(1) In addition to any other duties specified in this part 2 and sections 12-315-105.5 and 12-315-106, the board shall:
(a) Approve a nationally recognized veterinary technician credentialing organization for purposes of credentialing veterinary technicians in this state. The credentialing organization approved by the board must:
(I) Require the completion of an American Veterinary Medical Association-accredited program for veterinary technicians;
(II) Require that an applicant pass a veterinary technician national examination approved by the board;
(III) Require continuing education for veterinary technicians; and
(IV) (A) Permit credentialing of provisional registrants who meet the work experience and testing requirements specified in section 12-315-203 (4).
(B) This subsection (1)(a)(IV) is repealed, effective July 1, 2028.
(b) Receive complaints, conduct hearings in accordance with this part 2 and section 12-315-113, and take disciplinary or other actions pursuant to this part 2 and section 12-20-404;
(c) Approve nationally recognized veterinary technician specialist certification organizations for the purposes of designating veterinary technician specialists in this state;
(d) [Editor's note: This version of subsection (1)(d) is effective until January 1, 2026.] Adopt any rules necessary for the delegation of veterinary tasks to veterinary technicians and veterinary technician specialists and for the supervision of those delegated tasks by a licensed veterinarian;
(d) [Editor's note: This version of subsection (1)(d) is effective January 1, 2026.] Adopt any rules necessary for the delegation of veterinary tasks to veterinary technicians, veterinary technician specialists, veterinary professional associates, or other personnel and for the supervision of those delegated tasks by a licensed veterinarian;
(e) [Editor's note: Subsection (1)(e) is effective January 1, 2026.] Require biennial continuing education for veterinary professional associates, as determined by the board by rule, as a condition of renewing registration;
(f) [Editor's note: Subsection (1)(f) is effective January 1, 2026.] Adopt any rules necessary for determining the scope of practice for veterinary professional associates.
(g) [Editor's note: Subsection (1)(g) is effective January 1, 2026.] Except as provided in subsection (3) of this section, adopt rules to approve a nationally recognized veterinary professional associate credentialing organization for purposes of credentialing veterinary professional associates in this state in accordance with section 12-315-106 (5)(j); and
(h) [Editor's note: Subsection (1)(h) is effective January 1, 2026.] Adopt any rules necessary to allow a veterinary professional associate to practice veterinary medicine under indirect supervision in accordance with section 12-315-105.5 (9).
(1.5) [Editor's note: This version of subsection (1.5) is effective until January 1, 2026.] The board shall not:
(a) Charge a fee in addition to the registration fee charged pursuant to section 12-315-123 for the designation of veterinary technician specialists; or
(b) Increase the amount of the registration fee charged pursuant to section 12-315-123 for veterinary technicians who seek veterinary technician specialist designation to an amount that is more than the registration fee that is required of other veterinary technicians.
(1.5) [Editor's note: This version of subsection (1.5) is effective January 1, 2026.] The board shall not:
(a) Charge a fee for the designation of veterinary technician specialists in addition to the registration fee charged for veterinary technicians; or
(b) Increase the amount of the registration fee charged for veterinary technicians who seek veterinary technician specialist designation to an amount that is more than the registration fee that is required of other veterinary technicians.
(2) If the board does not approve a credentialing organization for purposes of credentialing veterinary technicians or veterinary technician specialists in this state pursuant to subsection (1)(a) or (1)(c) of this section because there is no credentialing organization that meets the requirements set forth in subsections (1)(a)(I) to (1)(a)(IV) or subsection (1)(c) of this section or for any other reason, the board shall establish by rule and administer a credentialing process for veterinary technician registration or veterinary technician specialist designation pursuant to this part 2.
(3) [Editor's note: Subsection (3) is effective January 1, 2026.] If the board does not approve a veterinary professional associate credentialing organization for purposes of credentialing veterinary professional associates in this state pursuant to section 12-315-106 (5)(j) because there is no credentialing organization that meets the requirements set forth in section 12-315-106 (5)(j) or for any other reason, the board shall establish by rule and administer a credentialing process for veterinary professional associate registration.
(4) [Editor's note: Subsection (4) is effective January 1, 2026.] The board may establish by rule an equivalent registration pathway for a veterinary technician specialist to register as a veterinary professional associate, which pathway considers the experience, education, and training of a veterinary technician who is designated as a veterinary technician specialist pursuant to section 12-315-203 (4.5) to be equivalent to the education requirements for a veterinary professional associate required by section 12-315-203.7 (2)(a).
Source: L. 2022: Entire part added, (HB 22-1235), ch. 442, p. 3111, � 21, effective August 10. L. 2024: IP(1) and (2) amended and (1)(c), (1)(d), and (1.5) added, (HB 24-1047), ch. 36, p. 132, � 8, effective August 7. Initiated 2024: (1)(c) and (1)(d) added, Proposition 129, effective January 1, 2026. See L. 2025, p. 3621. L. 2025: (1)(d), (1)(e), (1)(f), and (1.5) amended and (1)(g), (1)(h), (3), and (4) added, (HB 25-1285), ch. 305, p. 1598, � 9, effective January 1, 2026.
Editor's note: (1) Subsections (1)(e) and (1)(f) were numbered as (1)(c) and (1)(d), respectively, in Proposition 129 but were renumbered on revision for ease of location.
(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. 3621. 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.
12-315-202. Registration required - rules. [Editor's note: This version of this section is effective until January 1, 2026.] Effective January 1, 2024, a person who practices as a veterinary technician in this state must be registered by the board pursuant to this part 2 and rules adopted by the board for the registration of veterinary technicians.
12-315-202. Registration required - rules. [Editor's note: This version of this section is effective January 1, 2026.]
(1) Effective January 1, 2024, an individual who practices as a veterinary technician in this state must be registered by the board pursuant to this part 2 and rules adopted by the board for the registration of veterinary technicians.
(2) Effective January 1, 2026, an individual who intends to practice as a veterinary professional associate in this state must be registered by the board pursuant to this part 2 and rules adopted by the board for the registration of veterinary professional associates.
Source: L. 2022: Entire part added, (HB 22-1235), ch. 442, p. 3111, � 21, effective August 10. L. 2025: Entire section amended, (HB 25-1285), ch. 305, p. 1599, � 10, effective January 1, 2026.
Cross references: For the legislative declaration in HB 25-1285, see section 1 of chapter 305, Session Laws of Colorado 2025.
12-315-203. Application for veterinary technician registration - qualifications - provisional registration - fee - veterinary technician specialist designation - rules - repeal. (1) A person who desires to practice as a veterinary technician in this state must file an application for registration with the board, along with the required application fee, in the manner determined by the board.
(2) To be qualified for registration, an applicant must:
(a) Be at least eighteen years of age; and
(b) Demonstrate to the board's satisfaction that the applicant has obtained and maintains in good standing credentialing as a veterinary technician from the veterinary technician credentialing organization.
(3) Commencing January 1, 2023, the board shall issue a registration to a qualified applicant who meets the requirements and qualifications of this section and board rules; except that the board may deny registration to an applicant who has committed an act that would be grounds for disciplinary action pursuant to section 12-315-207.
(4) (a) Notwithstanding subsection (2)(b) of this section, a person working in the role of a veterinary technician on and after January 1, 2023, who does not meet the requirements set forth in subsection (2)(b) of this section may file with the board an application for a provisional registration not later than January 1, 2024, along with the required application fee, in the manner determined by the board.
(b) A provisional registration issued pursuant to this subsection (4) may be renewed, as determined by the board by rule. The provisional registration expires the earlier of:
(I) The date on which the board issues a registration to an applicant pursuant to subsection (3) of this section;
(II) Twenty-eight days after the person has satisfied the requirements in subsection (4)(c)(I) or (4)(c)(II) of this section and is eligible to apply to the credentialing organization for credentialing in this state;
(III) The date on which the board denies the provisional registration renewal application; or
(IV) January 1, 2028.
(c) The credentialing organization shall accept as satisfaction of educational and testing requirements for credentialing a person holding a provisional registration in good standing who applies for credentialing not later than December 31, 2027, and who demonstrates to the credentialing organization's satisfaction that the provisional registrant has either:
(I) Obtained at least six thousand five hundred hours of work experience equivalent to the work performed by a veterinary technician and has passed a national veterinary technician examination approved by the board pursuant to section 12-315-201 (1)(a)(II); or
(II) Has obtained at least nine thousand hours of work experience equivalent to the work performed by a veterinary technician.
(d) A person holding a provisional registration is subject to discipline pursuant to section 12-315-207.
(e) Notwithstanding any other provision in this subsection (4) to the contrary, the board may establish, by rule, a process for and conditions under which a provisional registrant may apply for a hardship extension to extend, to a date not later than June 30, 2028:
(I) The validity of a provisional registration;
(II) The time within which the provisional registrant may satisfy the education and testing requirements; or
(III) The date by which the provisional registrant must apply to the credentialing organization.
(f) This subsection (4) is repealed, effective October 1, 2028.
(4.5) (a) On and after January 1, 2026, a veterinary technician may apply to the board for designation as a veterinary technician specialist as part of an application for a new or a renewal registration as a veterinary technician.
(b) To obtain a veterinary technician specialist designation, an applicant must demonstrate to the board's satisfaction, in the form and manner specified by the board by rule, that the applicant has been awarded a specialist designation or certification from:
(I) An academy recognized by the National Association of Veterinary Technicians in America's committee of veterinary technician specialities, or its successor organization; or
(II) An organization that the board has determined by rule to have equivalent training and educational requirements pursuant to section 12-315-201 (1)(c).
(5) The board shall make available on its website the requirements for credentialing by the credentialing organization, as well as information concerning the veterinary technician registration by endorsement under section 12-315-205 and the occupational credential portability program.
Source: L. 2022: Entire part added, (HB 22-1235), ch. 442, p. 3111, � 21, effective August 10. L. 2024: (4.5) added, (HB 24-1047), ch. 36, p. 132, � 9, effective August 7.
Cross references: For the legislative declaration in HB 24-1047, see section 1 of chapter 36, Session Laws of Colorado 2024.
12-315-203.7. Veterinary professional associate - qualifications - registration - fees - continuing education - rules. [Editor's note: This section is effective January 1, 2026.]
(1) An individual who desires to practice as a veterinary professional associate in this state must file an application for registration with the board, along with the required application fee, in the manner determined by the board.
(2) Qualifications. (a) To be qualified for registration as a veterinary professional associate, an individual must:
(I) Be at least eighteen years of age;
(II) Hold a master's degree in veterinary clinical care or the equivalent as determined by the board that:
(A) If completed before September 1, 2033, must be from a university-approved program that is approved by the board; or
(B) If completed on or after September 1, 2033, must be from a university-approved program that is accredited by a nationally recognized accrediting organization or equivalent organization, as approved by the board; and
(III) Pass a national credentialing exam to demonstrate entry-level competency to practice as a veterinary professional associate, as approved by the board.
(b) An individual who does not meet the qualifications set forth in subsection (2)(a) of this section may be qualified to register as a veterinary professional associate if the individual:
(I) Is registered as a veterinary technician with a designation as a veterinary technician specialist;
(II) In lieu of the education requirements set forth in subsection (2)(a)(II) of this section, meets the requirements of the equivalent registration pathway as established by the board pursuant to section 12-315-106 (10); and
(III) Passes the same national credentialing exam to demonstrate entry-level competency to practice as a veterinary professional associate, as approved by the board.
(3) Registration. Effective January 1, 2026, an individual who practices as a veterinary professional associate in this state must be registered by the board pursuant to this section and rules adopted by the board for the registration of veterinary professional associates.
(4) Rules. Prior to registering veterinary professional associates pursuant to this section, the board shall establish, by rule:
(a) The time frames and requirements for registration, renewal of registration, and suspension and reinstatement of registration for veterinary professional associates;
(b) The method for an applicant to demonstrate that the applicant meets the requirements set forth in subsection (2) of this section;
(c) Any information or confirmation required by the supervising licensed veterinarian, including the agreement entered into between the veterinarian and a veterinary professional associate pursuant to subsection (6) of this section;
(c.5) A registration fee for the registration of veterinary professional associates, which fee shall:
(I) Be paid by an individual applying for registration as a veterinary professional associate as part of their application; and
(II) Be set at an amount that does not result in the collection of fees in an aggregate amount that is greater than the amount of administrative costs incurred by the board in the implementation of this article 315 related to veterinary professional associates;
(d) Any continuing education requirements for veterinary professional associates in accordance with section 12-315-201 (1)(e) and subsection (5) of this section; and
(e) Any other rules necessary to implement this section.
(5) A veterinary professional associate is subject to any biennial continuing education requirement established by the board pursuant to section 12-315-201 (1)(e) and rules adopted pursuant to subsection (4)(d) of this section as a condition of renewing registration.
(6) (a) Before a veterinary professional associate begins working with a supervising licensed veterinarian, the supervising licensed veterinarian and the veterinary professional associate shall enter into a mutual agreement that states:
(I) That the supervising licensed veterinarian is responsible and accountable for the acts and omissions of the veterinary professional associate in their practice of veterinary medicine and verifying that the veterinary professional associate has the competency to practice veterinary medicine or perform any tasks delegated to them by the supervising licensed veterinarian related to the practice of veterinary medicine;
(II) That the licensed veterinarian shall supervise no more than three veterinary professional associates who are practicing veterinary medicine at any one time and that a veterinary professional associate and the supervising licensed veterinarian must be located at the same veterinary premises while the veterinary professional associate is practicing veterinary medicine, unless the veterinary professional associate meets the indirect supervision requirements of section 12-315-105.5 (9);
(III) The species for which the veterinary professional associate has received education and training in the practice of veterinary medicine; and
(IV) The date on which the licensed veterinarian will begin supervising and working with the veterinary professional associate.
(b) (I) A veterinary professional associate shall enter into an agreement described in subsection (6)(a) of this section with every licensed veterinarian who will supervise the veterinary professional associate in the veterinary professional associate's performance of veterinary medicine.
(II) A supervising licensed veterinarian shall enter into the agreement described in subsection (6)(a) of this section with every veterinary professional associate employed at the veterinary premises that the supervising licensed veterinarian intends to supervise in the practice of veterinary medicine.
(c) The supervising licensed veterinarian and the veterinary professional associate shall keep a copy of the agreement described in subsection (6)(a) of this section on file at the veterinarian's and veterinary professional associate's place of business.
(d) If the supervisory relationship between a supervising licensed veterinarian and the veterinary professional associate is terminated for any reason, including termination of employment of either party or termination of the supervisory relationship between the parties, the date that the supervisory relationship concluded shall be recorded and placed on file with the agreement described in subsection (6)(a) of this section.
Source: Initiated 2024: Entire section added, Proposition 129, effective January 1, 2026. See L. 2025, p. 3621. L. 2025: (2), (3), and (4)(c) amended and (4)(c.5) and (6) added, (HB 25-1285), ch. 305, p. 1599, � 11, effective January 1, 2026.
Editor's note: This section 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. 3621. 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 25-1285, see section 1 of chapter 305, Session Laws of Colorado 2025.
12-315-204. Use of title restricted. [Editor's note: This version of this section is effective until January 1, 2026.]
(1) On and after January 1, 2024, only an individual who is registered pursuant to section 12-315-203 may use the title veterinary technician or registered veterinary technician or the initials VT or RVT.
(2) On and after January 1, 2026, only an individual who has a veterinary technician specialist designation pursuant to section 12-315-203 (4.5) may use the title veterinary technician specialist or registered veterinary technician specialist or the initials VTS or RVTS.
12-315-204. Use of title restricted. [Editor's note: This version of this section is effective January 1, 2026.]
(1) On and after January 1, 2024, only an individual who is registered pursuant to section 12-315-203 may use the title veterinary technician or registered veterinary technician or the initials VT or RVT.
(2) On and after January 1, 2026, only an individual who has a veterinary technician specialist designation pursuant to section 12-315-203 (4.5) may use the title veterinary technician specialist or registered veterinary technician specialist or the initials VTS or RVTS.
(3) On and after January 1, 2026, only an individual who is registered pursuant to section 12-315-203.7 may use the title veterinary professional associate or registered veterinary professional associate or the initials VPA or RVPA.
Source: L. 2022: Entire part added, (HB 22-1235), ch. 442, p. 3113, � 21, effective August 10. L. 2024: Entire section amended, (HB 24-1047), ch. 36, p. 133, � 10, effective August 7. Initiated 2024: Entire section amended, Proposition 129, effective January 1, 2026. See L. 2025, p. 3622.
Editor's note: (1) Subsection (3) was numbered as (2) in Proposition 129 but was renumbered on revision for ease of location.
(2) This section was 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. 3622. 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.