Title 12, Professions and Occupations
0 chapters · 1,262 sections in this title.
Colo. Rev. Stat. § 12-315-101 Short title
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The short title of this article 315 is the Colorado Veterinary Practice Act. Source: L. 2019: Entire title R&RE with relocations, (HB 19-1172), ch. 136, p. 1616, � 1, effective October 1. Editor's note: This section is similar to former � 12-64-101 as it existed prior to 2019. 12…
Colo. Rev. Stat. § 12-315-102 Legislative declaration
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(1) This article 315 is enacted as an exercise of the police powers of the state to promote the public health, safety, and welfare by safeguarding the people of this state against incompetent, dishonest, or unprincipled practitioners of veterinary medicine. It is hereby declared …
Colo. Rev. Stat. § 12-315-103 Applicability of common provisions
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Articles 1, 20, and 30 of this title 12 apply, according to their terms, to this article 315. Source: L. 2019: Entire title R&RE with relocations, (HB 19-1172), ch. 136, p. 1617, � 1, effective October 1.
Colo. Rev. Stat. § 12-315-104 Definitions
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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 35-80-1…
Colo. Rev. Stat. § 12-315-105 License requirements and exceptions - practice of veterinary medicine - prescriptions - definitions - rules
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(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…
Colo. Rev. Stat. § 12-315-105.5 Delegation to and supervision of veterinary technicians, veterinary technician specialists, veterinary professional associates, and other qualified personnel - rules
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(1) A licensed veterinarian may delegate tasks in accordance with this section and rules adopted by the board pursuant to this section. (2) A licensed veterinarian shall establish a veterinarian-client-patient relationship before the veterinarian delegates a task to a veterinary …
Colo. Rev. Stat. § 12-315-106 Board of veterinary medicine - creation - powers - rules
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(1) There is hereby created a state board of veterinary medicine consisting of nine members appointed by the governor. Each member shall be appointed for a term of four years. The governor shall appoint members of the board from qualified persons as described in subsection (2) of…
Colo. Rev. Stat. § 12-315-107 Application for license - qualifications - rules
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(1) Any person twenty-one years of age or older desiring a license to practice veterinary medicine in this state shall apply for the license in a manner approved by the board. (2) In the application for licensure, the applicant shall demonstrate that the applicant has: (a) (I) Gr…
Colo. Rev. Stat. § 12-315-108 Academic license
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(1) A veterinarian who is employed at a school of veterinary medicine in this state and who practices veterinary medicine in the course of the veterinarian's employment responsibilities shall either apply, in a manner approved by the board, for an academic license in accordance w…
Colo. Rev. Stat. § 12-315-109 License by endorsement
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The board may issue a license by endorsement to engage in the practice of veterinary medicine in this state to an applicant who satisfies the requirements of the occupational credential portability program. Source: L. 2019: Entire title R&RE with relocations, (HB 19-1172), ch. 13…
Colo. Rev. Stat. § 12-315-110 License renewal - waiver - rules - continuing education
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(1) All licenses issued pursuant to this part 1 are subject to the renewal, expiration, reinstatement, and delinquency fee provisions specified in section 12-20-202 (1) and (2). A person whose license expires is subject to the penalties provided in this part 1 or section 12-20-20…
Colo. Rev. Stat. § 12-315-111 Inactive license
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(1) Upon notice to the board, a person licensed to practice veterinary medicine shall have the person's license transferred to inactive status. If a person whose license is in inactive status wishes to resume the practice of veterinary medicine, the person shall apply to the boar…
Colo. Rev. Stat. § 12-315-112 Discipline of licensees - definition
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(1) 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 or other action as authorized …
Colo. Rev. Stat. § 12-315-113 Hearing procedure - judicial review
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Hearings shall be conducted in conformity with section 12-20-403 and article 4 of title 24. Section 12-20-408 governs judicial review of all final agency actions and orders. Source: L. 2019: Entire title R&RE with relocations, (HB 19-1172), ch. 136, p. 1633, � 1, effective Octobe…
Colo. Rev. Stat. § 12-315-114 Unauthorized practice - penalties
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(1) No person who practices veterinary medicine without a currently valid license may receive any compensation for services so rendered. (2) Any person who practices or offers or attempts to practice veterinary medicine without an active license issued under this part 1 is subjec…
Colo. Rev. Stat. § 12-315-115 Abandonment of animals - definition
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(1) An animal placed in the custody of a licensed veterinarian for treatment, boarding, or other care that is unclaimed by its owner or the owner's agent for more than ten days after written notice, by certified mail, return receipt requested, is given to the addressee at the las…
Colo. Rev. Stat. § 12-315-116 Veterinary students and veterinary student preceptors
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(1) All duties or actions performed by a veterinary student or veterinary student preceptor must be assigned by the student's instructor or be performed under the direct supervision of a licensed veterinarian. If the student does not conform to the following requirements, the lic…
Colo. Rev. Stat. § 12-315-117 Emergency care or treatment
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A licensed veterinarian who in good faith administers emergency care or treatment, or euthanasia for humane reasons, to an animal, without compensation, either voluntarily or at the request of a state or local governmental officer or employee, is not liable for civil damages for …
Colo. Rev. Stat. § 12-315-118 Repeal of article - subject to review
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This article 315 is repealed, effective September 1, 2033. Before the repeal, the board is scheduled for review in accordance with section 24-34-104. Source: L. 2019: Entire title R&RE with relocations, (HB 19-1172), ch. 136, p. 1634, � 1, effective October 1. L. 2022: Entire sec…
Colo. Rev. Stat. § 12-315-119 Veterinary records in custody of animal care providers - definition - rules
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(1) As used in this section, unless the context otherwise requires, “animal care provider” means: (a) A veterinary practice or veterinary hospital, including the veterinary teaching hospital at Colorado state university, that provides veterinary care or treatment to animals; and …
Colo. Rev. Stat. § 12-315-120 Reporting requirements - immunity for reporting - veterinary-patient-client privilege inapplicable
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(1) A licensed veterinarian who, during the course of attending or treating an animal, has reasonable cause to know or suspect that the animal has been subjected to cruelty in violation of section 18-9-202, or subjected to animal fighting in violation of section 18-9-204, shall r…
Colo. Rev. Stat. § 12-315-121 Corporate structure for the practice of veterinary medicine - definitions
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(1) A licensed veterinarian shall not practice veterinary medicine in or through a corporation except in accordance with this section. (2) One or more persons may form or own shares in a corporation for the practice of veterinary medicine if the corporation is organized and opera…
Colo. Rev. Stat. § 12-315-122 Veterinary premises - licensed veterinarian responsible for veterinary medical decisions
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(1) At all times when a patient is present on a veterinary premises, a licensed veterinarian must be designated as responsible for the veterinary medical decisions and care provided to the patient. (2) At all times when a patient is present on a veterinary premises, a licensed ve…
Colo. Rev. Stat. § 12-315-123 Veterinary peer health assistance program - fees - administration - rules
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(1) Veterinary peer health assistance program (a) There is created the veterinary peer health assistance program to provide assistance to veterinary professionals needing help in dealing with physical, emotional, or psychological conditions that may be detrimental to their abilit…
Colo. Rev. Stat. § 12-315-124 Evaluations of licensees - behavioral health - mental health - physical conditions
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(1) (a) (I) If, upon receipt of a signed complaint by a complainant, the board has reasonable cause to believe that a licensed veterinarian is unable to practice veterinary medicine with reasonable skill and safety to patients or clients due to a physical condition or a behaviora…
Colo. Rev. Stat. § 12-315-125 Confidential agreement to limit practice
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Section 12-30-108 concerning confidential agreements to limit practice applies to this article 315. Source: L. 2019: Entire title R&RE with relocations, (HB 19-1172), ch. 136, p. 1640, � 1, effective October 1. Editor's note: This section is similar to former � 12-64-126 as it ex…
Colo. Rev. Stat. § 12-315-126 Prescriptions - limitations. (Repealed)
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Source: L. 2019: Entire title R&RE with relocations, (HB 19-1172), ch. 136, p. 1641, � 1, effective October 1. L. 2021: Entire section amended, (HB 21-1276), ch. 364, p. 2400, � 14, effective July 1. L. 2024: Entire section repealed, (SB 24-047), ch. 440, p. 3073, � 6, effective …
Colo. Rev. Stat. § 12-315-201 Additional board duties - rules - repeal
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(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 cre…
Colo. Rev. Stat. § 12-315-202 Registration required - rules
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(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 …
Colo. Rev. Stat. § 12-315-203 Application for veterinary technician registration - qualifications - provisional registration - fee - veterinary technician specialist designation - rules - repeal
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(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 …
Colo. Rev. Stat. § 12-315-203.7 Veterinary professional associate - qualifications - registration - fees - continuing education - rules
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(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 reg…
Colo. Rev. Stat. § 12-315-204 Use of title restricted
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(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 vete…
Colo. Rev. Stat. § 12-315-205 Veterinary technicians - registration by endorsement
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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. Exp…
Colo. Rev. Stat. § 12-315-206 Expiration, renewal, reinstatement, or reactivation of a registration - inactive status - rules - definition
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(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…
Colo. Rev. Stat. § 12-315-207 Discipline - registered veterinary technician - veterinary technician specialist - registered veterinary professional associate - definition - repeal
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(1) 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 sectio…
Colo. Rev. Stat. § 12-315-208 Examination of registrants - behavioral health - mental health - physical conditions
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(1) (a) (I) 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 s…
Colo. Rev. Stat. § 12-315-209 Duties of licensed veterinarian - supervision of veterinary technicians and veterinary technician specialists - rules
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(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 t…
Colo. Rev. Stat. § 12-315-209.7 Duties of licensed veterinarian - direction and supervision of veterinary professional associate - rules
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(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 associ…
Colo. Rev. Stat. § 12-315-210 Unauthorized practice - penalties
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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…
Colo. Rev. Stat. § 12-315-301 Definitions - rules
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As used in this part 3, unless the context otherwise requires: (1) Tele-advice means the provision of any health information, opinion, or guidance by a veterinary professional that is not intended to diagnose, treat, or issue prognoses of an animal's, or group of animals', physic…
Colo. Rev. Stat. § 12-315-302 Veterinarian-client-patient relationship - telemedicine
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(1) Only a licensed veterinarian may establish a veterinarian-client-patient relationship in this state. (2) (a) A veterinarian-client-patient relationship must be established by an in-person, physical examination of the animal or timely visits to the premises where the animal is…
Colo. Rev. Stat. § 12-315-303 Treatment of patients using telehealth - telemedicine - licensure - technology - consent
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(1) (a) A person must be licensed to practice veterinary medicine in Colorado in order to practice telemedicine in Colorado. (b) A person who is not a licensed veterinarian in Colorado and who uses telemedicine to provide veterinary services to animals and individuals responsible…
Colo. Rev. Stat. § 12-315-304 Standard of care
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(1) A licensed veterinarian using telehealth to provide veterinary services shall conduct all necessary patient evaluations and treatment using the applicable standard of care for those evaluations and treatments. (2) A licensed veterinarian shall not recommend treatment or care …
Colo. Rev. Stat. § 12-315-305 Prescribing medication through telemedicine
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(1) (a) Except as provided in subsection (3) of this section, only a licensed veterinarian with an established veterinarian-client-patient relationship may prescribe medication through telemedicine. (b) A licensed veterinarian shall use professional judgment when determining if i…
Colo. Rev. Stat. § 12-315-306 Telereferral
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(1) A veterinarian with an established veterinarian-client-patient relationship may refer a patient to a veterinary specialist. (2) A veterinary specialist to whom a patient is referred may provide veterinary services using telecommunications technology for the patient and client…
Colo. Rev. Stat. § 12-315-307 Telesupervision
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(1) A licensed veterinarian may provide, at the veterinarian's discretion, telesupervision of registered veterinary technicians for tasks that do not require direct or immediate supervision, pursuant to board rules. (2) A supervising licensed veterinarian who has an established v…
Colo. Rev. Stat. § 12-315-308 Emergency care - continuity of care
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(1) A licensed veterinarian who practices veterinary medicine through telemedicine shall be available in person at a veterinary premises that is accessible to the client and patient or shall arrange for another licensed veterinarian in Colorado to be at a veterinary premises that…
Colo. Rev. Stat. § 12-315-309 Medical records - definition
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(1) As used in this section, unless the context otherwise requires, animal care provider has the meaning set forth in section 12-315-119 (1). (2) An animal care provider that uses telehealth to provide veterinary services shall maintain medical records pursuant to section 12-315-…
Colo. Rev. Stat. § 12-315-310 Confidentiality and privacy
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A licensed veterinarian shall ensure that a client's privacy and confidentiality are protected when the veterinarian is providing veterinary services using telehealth pursuant to the veterinarian's professional and legal obligations. Source: L. 2024: Entire part added, (HB 24-104…