Colo. Rev. Stat. § 12-315-209.7

Current through 11/5/2024 election

Section 12-315-209.7 - [Effective 1/1/2026] Duties of licensed veterinarian - direction and supervision of veterinary professional associate - rules

(1) Except as provided in subsection (2) of this section, a person practicing as a veterinary professional associate may perform duties and actions authorized pursuant to section 12-315-105(1)(r) that are within the scope of the veterinary professional associate’s advanced education and experience if the person performs those duties under the supervision of a licensed veterinarian.

(2) A veterinary professional associate shall perform only those duties or actions delegated by the licensed, supervising veterinarian for which the veterinary professional associate has the necessary training and experience, as determined by the supervising veterinarian, to meet generally accepted standards of veterinary care.

(3) If a veterinary professional associate is delegated duties beyond the veterinary professional associate’s training and experience, the licensed veterinarian:

(a) Is in violation of section 12-315-112(1)(ee) ;

(b) May be liable for damages resulting from any negligence of the veterinary professional associate in providing care to an animal; and

(c) May be subject to professional discipline in accordance with section 12-315-112.

(4) If a veterinary professional associate performs duties beyond the veterinary professional associate’s training and experience or does not conform with the requirement to perform all duties and actions pursuant to section 12-315-105(1)(r) under the supervision of a licensed, supervising veterinarian as specified in subsection (1) of this section, the veterinary professional associate may be subject to:

(a) A cease-and-desist order pursuant to section 12-20-405;

(b) Damages resulting from any negligence of the veterinary professional associate in providing care to an animal; and

(c) Discipline pursuant to sections 12-20-404 for a violation of section 12-315-207(1)(n).

C.R.S. § 12-315-209.7

Added by 2024 Ballot Proposition 129, passed by voters in 11/5/2024 election, eff. 1/1/2026.