Colo. Rev. Stat. § 12-315-104, Definitions

As used in this article 315, unless the context otherwise requires:

(1) Animal means any animal other than human, and the term includes fowl, birds, amphibians, fish, and reptiles, wild or domestic, living or dead.

(1.5) Animal shelter has the meaning set forth in section 35-80-102.

(2) Artificial insemination means the collection of semen and the fertilization of, or attempted fertilization of, the ova of the female animal by placing or implanting, by artificial means, in the genital tract of the female animal the semen obtained from the male animal that will subsequently be used, or attempted to be used, to impregnate the female.

(3) Board means the state board of veterinary medicine created in section 12-315-106.

(4) Client means the patient's owner, the owner's agent, or a person responsible for the patient.

(5) Complainant means the board or any other person who initiates a proceeding.

(5.5) Delegation or delegate means a licensed veterinarian's act of entrusting to an individual the authority to perform a task under the appropriate level of supervision by the licensed veterinarian after the licensed veterinarian has determined that the individual is competent to perform the task.

(6) Direct supervision means the supervising licensed veterinarian is readily available on the premises where the patient is being treated and is able to supervise the tasks that have been delegated to an individual.

(7) Dispense means to provide a drug or device, other than by distribution, bearing a label stating the name of the veterinarian, the date dispensed, directions for use, all cautionary statements, withdrawal time, if appropriate, the identity of the animal, and the owner's name.

(8) Distribute or distribution means to provide a drug or device in the manufacturer's original package to the client-patient.

(9) Hearing means any proceeding initiated before the board in which the legal rights, duties, privileges, or immunities of a specific party or parties are determined.

(10) Immediate supervision means the supervising licensed veterinarian is physically in the immediate area on the premises and within audible or visual range of the patient and the individual performing the tasks that have been delegated by the licensed veterinarian.

(10.5) Indirect supervision means the supervising licensed veterinarian need not be on the veterinary premises but:

(a) Provides either written or verbal instructions for the tasks that have been delegated to an individual; and

(b) Is readily available for communication.

(11) Licensed veterinarian means a person licensed pursuant to this part 1.

(12) Ova transplantation means a technique by which fertilized embryos are collected from a donor female and transferred to a recipient female that serves as a surrogate mother for the remainder of the pregnancy.

(13) Patient means any animal or group of animals that is examined or treated by a licensed veterinarian and includes herds, flocks, litters, and other groups of animals.

(14) Practice of veterinary medicine means any of the following:

(a) The diagnosing, treating, correcting, changing, relieving, or preventing of animal disease, deformity, defect, injury, or other physical or mental conditions, including the prescription or administration of any drug, medicine, biologic, apparatus, application, anesthetic, or other therapeutic or diagnostic substance or technique and the use of any manual or mechanical procedure for artificial insemination, for ova transplantation, for testing for pregnancy, or for correcting sterility or infertility or to render advice or recommendation with regard thereto;

(b) The representation, directly or indirectly, publicly or privately, of an ability and willingness to do an act described in subsection (14)(a) of this section;

(c) The use of any title, words, abbreviation, or letters in a manner or under circumstances that induce the belief that a person using them is qualified to do any act described in subsection (14)(a) of this section;

(d) The application of principles of environmental sanitation, food inspection, environmental pollution control, animal nutrition, zoonotic disease control, and disaster medicine as applied to an act described in subsection (14)(a) of this section.

(15) Rule means any regulation, standard, or statement of policy adopted by the board to implement, interpret, or clarify the law that it enforces and administers and that governs its duties, functions, organization, and procedure.

(16) School of veterinary medicine means any veterinary school or department of a legally organized college or university whose course of study in the art and science of veterinary medicine has been approved by the board.

(16.3) Supervising licensed veterinarian means a licensed veterinarian in the state who delegates and assumes responsibility for the veterinary care provided to a patient by an individual employed at the same physical practice location and working out of the same physical premises as the licensed veterinarian and working under an appropriate level of supervision by the licensed veterinarian.

(16.5) (a) Supervision means a licensed veterinarian's oversight and monitoring of another individual's assistance in the treatment of animals as part of the veterinarian's practice of veterinary medicine.

(b) Supervision includes:

(I) Direct supervision;

(II) Immediate supervision; and

(III) Indirect supervision.

(17) Unprofessional or unethical conduct includes, but is not limited to, conduct of a character likely to deceive or defraud the public; false or misleading advertising; obtaining any fee or compensation by fraud or misrepresentation; sharing office space with any person illegally practicing veterinary medicine; employing either indirectly or directly any unlicensed person to practice veterinary medicine or to render any veterinary services except as provided in this article 315; or the violation of any rules adopted by the board that provide a code of professional ethics to be followed and carried out by persons licensed under this article 315.

(18) Veterinarian means a person who has received a doctor's degree in veterinary medicine, or its equivalent, from a school of veterinary medicine.

(19) (a) Veterinarian-client-patient relationship means the relationship established when:

(I) The veterinarian has assumed the responsibility for making medical judgments regarding the health of an animal and the need for medical treatment, and the owner, owner's agent, or authorized caretaker has agreed to follow the instruction of the veterinarian;

(II) There is sufficient knowledge of an animal by the veterinarian to initiate at least a general or preliminary diagnosis of the medical condition of the animal, which means that the veterinarian has recently seen and is personally acquainted with the keeping and care of the animal by virtue of an in-person, physical examination of the animal or by medically appropriate and timely visits to the premises where the animal is kept; and

(III) The practicing veterinarian is readily available, or has arranged for emergency coverage, for follow-up evaluation in the event of adverse reactions or failure of the treatment regimen.

(b) A veterinarian-client-patient relationship established according to subsection (19)(a) of this section may extend to other licensed veterinarians working out of the same physical practice location as the veterinarian who established the veterinarian-client-patient relationship if the other licensed veterinarians have access to and have reviewed the patient's medical records.

(20) Veterinary medicine includes veterinary surgery, obstetrics, dentistry, and all other branches or specialties of animal medicine.

(21) Veterinary premises or premises means a veterinary office, hospital, clinic, building, mobile unit, facility, or other location where veterinary medical services are provided by or under the direction and supervision of a licensed veterinarian.

(21.5) [Editor's note: This version of subsection (21.5) is effective until January 1, 2026.] Veterinary professional means a veterinarian licensed pursuant to this part 1 or a veterinary technician or veterinary technician specialist registered pursuant to part 2 of this article 315.

(21.5) [Editor's note: This version of subsection (21.5) is effective January 1, 2026.] Veterinary professional means a veterinarian licensed pursuant to this part 1, a veterinary professional associate registered pursuant to part 2 of this article 315, or a veterinary technician or veterinary technician specialist registered pursuant to part 2 of this article 315.

(21.7) [Editor's note: Subsection (21.7) is effective January 1, 2026.] Veterinary professional associate means an individual who holds a master's degree in veterinary clinical care, or the equivalent, as determined by the board pursuant to sections 12-315-106 (10) and 12-315-201 (4), and who is subject to the requirements in section 12-315-203.7.

(21.9) [Editor's note: Subsection (21.9) is effective January 1, 2026.] Veterinary professional associate credentialing organization means:

(a) A veterinary professional associate credentialing organization approved by the board pursuant to sections 12-315-106 (5)(j) and 12-315-201 (1)(g) to credential veterinary professional associates in this state; or

(b) The board if, pursuant to section 12-315-201 (3), no credentialing organization is approved.

(22) Veterinary student is a veterinary medical student who is enrolled in a school of veterinary medicine.

(23) Veterinary student preceptor is a veterinary medical student enrolled in a preceptor program in a school of veterinary medicine.

(24) Veterinary technician means a veterinary technician registered pursuant to part 2 of this article 315.

(25) Veterinary technician credentialing organization or credentialing organization means:

(a) A veterinary technician credentialing organization approved by the board pursuant to section 12-315-201 to credential veterinary technicians in this state; or

(b) The board if, pursuant to section 12-315-201 (2), no credentialing organization is approved.

(26) Veterinary technician specialist means a veterinary technician who has been awarded designation from:

(a) An academy recognized by the National Association of Veterinary Technicians in America's committee of veterinary technician specialities or its successor organization, which organization is a recognized veterinary technician specialist organization; or

(b) A nationally recognized veterinary technician specialist organization approved by the board pursuant to section 12-315-201 (1)(c).

Source: L. 2019: Entire title R&RE with relocations, (HB 19-1172), ch. 136, p. 1617, � 1, effective October 1. L. 2022: (1.5), (10.5), (21.5), (24), and (25) added and (11) amended, (HB 22-1235), ch. 442, p. 3102, � 8, effective August 10. L. 2024: (5.5), (16.3), (16.5), and (26) added and (6), (10), (10.5), (13), (21), and (21.5) amended, (HB 24-1047), ch. 36, p. 124, � 2, effective August 7; (19) amended, (HB 24-1048), ch. 110, p. 341, � 1, effective August 7. Initiated 2024: (21.5) amended and (21.7) added, Proposition 129, effective January 1, 2026. See L. 2025, p. 3620. L. 2025: (21.5) and (21.7) amended and (21.9) added, (HB 25-1285), ch. 305, p. 1594, � 2, effective January 1, 2026.

Editor's note: (1) This section is similar to former � 12-64-103 as it existed prior to 2019.

(2) Provisions in this section were changed by Proposition 129, effective January 1, 2026. The measure was approved on November 5, 2024, and was proclaimed by the Governor on December 17, 2024, see L. 2025, p. 3620. The vote count for the measure was as follows:

FOR: 1,572,545

AGAINST: 1,407,814

Cross references: For the legislative declaration in HB 24-1047, see section 1 of chapter 36, Session Laws of Colorado 2024. For the legislative declaration in HB 25-1285, see section 1 of chapter 305, Session Laws of Colorado 2025.

12-315-105. License requirements and exceptions - practice of veterinary medicine - prescriptions - definitions - rules. (1) An individual shall not practice veterinary medicine in this state if the individual is not a licensed veterinarian. An individual shall not practice artificial insemination or ova transplantation of cattle or other animal species in this state except in accordance with rules established pursuant to section 12-315-106 (5)(c). An individual not licensed as a veterinarian pursuant to this part 1 shall not diagnose, issue prognoses for, prescribe for, or perform surgery on an animal. This article 315 does not prohibit:

(a) An employee of the federal, state, or local government from performing the employee's official duties;

(b) A person who is a veterinary student or veterinary student preceptor in an approved school of veterinary medicine from performing duties or actions as described in section 12-315-116;

(d) A veterinarian regularly licensed in another state from consulting with a licensed veterinarian in this state;

(e) Any merchant or manufacturer from selling, at the person's regular place of business, medicines, feed, appliances, or other products used in the prevention or treatment of animal diseases;

(f) (I) Except as provided in subsection (1)(f)(II) of this section and subject to subsection (2) of this section, the owner of an animal and the owner's employees from caring for and treating the animal belonging to the owner.

(II) Subsection (1)(f)(I) of this section does not apply in cases where the ownership of the animal was transferred for purposes of circumventing this article 315 or where the primary reason for hiring the employee is to circumvent this article 315.

(g) A person from lecturing or giving instructions or demonstrations at a school of veterinary medicine or in connection with a continuing education course or seminar for veterinarians;

(h) Any person from selling or applying any pesticide, insecticide, or herbicide;

(i) Any person from engaging in bona fide scientific research that reasonably requires experimentation involving animals or commercial production of biologics or animal medicines;

(j) Any individual from performing tasks under the appropriate level of supervision by a licensed veterinarian who is responsible for the individual's performance in accordance with board rules adopted pursuant to section 12-315-105.5;

(k) Repealed.

(l) Any person otherwise appropriately licensed or approved by the state from performing the functions described in section 12-315-104 (14)(d);

(m) Any person from performing massage on an animal in accordance with section 12-235-110 (1)(f);

(n) The practice of animal chiropractic pursuant to section 12-215-127;

(o) The practice of animal physical therapy pursuant to section 12-285-116 (4);

(p) Any person from assisting in a surgical procedure under the immediate supervision of a licensed veterinarian, who is responsible for the person's performance;

(q) (I) (A) A person from administering a rabies vaccine to an animal if the person is under the direct supervision of a licensed veterinarian and has been trained in rabies vaccine storage, handling, and administration and in the management of adverse events; or

(B) A person working on behalf of an animal shelter from administering a rabies vaccine to animal-shelter-owned animals if the person is under the indirect supervision of a licensed veterinarian and has been trained in rabies vaccine storage, handling, and administration and in the management of adverse events.

(II) The veterinarian signing the rabies vaccination certificate shall ensure that the person who administered the vaccine pursuant to this subsection (1)(q) is identified on the certificate.

(r) An individual acting under at least indirect supervision of a licensed veterinarian from providing care to animals located at an animal shelter that are the property or under the stewardship of an animal shelter if:

(I) The individual is performing tasks in compliance with a written or verbal protocol provided by the supervising licensed veterinarian; and

(II) The supervising licensed veterinarian has determined the individual has received sufficient and proper training;

(s) An individual from performing accepted animal husbandry on livestock, as those terms are defined in section 35-42-103, if the individual is an owner of an animal or is an individual acting under the direction of the owner of the animal pursuant to subsection (1)(f)(I) of this section;

(t) An individual from performing tasks on livestock under the supervision of a licensed veterinarian and:

(I) The supervising licensed veterinarian has established a veterinarian-client-patient relationship with the livestock and the owner of the livestock;

(II) The individual is performing tasks in compliance with written or verbal instructions or communications developed by the supervising licensed veterinarian; and

(III) The supervising licensed veterinarian has determined the individual performing the tasks has received sufficient and proper training; or

(u) [Editor's note: Subsection (1)(u) is effective January 1, 2026.] A veterinary professional associate from practicing veterinary medicine on species for which the veterinary professional associate has received training and that is:

(I) Within the veterinary professional associate's education and experience;

(II) Within the scope of practice for veterinary professional associates, as determined by the board pursuant to section 12-315-201 (1)(f); and

(III) Performed while under the appropriate level of supervision by a licensed veterinarian who is responsible and accountable for the acts and omissions of the veterinary professional associate.

(2) (a) Notwithstanding subsection (1)(f) of this section, a person who is not a licensed veterinarian shall not distribute, dispense, or prescribe prescription drugs. Except as provided in subsection (2)(b) of this section, a licensed veterinarian must have a veterinarian-client-patient relationship with the animal and its owner or other caretaker in order to administer, distribute, dispense, or prescribe prescription drugs to or for an animal. A licensed veterinarian may delegate the administration of prescription drugs or the filling of a prescription order to an individual under an appropriate level of supervision determined in accordance with this article 315 and board rules adopted pursuant to section 12-315-105.5 (4).

(b) (I) In an emergency situation where a licensed veterinarian who has a veterinarian-client-patient relationship prescribes a prescription drug that the licensed veterinarian does not have in stock and is not available at a local pharmacy, another licensed veterinarian who does not have a veterinarian-client-patient relationship with the animal and owner or other caretaker may administer, distribute, or dispense the prescription drug to the animal based on the examining veterinarian's expertise and veterinarian-client-patient relationship.

(II) The board shall adopt rules defining what constitutes an emergency situation under which this subsection (2)(b) would apply, including a requirement that failure to administer, distribute, or dispense the prescription drug threatens the health and well-being of the animal and requiring detailed records documenting the emergency circumstances that include at least the following:

(A) A requirement that the examining veterinarian with the veterinarian-client-patient relationship document the emergency and the immediate need for the prescription drug;

(B) A requirement that the examining veterinarian with the veterinarian-client-patient relationship document the veterinarian's efforts to obtain the prescription drug from a local pharmacy, including documentation of contact with at least one pharmacy in the general proximity of the examination location that does not have the prescription drug immediately available; and

(C) A requirement that the licensed veterinarian who administers, distributes, or dispenses the prescription drug document the date the prescription is administered, distributed, or dispensed.

(III) A veterinarian who administers, distributes, dispenses, or prescribes a prescription drug in accordance with this subsection (2)(b) is not subject to discipline pursuant to section 12-315-112 (1)(y) if the veterinarian satisfies the requirements of this subsection (2)(b) and the rules adopted by the board.

(3) If a veterinarian complies with the requirements of section 12-280-121, the veterinarian may maintain an office stock of compounded drugs. As used in this subsection (3), office stock has the same meaning as set forth in section 12-280-121 (5)(b).

(4) (a) As used in this subsection (4), unless the context otherwise requires:

(I) Cat means a small, domesticated feline animal that is kept as a pet. Cat does not include a nondomesticated wild animal.

(II) Dog means any canine animal owned for domestic, companionship, service, therapeutic, or assistance purposes.

(III) Emergency medical service provider means an emergency medical service provider who is certified or licensed by the department of public health and environment, created under section 25-1-102.

(IV) Employer means an entity or organization that employs or enlists the services of an emergency medical service provider, regardless of whether the provider is paid or is a volunteer. The employer may be a public, private, for-profit, or nonprofit organization or entity; or a special district.

(V) Preveterinary emergency care means the immediate medical stabilization of a dog or cat by an emergency medical service provider, in an emergency to which the emergency medical service provider is responding, through means including oxygen, fluids, medications, or bandaging, with the intent of enabling the dog or cat to be treated by a veterinarian. Preveterinary emergency care does not include care provided in response to an emergency call made solely for the purpose of tending to an injured dog or cat unless a person's life could be in danger attempting to save the life of a dog or cat.

(b) Notwithstanding any other provision of law, an emergency medical service provider may provide preveterinary emergency care to dogs and cats to the extent the provider has received commensurate training and is authorized by the employer to provide the care. The provision of preveterinary emergency care to dogs and cats by emergency medical service providers in accordance with this subsection (4)(b) is not a violation of this article 315. Requirements governing the circumstances under which emergency medical service providers may provide preveterinary emergency care to dogs and cats may be specified in the employer's policies governing the provision of care.

(c) Notwithstanding any other provision of law, nothing in subsection (4)(b) of this section imposes upon an emergency medical service provider any obligation to provide care to a dog or cat or to provide care to a dog or cat before a person.

Source: L. 2019: Entire title R&RE with relocations, (HB 19-1172), ch. 136, p. 1619, � 1, effective October 1. L. 2022: IP(1) and (1)(b) amended, (1)(k) repealed, and (1)(q) added, (HB 22-1235), ch. 442, p. 3102, � 9, effective August 10. L. 2024: IP(1), (1)(j), and (2)(a) amended and (1)(r) to (1)(t) added, (HB 24-1047), ch. 36, p. 125, � 3, effective August 7. Initiated 2024: (1)(r) added, Proposition 129, effective January 1, 2026. See L. 2025, p. 3620. L. 2025: (1)(u) amended, (HB 25-1285), ch. 305, p. 1594, � 3, effective January 1, 2026.

Editor's note: (1) This section is similar to former � 12-64-104 as it existed prior to 2019.

(2) Subsection (1)(u) was numbered as (1)(r) in Proposition 129 but was renumbered on revision for ease of location.

(3) Subsection (1)(r) was added by Proposition 129, effective January 1, 2026. The measure was approved on November 5, 2024, and was proclaimed by the Governor on December 17, 2024, see L. 2025, p. 3620. The vote count for the measure was as follows:

FOR: 1,572,545

AGAINST: 1,407,814

12-315-105.5. Delegation to and supervision of veterinary technicians, veterinary technician specialists, veterinary professional associates, and other qualified personnel - rules. (1) A licensed veterinarian may delegate tasks in accordance with this section and rules adopted by the board pursuant to this section.

(2) [Editor's note: This version of subsection (2) is effective until January 1, 2026.] A licensed veterinarian shall establish a veterinarian-client-patient relationship before the veterinarian delegates a task to a veterinary technician, a veterinary technician specialist, or other qualified personnel.

(2) [Editor's note: This version of subsection (2) is effective January 1, 2026.] A licensed veterinarian shall establish a veterinarian-client-patient relationship before the veterinarian delegates a task to a veterinary technician, a veterinary technician specialist, a veterinary professional associate, or other qualified personnel.

(3) (a) [Editor's note: This version of the introductory portion of subsection (3)(a) is effective until January 1, 2026.] When determining whether to delegate a task to a veterinary technician, a veterinary technician specialist, or other qualified personnel, a licensed veterinarian shall consider:

(3) (a) [Editor's note: This version of the introductory portion of subsection (3)(a) is effective January 1, 2026.] When determining whether to delegate a task to a veterinary technician, a veterinary technician specialist, a veterinary professional associate, or other qualified personnel, a licensed veterinarian shall consider:

(I) [Editor's note: This version of subsection (3)(a)(I) is effective until January 1, 2026.] The level of education, skills, training, licensing, and experience of the veterinary technician, the veterinary technician specialist, or other qualified personnel;

(I) [Editor's note: This version of subsection (3)(a)(I) is effective January 1, 2026.] The level of education, skills, training, licensing, and experience of the veterinary technician, the veterinary technician specialist, the veterinary professional associate, or other qualified personnel;

(II) The appropriate level of supervision for the delegated task pursuant to subsections (4), (6), and (7) of this section and, if rules have been established by the board, any applicable rules established by the board pursuant to subsection (4) of this section; and

(III) Whether the delegation of the task complies with all applicable state and federal laws.

(b) (I) If a licensed veterinarian delegates a task to a veterinary technician, a veterinary technician specialist, or other qualified personnel and that task is covered by rules established pursuant to subsection (4) of this section or an applicable board rule, the licensed veterinarian must provide supervision at least at the level of supervision prescribed by rule.

(II) If a licensed veterinarian delegates a task to a veterinary technician, a veterinary technician specialist, or other qualified personnel and that task is not covered by rules established pursuant to subsection (4) of this section or an applicable board rule, the licensed veterinarian may delegate the task at an appropriate level of supervision, as determined by the licensed veterinarian in accordance with this part 1.

(3.5) [Editor's note: Subsection (3.5) is effective January 1, 2026.] A licensed veterinarian may delegate the practice of veterinary medicine to a veterinary professional associate and supervise the performance of the veterinary professional associate if:

(a) The licensed veterinarian has signed an agreement with the veterinary professional associate in accordance with section 12-315-203.7 (6);

(b) The delegation, supervision, and performance of the practice of veterinary medicine are being conducted in compliance with this article 315 and all applicable board rules;

(c) The supervising licensed veterinarian is located at the same veterinary premises as the veterinary professional associate while the veterinary professional associate is performing the practice of veterinary medicine, unless the veterinary professional associate meets the indirect supervision requirements of subsection (9) of this section; and

(d) The supervising licensed veterinarian is supervising no more than three veterinary professional associates who are practicing veterinary medicine at any one time.

(4) On or before September 1, 2025, the board shall adopt rules regarding the following tasks that a licensed veterinarian may delegate to a veterinary technician or a veterinary technician specialist and the stated level of supervision to perform those tasks:

(a) A licensed veterinarian may delegate the following tasks to a veterinary technician or veterinary technician specialist who is under the licensed veterinarian's immediate supervision:

(I) Assisting in surgical procedures; and

(II) The placement of abdominal, thoracic, esophagostomy, or percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy tubes.

(b) A licensed veterinarian may delegate the following tasks to a veterinary technician or veterinary technician specialist who is under at least direct supervision by the licensed veterinarian:

(I) Dental procedures, including, at a minimum:

(A) Removing calculus, soft deposits, plaque, and stains;

(B) Smoothing, filing, and polishing of teeth;

(D) Suturing a gingival incision;

(II) Placement of epidural and intraosseous catheters;

(III) Suturing, stapling, or gluing an existing surgical skin incision; and

(IV) Treatment of minor medical conditions, as determined by the licensed veterinarian, if:

(A) The veterinary technician or veterinary technician specialist has the training and competency to perform the treatment;

(B) The treatment is performed in consultation with the licensed veterinarian or under previously established written protocols; and

(C) The licensed veterinarian is available to manage the case if it is determined that the condition of the patient requires care beyond the abilities of the veterinary technician or veterinary technician specialist.

(c) A licensed veterinarian may delegate the following tasks to a veterinary technician or veterinary technician specialist who is under at least indirect supervision by the licensed veterinarian:

(I) Unless prohibited by state or federal law, the administration and application of treatments, including:

(A) Prescription drugs;

(B) Medications;

(D) Enemas; and

(E) Biological immunological agents;

(II) Intravenous and intra-arterial catheterizations and maintenance;

(III) Imaging, including radiography, ultrasonography, computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, and fluoroscopy and the administration of radiopaque agents or materials;

(IV) Unless prohibited by state or federal law, the collection of:

(A) Blood;

(B) Cellular or microbiological samples through skin scrapings, impressions, or other nonsurgical methods; and

(C) Urine through bladder expression, unobstructed catheterization, cystocentesis, or insertion of an indwelling urinary catheter;

(V) Monitoring of:

(A) An electrocardiogram, or EKG;

(B) Blood pressure; and

(VI) Clinical laboratory test procedures;

(VII) Handling and disposing of biohazardous waste materials;

(VIII) Implantation of a subcutaneous microchip;

(IX) Administration of a therapeutic laser, except for the use of surgical lasers;

(X) Application of animal rehabilitation therapies;

(XI) Ocular tonometry, Schirmer tear tests, or fluorescein stain application;

(XII) Suture and staple removal;

(XIII) Application of splints and slings for the temporary immobilization of fractures;

(XIV) Administration of chemotherapy or radiation therapy;

(XV) Reproductive ultrasound and semen evaluation;

(XVI) Blood or blood component collection, preparation, and administration for transfusion or blood banking purposes;

(XVII) Placement of gastric, nasogastric, or nasoesophageal tubes;

(XVIII) Fluid aspiration from a body cavity or organ;

(XIX) Minor wound management;

(XX) Placement of nasal catheters; and

(XXI) Emergency patient care, such as:

(A) Application of tourniquets or pressure procedures to control hemorrhage;

(B) Application of appropriate wound dressings;

(D) Anti-seizure treatment;

(E) Supportive treatment in heat prostration cases;

(F) Administration of a drug, a controlled substance, or parenteral fluids to manage and control pain, prevent further injury, prevent or control shock, or prevent the suffering of an animal, up to and including euthanasia; and

(G) Initiation and performance of cardiopulmonary resuscitation, or CPR, including administration of medication and defibrillation, and immediate post-resuscitation care.

(5) (a) [Editor's note: This version of the introductory portion of subsection (5)(a) is effective until January 1, 2026.] In promulgating rules pursuant to this section related to the delegation of tasks and supervision of veterinary professionals or other personnel, the board shall:

(5) (a) [Editor's note: This version of the introductory portion of subsection (5)(a) is effective January 1, 2026.] In adopting rules pursuant to this section related to the delegation of tasks and supervision of veterinary professionals or other personnel, the board shall:

(I) [Editor's note: This version of subsection (5)(a)(I) is effective until January 1, 2026.] Consult with licensed veterinarians, registered veterinary technicians, veterinary technician specialists, clients, and other relevant stakeholders, as determined by the board; and

(I) [Editor's note: This version of subsection (5)(a)(I) is effective January 1, 2026.] Consult with licensed veterinarians, registered veterinary technicians, veterinary technician specialists, clients, and other relevant stakeholders, as determined by the board;

(II) Permit a veterinary technician specialist to perform any task under at least indirect supervision by a licensed veterinarian in accordance with subsection (6) of this section.

(III) [Editor's note: Subjection (5)(a)(III) is effective January 1, 2026.] Require that a licensed veterinarian supervise a veterinary professional associate under either immediate supervision or direct supervision when the veterinary professional associate is practicing veterinary medicine, unless the veterinary professional associate meets the indirect supervision requirements of subsection (9) of this section; and

(IV) [Editor's note: Subjection (5)(a)(IV) is effective January 1, 2026.] Permit a veterinary professional associate to perform veterinary tasks that do not constitute the practice of veterinary medicine under indirect supervision if the supervising licensed veterinarian determines that the veterinary tasks are within the veterinary professional associate's education and training and if the licensed veterinarian delegates the veterinary tasks in accordance with this section and applicable board rules.

(b) The board shall review and update the rules promulgated pursuant to this section as necessary to account for developments in the practice of veterinary medicine and veterinary technology.

(6) A licensed veterinarian may delegate any task to a veterinary technician specialist who is under at least indirect supervision by the licensed veterinarian if the licensed veterinarian determines the task is within the veterinary technician specialist's training, experience, and competency and is otherwise not in conflict with this article 315, an applicable board rule, or any other state or federal law.

(7) Notwithstanding any provision of this article 315, an applicable board rule, or any other state or federal law, a licensed veterinarian may delegate a task to an individual who is not a veterinary technician or veterinary technician specialist if the veterinarian determines that the task is within the individual's training and experience and the individual is under the veterinarian's direct or immediate supervision; except that the treatment of minor medical conditions may only be delegated to a veterinary technician or veterinary technician specialist in accordance with subsection (4)(b)(IV) of this section.

(8) [Editor's note: Subsection (8) is effective January 1, 2026.] A licensed veterinarian shall follow all applicable state and federal law when issuing prescriptions.

(9) [Editor's note: Subsection (9) is effective January 1, 2026.] A veterinary professional associate may practice veterinary medicine under indirect supervision if the veterinary professional associate meets requisite clinical benchmarks, including performing the practice of veterinary medicine under the direct or immediate supervision of a licensed veterinarian for a specified amount of hours, as determined by the board.

Source: L. 2024: Entire section added, (HB 24-1047), ch. 36, p. 126, � 4, effective August 7. L. 2025: (2), IP(3)(a), (3)(a)(I), IP(5)(a), and (5)(a)(I) amended and (3.5), (5)(a)(III), (5)(a)(IV), (8), and (9) added, (HB 25-1285), ch. 305, p. 1595, � 4, effective January 1, 2026.