Colo. Rev. Stat. § 12-315-205, Veterinary technicians

The board may issue a registration by endorsement to a veterinary technician applicant who satisfies the requirements of the occupational credential portability program.

Source: L. 2022: Entire part added, (HB 22-1235), ch. 442, p. 3113, � 21, effective August 10.

12-315-206. Expiration, renewal, reinstatement, or reactivation of a registration - inactive status - rules - definition. [Editor's note: This version of this section is effective until January 1, 2026.]

(1) A registration issued pursuant to this part 2 is subject to the renewal, expiration, reinstatement, and delinquency fee provisions specified in section 12-20-202 (1) and (2). A person whose registration expires is subject to the penalties provided in this part 2 or section 12-20-202 (1).

(2) The board, by rule, may waive a veterinary technician's renewal fee while the veterinary technician is on active duty with any branch of the armed services of the United States. The period during which the renewal fee is waived cannot exceed the longer of three years or the duration of a national emergency.

(3) (a) The board shall not renew, reinstate, or reactivate a registration issued pursuant to section 12-315-203 (3) unless the veterinary technician demonstrates to the board's satisfaction that the veterinary technician maintains active credentialing with the credentialing organization. Subject to board rule, the evidence may be provided by an attestation on the registration application.

(b) The board shall not renew a veterinary technician's designation as a specialist obtained pursuant to section 12-315-203 (4.5) unless the veterinary technician specialist demonstrates to the board's satisfaction that the veterinary technician specialist has satisfied the continuing education requirements of the credentialing organization that are necessary to maintain an active designation or certification as a veterinary technician specialist.

(4) (a) Upon notice to the board, the board shall transfer a veterinary technician's registration to inactive status. If a person whose registration is in inactive status wishes to resume practicing as a veterinary technician, the person shall apply to the board in a form and manner approved by the board and shall demonstrate, to the satisfaction of the board, that the person has obtained and maintains credentialing in good standing by the credentialing organization.

(b) The board may pursue disciplinary proceedings pursuant to section 12-315-207 against a veterinary technician whose registration is inactive pursuant to this subsection (4) for conduct that violates this part 2 that the person engages in while the registration is in inactive status.

12-315-206. Expiration, renewal, reinstatement, or reactivation of a registration - inactive status - rules - definition. [Editor's note: This version of this section is effective January 1, 2026.]

(2) The board, by rule, may waive a veterinary technician's or veterinary professional associate's renewal fee while the veterinary technician or veterinary professional associate is on active duty with any branch of the armed services of the United States. The period during which the renewal fee is waived cannot exceed the longer of three years or the duration of a national emergency.

(3) (a) The board shall not renew, reinstate, or reactivate a registration issued pursuant to this part 2 unless the veterinary technician or veterinary professional associate demonstrates to the board's satisfaction that the veterinary technician or veterinary professional associate maintains active credentialing with the credentialing organization or the veterinary professional associate continues to meet the requirements for registration under this part 2. Subject to board rule, the evidence may be provided by an attestation on the registration application.

(4) (a) Upon notice to the board, the board shall transfer a veterinary technician's or veterinary professional associate's registration to inactive status. If a person whose registration is in inactive status wishes to resume practicing as a veterinary technician or veterinary professional associate, the person shall apply to the board in a form and manner approved by the board and shall demonstrate, to the satisfaction of the board, that the person has obtained and maintains credentialing in good standing by the credentialing organization or the person continues to meet the requirements for registration under this part 2.

(b) The board may pursue disciplinary proceedings pursuant to section 12-315-207 against a veterinary technician or veterinary professional associate whose registration is inactive pursuant to this subsection (4) for conduct that violates this part 2 that the person engages in while the registration is in inactive status.

Source: L. 2022: Entire part added, (HB 22-1235), ch. 442, p. 3113, � 21, effective August 10. L. 2024: (3) amended, (HB 24-1047), ch. 36, p. 133, � 11, effective August 7. Initiated 2024: Entire section amended, Proposition 129, effective January 1, 2026. See L. 2025, p. 3622.

Editor's note: 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.

12-315-207. Discipline - registered veterinary technician - veterinary technician specialist - registered veterinary professional associate - definition - repeal. (1) [Editor's note: This version of the introductory portion of subsection (1) is effective until January 1, 2026.] Upon receipt of a signed complaint by a complainant or upon its own motion, the board may proceed to a hearing in accordance with section 12-315-113. After a hearing, and by a concurrence of a majority of members, the board may take disciplinary action as authorized in section 12-20-404 against an applicant for a registration, a registered veterinary technician, or a veterinary technician specialist for any of the following reasons:

(1) [Editor's note: This version of the introductory portion of subsection (1) is effective January 1, 2026.] Upon receipt of a signed complaint by a complainant or upon its own motion, the board may proceed to a hearing in accordance with section 12-315-113. After a hearing, and by a concurrence of a majority of members, the board may take disciplinary action as authorized in section 12-20-404 against an applicant for a registration, a registered veterinary technician or veterinary professional associate, or a veterinary technician specialist for any of the following reasons:

(a) Violation of any provision of this article 315, an applicable provision of article 20 or 30 of this title 12, or any rule or order of the board;

(b) (I) Fraud, misrepresentation, or deception in attempting to obtain or in obtaining a registration or renewing a registration;

(II) (A) Fraud, misrepresentation, or deception in attempting to obtain or in obtaining a provisional registration or renewing a provisional registration.

(B) This subsection (1)(b)(II) is repealed, effective October 1, 2028.

(d) Willfully making any false statement as to any material matter in any oath or affidavit that is required by this article 315;

(e) [Editor's note: This version of subsection (1)(e) is effective until January 1, 2026.] Unprofessional or unethical conduct or engaging in practices that are in violation of generally accepted standards for practice as a veterinary technician or as a veterinary technician specialist or prescribed by the rules of the board;

(e) [Editor's note: This version of subsection (1)(e) is effective January 1, 2026.] Unprofessional or unethical conduct or engaging in practices that are in violation of generally accepted standards for practice as a veterinary technician or veterinary professional associate or as a veterinary technician specialist or prescribed by the rules of the board;

(f) [Editor's note: This version of the introductory portion of subsection (1)(f) is effective until January 1, 2026.] The veterinary technician:

(f) [Editor's note: This version of the introductory portion of subsection (1)(f) is effective January 1, 2026.] The veterinary technician or veterinary professional associate:

(I) [Editor's note: This version of subsection (1)(f)(I) is effective until January 1, 2026.] Has a registration or credential as a veterinary technician in another state revoked or suspended;

(I) [Editor's note: This version of subsection (1)(f)(I) is effective January 1, 2026.] Has a registration or credential as a veterinary technician or veterinary professional associate in another state revoked or suspended;

(II) Is otherwise disciplined by another state; or

(III) Has committed acts in another state that would subject the person to disciplinary action in this state;

(g) [Editor's note: This version of subsection (1)(g) is effective until January 1, 2026.] Practicing as a veterinary technician while in inactive status or while the person's registration is expired;

(g) [Editor's note: This version of subsection (1)(g) is effective January 1, 2026.] Practicing as a veterinary technician or veterinary professional associate while in inactive status or while the person's registration is expired;

(h) Failing to notify the board within thirty days after a disciplinary action, whether in this state or in another state, against the person's credential that allows the person to hold a registration in this state;

(i) Conviction of a violation of the Uniform Controlled Substances Act of 2013, article 18 of title 18; the federal Controlled Substances Act, 21 U.S.C. sec. 801 et seq., as amended; or the federal Controlled Substances Import and Export Act, 21 U.S.C. sec. 951 et seq., as amended;

(j) Conviction of a crime in the courts of this state or of a crime in any other state, any territory, or any other country for an offense related to the conduct regulated by this part 2, regardless of whether the sentence is deferred. As used in this subsection (1)(j), conviction includes a plea of guilty or a plea of nolo contendere accepted by the court.

(k) Habitual or excessive use or abuse of alcohol beverages, a habit-forming drug, or a controlled substance as defined in section 18-18-102 (5);

(l) [Editor's note: This version of subsection (1)(l) is effective until January 1, 2026.] A determination that the individual is mentally incompetent by a court of competent jurisdiction, and the court has entered, pursuant to part 3 or 4 of article 14 of title 15 or section 27-65-110 (4) or 27-65-127, an order specifically finding that the mental incompetency is of such a degree that the individual is incapable of continuing to hold a registration as a veterinary technician;

(l) [Editor's note: This version of subsection (1)(l) is effective January 1, 2026.] A determination that the individual is mentally incompetent by a court of competent jurisdiction, and the court has entered, pursuant to part 3 or 4 of article 14 of title 15 or section 27-65-110 (4) or 27-65-127, an order specifically finding that the mental incompetency is of such a degree that the individual is incapable of continuing to hold a registration as a veterinary professional associate or veterinary technician;

(m) Failing to report a known violation of any provision of this section;

(n) Practicing or performing services beyond the scope of competence of a registered veterinary technician or a designated veterinary technician specialist or without the appropriate level of supervision by a licensed veterinarian;

(o) Failing to respond to a complaint against the registrant;

(p) Failing to provide to the board an updated mailing address and other contact information as required by the board within thirty days after a change in the information; or

(q) Failing to comply with the terms agreed to under a confidential agreement entered into under sections 12-30-108 and 12-315-125.

(2) The board may send a letter of admonition to a registrant under the circumstances specified in and in accordance with section 12-20-404 (4).

(3) The board may send a confidential letter of concern to the registrant under the circumstances specified in section 12-20-404 (5).

(4) The record of conviction of a felony in a court of competent jurisdiction is sufficient evidence for the board to take disciplinary action against the registrant as deemed proper by the board. For the purposes of this part 2, a conviction is deemed to be a conviction that has been upheld by the highest appellate court having jurisdiction or a conviction upon which the time for filing an appeal has passed.

(5) [Editor's note: This version of subsection (5) is effective until January 1, 2026.] With respect to denying the issuance of a veterinary technician registration or taking disciplinary action against a veterinary technician, the board may accept as prima facie evidence of grounds for the action any federal or state action taken against a veterinary technician in another jurisdiction if the violation that prompted the disciplinary action in the jurisdiction would constitute grounds for disciplinary action under this section.

(5) [Editor's note: This version of subsection (5) is effective January 1, 2026.] With respect to denying the issuance of a veterinary technician or veterinary professional associate registration or taking disciplinary action against a veterinary technician or veterinary professional associate, the board may accept as prima facie evidence of grounds for the action any federal or state action taken against a veterinary technician or veterinary professional associate in another jurisdiction if the violation that prompted the disciplinary action in the jurisdiction would constitute grounds for disciplinary action under this section.

(6) In addition to any other penalty that may be imposed pursuant to this section, a person violating any provision of this part 2 or any rules promulgated pursuant to this part 2 may be fined not less than one hundred dollars nor more than one thousand dollars for any such violation.

(7) The board may issue cease-and-desist orders under the circumstances and in accordance with section 12-20-405; except that the board may also issue a cease-and-desist order on its own motion.

(8) [Editor's note: This version of subsection (8) is effective until January 1, 2026.] The board may suspend the registration of a veterinary technician who fails to comply with an order of the board issued in accordance with this section. The board may impose the registration suspension until the registrant complies with the board's order.

(8) [Editor's note: This version of subsection (8) is effective January 1, 2026.] The board may suspend the registration of a veterinary technician or veterinary professional associate who fails to comply with an order of the board issued in accordance with this section. The board may impose the registration suspension until the registrant complies with the board's order.

Source: L. 2022: Entire part added, (HB 22-1235), ch. 442, p. 3114, � 21, effective August 10. L. 2024: IP(1), (1)(e), and (1)(n) amended, (HB 24-1047), ch. 36, p. 133, � 12, effective August 7. Initiated 2024: IP(1), (1)(e), IP(1)(f), (1)(f)(I), (1)(g), (1)(l), (5), and (8) amended, Proposition 129, effective January 1, 2026. See L. 2025, p. 3623.

Editor's note: 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. 3623. 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.

12-315-208. Examination of registrants - behavioral health - mental health - physical conditions. (1) (a) (I) [Editor's note: This version of the introductory portion of subsection (1)(a)(I) is effective until January 1, 2026.] If, upon receipt of a signed complaint by a complainant, the board has reasonable cause to believe that a veterinary technician is unable to practice as a veterinary technician with reasonable skill and safety to patients or clients due to a physical condition or a behavioral health, mental health, or substance use disorder, the board may require in writing that the veterinary technician submit to an examination to evaluate:

(1) (a) (I) [Editor's note: This version of the introductory portion of subsection (1)(a)(I) is effective January 1, 2026.] If, upon receipt of a signed complaint by a complainant, the board has reasonable cause to believe that a veterinary technician or veterinary professional associate is unable to practice as a veterinary technician or veterinary professional associate with reasonable skill and safety to patients or clients due to a physical condition or a behavioral health, mental health, or substance use disorder, the board may require in writing that the veterinary technician or veterinary professional associate submit to an examination to evaluate:

(A) The existence and extent of the physical condition or the behavioral health, mental health, or substance use disorder; and

(B) [Editor's note: This version of subsection (1)(a)(I)(B) is effective until January 1, 2026.] Any impact the physical condition or the behavioral health, mental health, or substance use disorder has on the veterinary technician's ability to practice as a veterinary technician with reasonable skill and safety to patients and clients.

(B) [Editor's note: This version of subsection (1)(a)(I)(B) is effective January 1, 2026.] Any impact the physical condition or the behavioral health, mental health, or substance use disorder has on the veterinary technician's or veterinary professional associate's ability to practice as a veterinary technician or veterinary professional associate with reasonable skill and safety to patients and clients.

(II) A qualified professional employed by or contracting with a veterinary peer health assistance program that the board has selected as a designated provider under section 12-315-123 shall conduct an examination required by subsection (1)(a)(I) of this section.

(b) [Editor's note: This version of subsection (1)(b) is effective until January 1, 2026.] If a veterinary technician fails to submit to an examination required under subsection (1)(a) of this section, the board may suspend the veterinary technician's registration until the veterinary technician submits to the examination; however, if the veterinary technician demonstrates to the satisfaction of the board that the failure to submit to the examination is due to circumstances beyond the veterinary technician's control, the board shall not suspend the veterinary technician's registration.

(b) [Editor's note: This version of subsection (1)(b) is effective January 1, 2026.] If a veterinary technician or veterinary professional associate fails to submit to an examination required under subsection (1)(a) of this section, the board may suspend the veterinary technician's or veterinary professional associate's registration until the veterinary technician or veterinary professional associate submits to the examination; however, if the veterinary technician or veterinary professional associate demonstrates to the satisfaction of the board that the failure to submit to the examination is due to circumstances beyond the veterinary technician's or veterinary professional associate's control, the board shall not suspend the veterinary technician's or veterinary professional associate's registration.

(2) [Editor's note: This version of the introductory portion of subsection (2) is effective until January 1, 2026.] Every veterinary technician in this state is deemed, by practicing as a veterinary technician or applying for a renewal of the person's registration, to have:

(2) [Editor's note: This version of the introductory portion of subsection (2) is effective January 1, 2026.] Every veterinary technician or veterinary professional associate in this state is deemed, by practicing as a veterinary technician or veterinary professional associate or applying for a renewal of the person's registration, to have:

(a) Given consent to submit to an examination that the board may require under subsection (1)(a) of this section; and

(b) Waived an objection to the admissibility of the examining professional's testimony or examination reports at a board hearing on grounds that the testimony or reports are privileged communications.

(3) (a) A person shall not use the results of an examination ordered under subsection (1)(a) of this section as evidence in any proceeding other than a proceeding before the board.

(b) Except as provided in subsection (3)(a) of this section, any examination results, the fact that the examination was administered, and the complaint that prompted the examination shall be kept confidential, are not public records, and are not available to the public.

Source: L. 2022: Entire part added, (HB 22-1235), ch. 442, p. 3116, � 21, effective August 10. Initiated 2024: IP(1)(a)(I), (1)(a)(I)(B), (1)(b), and IP(2) amended, Proposition 129, effective January 1, 2026. See L. 2025, p. 3624. L. 2025: IP(1)(a)(I) and (1)(a)(I)(B) amended, (HB 25-1285), ch. 305, p. 1601, � 12, effective January 1, 2026.

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.

12-315-209. Duties of licensed veterinarian - supervision of veterinary technicians and veterinary technician specialists - rules. (1) A veterinary technician or veterinary technician specialist is authorized to provide care to animals under the appropriate level of supervision, as determined by the board by rule pursuant to section 12-315-105.5 (4) or (6), by a licensed veterinarian who is responsible for the veterinary technician's or veterinary technician specialist's performance. The licensed veterinarian delegating tasks to and supervising the veterinary technician or veterinary technician specialist is responsible for the care of the animal.

(2) Nothing in this part 2 prohibits a person who is not a veterinary technician or veterinary technician specialist pursuant to this part 2 from performing tasks relating to animal care under the direct or immediate supervision of a licensed veterinarian who is responsible for the care of the animal.

Source: L. 2022: Entire part added, (HB 22-1235), ch. 442, p. 3117, � 21, effective August 10. L. 2024: Entire section amended, (HB 24-1047), ch. 36, p. 134, � 13, effective August 7.

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

12-315-209.7. Duties of licensed veterinarian - direction and supervision of veterinary professional associate - rules. [Editor's note: This section is effective January 1, 2026.]

(1) Except as provided in subsection (2) of this section, a person practicing veterinary medicine as a veterinary professional associate may perform duties and actions authorized pursuant to section 12-315-105 (1)(u) that are within the scope of the veterinary professional associate's education and experience if the person practices veterinary medicine under the appropriate level of supervision by a licensed veterinarian.

(2) A veterinary professional associate shall perform only those duties or actions delegated by the licensed supervising veterinarian, with whom the veterinary professional associate has a signed agreement in accordance with section 12-315-203.7 (6), for which the veterinary professional associate has the necessary training, experience, and competency, 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, experience, and competency, 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

(4) If a veterinary professional associate performs duties beyond the veterinary professional associate's training, experience, and competency or does not conform with the requirement to perform all duties and actions pursuant to section 12-315-105 (1)(u) under the appropriate level of supervision by 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

(5) (a) Before a veterinary professional associate engages in the practice of veterinary medicine on a patient, the veterinary professional associate shall clearly identify themself to the client, both visually and verbally, as a veterinary professional associate. A person that employs a veterinary professional associate shall identify to a client that a veterinary professional associate providing care to the client's animal is a veterinary professional associate.

(b) The board may adopt rules regarding how a veterinary professional associate and a person that employs a veterinary professional associate must identify the veterinary professional associate to clients in accordance with subsection (5)(a) of this section.

Source: Initiated 2024: Entire section added, Proposition 129, effective January 1, 2026. See L. 2025, p. 3624. L. 2025: (1), (2), IP(3), and IP(4) amended and (5) added, (HB 25-1285), ch. 305, p. 1602, � 13, 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. 3624. 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.

12-315-210. Unauthorized practice - penalties. [Editor's note: This version of this section is effective until January 1, 2026.] A person who practices or offers or attempts to practice as a veterinary technician without an active registration issued under this part 2 or as a veterinary technician specialist without an active veterinary technician specialist designation under this part 2 is subject to penalties pursuant to section 12-20-407 (1)(a).

12-315-210. Unauthorized practice - penalties. [Editor's note: This version of this section is effective January 1, 2026.] A person who practices or offers or attempts to practice as a veterinary technician or veterinary professional associate without an active registration issued under this part 2 or as a veterinary technician specialist without an active veterinary technician specialist designation under this part 2 is subject to penalties pursuant to section 12-20-407 (1)(a).

Source: L. 2022: Entire part added, (HB 22-1235), ch. 442, p. 3117, � 21, effective August 10. L. 2024: Entire section amended, (HB 24-1047), ch. 36, p. 134, � 14, effective August 7. Initiated 2024: Entire section amended, Proposition 129, effective January 1, 2026. See L. 2025, p. 3625.

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.