIANS.22
(2) If the board does not approve a credentialing organization for23
purposes of credentialing veterinary technicians
OR VETERINARY24
TECHNICIAN SPECIALISTS in this state pursuant to subsection (1)(a) OR25
(1)(c) of this section because there is no credentialing organization that26
meets the requirements set forth in subsections (1)(a)(I) to (1)(a)(IV)
OR27
1047
-16- SUBSECTION (1)(c) of this section or for any other reason, the board shall1
establish by rule and administer a credentialing process for veterinary2
technician registration
OR VETERINARY TECHNICIAN SPECIALIST3
DESIGNATION pursuant to this part 2.4
SECTION 9. In Colorado Revised Statutes, 12-315-203, add5
(4.5) as follows:6
12-315-203. Application for veterinary technician registration7
- qualifications - provisional registration - fee - veterinary technician8
specialist designation - rules - repeal. (4.5) (a) O
N AND AFTER JANUARY9
1,
2026, A VETERINARY TECHNICIAN MAY APPLY TO THE BOARD FOR10
DESIGNATION AS A VETERINARY TECHNICIAN SPECIALIST AS PART OF AN11
APPLICATION FOR A NEW OR A RENEWAL REGISTRATION AS A VETERINARY12
TECHNICIAN.13
(b) T
O OBTAIN A VETERINARY TECHNICIAN SPECIALIST14
DESIGNATION, AN APPLICANT MUST DEMONSTRATE TO THE BOARD 'S15
SATISFACTION, IN THE FORM AND MANNER SPECIFIED BY THE BOARD BY16
RULE, THAT THE APPLICANT HAS BEEN AWARDED A SPECIALIST17
DESIGNATION OR CERTIFICATION FROM :18
(I) A
N ACADEMY RECOGNIZED BY THE NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF19
V
ETERINARY TECHNICIANS IN AMERICA'S COMMITTEE OF VETERINARY20
TECHNICIAN SPECIALITIES, OR ITS SUCCESSOR ORGANIZATION; OR21
(II) A
N ORGANIZATION THAT THE BOARD HAS D ETERMINED BY22
RULE TO HAVE EQUIVALENT TRAINING AND EDUCATIONAL REQUIREMENTS23
PURSUANT TO SECTION 12-315-201 (1)(c).24
SECTION 10. In Colorado Revised Statutes, amend 12-315-20425
as follows:26
12-315-204. Use of title restricted. (1) On and after January 1,27
1047
-17- 2024, only a person AN INDIVIDUAL who is registered pursuant to this part1
2 SECTION 12-315-203 may use the title "veterinary technician" or2
"registered veterinary technician" or the initials "VT" or "RVT".3
(2) O
N AND AFTER JANUARY 1, 2026, ONLY AN INDIVIDUAL WHO4
HAS A VETERINARY TECHNICIAN SPECIALIST DESIGNATION PURSUANT TO5
SECTION 12-315-203 (4.5) MAY USE THE TITLE "VETERINARY TECHNICIAN6
SPECIALIST" OR "REGISTERED VETERINARY TECHNICIAN SPECIALIST " OR7
THE INITIALS "VTS" OR "RVTS".8
SECTION 11. In Colorado Revised Statutes, 12-315-206, amend9
(3) as follows:10
12-315-206. Expiration, renewal, reinstatement, or11
reactivation of a registration - inactive status - rules - definition.12
(3) (a) The board shall not renew, reinstate, or reactivate a registration13
issued pursuant to section 12-315-203 (3) unless the veterinary technician14
demonstrates to the board's satisfaction that the veterinary technician15
maintains active credentialing with the credentialing organization. Subject16
to board rule, the evidence may be provided by an attestation on the17
registration application.18
(b) T
HE BOARD SHALL NOT RENEW A VETERINARY TECHNICIAN 'S19
DESIGNATION AS A SPECIALIST OBTAINED PURSUANT TO SECTION20
12-315-203
(4.5) UNLESS THE VETERINARY TECHNICIAN SPECIALIST21
DEMONSTRATES TO THE BOARD 'S SATISFACTION THAT THE VETERINARY22
TECHNICIAN SPECIALIST HAS SATISFIED THE CONTINUING EDUCATION23
REQUIREMENTS OF THE CREDENTIALING ORGANIZATION THAT ARE24
NECESSARY TO MAINTAIN AN ACTIVE DESIGNATION OR CERTIFICATION AS25
A VETERINARY TECHNICIAN SPECIALIST.26
SECTION 12. In Colorado Revised Statutes, 12-315-207, amend27
1047
-18- (1) introductory portion, (1)(e), and (1)(n) as follows:1
12-315-207. Discipline of a registered veterinary technician -2
repeal. (1) Upon receipt of a signed complaint by a complainant or upon3
its own motion, the board may proceed to a hearing in accordance with4
section 12-315-113. After a hearing, and by a concurrence of a majority5
of members, the board may take disciplinary action as authorized in6
section 12-20-404 against an applicant for a registration, or a registered7
veterinary technician,
OR A VETERINARY TECHNICIAN SPECIALIST for any8
of the following reasons:9
(e) Unprofessional or unethical conduct or engaging in practices10
that are in violation of generally accepted standards for practice as a11
veterinary technician
OR AS A VETERINARY TECHNICIAN SPECIALIST or12
prescribed by the rules of the board;13
(n) Practicing or performing services beyond a registrant's
THE14
scope of competence
OF A REGISTERED VETERINARY TECHNICIAN OR A15
DESIGNATED VETERINARY TECHNICIAN SPECIALIST OR WITHOUT THE16
APPROPRIATE LEVEL OF SUPERVISION BY A LICENSED VETERINARIAN ;17
SECTION 13. In Colorado Revised Statutes, amend 12-315-20918
as follows:19
12-315-209. Duties of licensed veterinarian - supervision of20
veterinary technicians and veterinary technician specialists - rules.21
(1) A veterinary technician
OR VETERINARY TECHNICIAN SPECIALIST is22
authorized to provide care to animals under the direction and
23
APPROPRIATE LEVEL OF supervision, as defined DETERMINED by the board24
by rule of PURSUANT TO SECTION 12-315-105.5 (4) OR (6), BY a licensed25
veterinarian who is responsible for the veterinary technician's
OR26
VETERINARY TECHNICIAN SPECIALIST 'S performance. The licensed27
1047
-19- veterinarian directing DELEGATING TASKS TO and supervising the1
veterinary technician
OR VETERINARY TECHNICIAN SPECIALIST is2
responsible for the care of the animal.3
(2) Nothing in this part 2 prohibits a person who is not a4
veterinary technician
OR VETERINARY TECHNICIAN SPECIALIST pursuant5
to this part 2 from performing tasks relating to animal care under the6
direction and
DIRECT OR IMMEDIATE supervision of a licensed veterinarian7
who is responsible for the care of the animal.8
SECTION 14. In Colorado Revised Statutes, amend 12-315-2109
as follows:10
12-315-210. Unauthorized practice - penalties. A person who11
practices or offers or attempts to practice as a veterinary technician12
without an active registration issued under this part 2
OR AS A13
VETERINARY TECHNICIAN SPECIALIST WITHOUT AN ACTIVE VETERINARY14
TECHNICIAN SPECIALIST DESIGNATION UNDER THIS PART 2 is subject to15
penalties pursuant to section 12-20-407 (1)(a).16
SECTION 15. Act subject to petition - effective date. This act17
takes effect at 12:01 a.m. on the day following the expiration of the18
ninety-day period after final adjournment of the general assembly; except19
that, if a referendum petition is filed pursuant to section 1 (3) of article V20
of the state constitution against this act or an item, section, or part of this21
act within such period, then the act, item, section, or part will not take22
effect unless approved by the people at the general election to be held in23
November 2024 and, in such case, will take effect on the date of the24
official declaration of the vote thereon by the governor.25
1047
-20-