Rep. Karen McCormick discusses Veterinary Technician regulation

On June 9, 2022, Governor Jared Polis signed into law House Bill 22-1235, the revised Veterinary Practice Act that includes regulation of veterinary technicians. The Colorado Veterinary Medical Association (CVMA) and the Colorado Association of Certified Veterinary Technicians (CACVT) have worked jointly since late 2020 to provide for regulation of veterinary technicians as part of the Sunset Review of the Veterinary Practice Act.

On Aug. 11, State Representative Karen McCormick spoke at the Left Hand Animal Hospital in Niwot to discuss the new technician regulations for those who are currently working in Colorado. "Now, veterinary technicians will have title protection," McCormick said. "This means that only those who are registered with the Department of Regulatory Agencies (DORA) as a veterinary technician can use the title 'Veterinary Technician'" said McCormick. "Next, technicians who are not interested in registration can certainly continue to do their job. There is no task restriction for anyone, so they will be able to continue working in their current roles, but will not be able to use the title 'Veterinary Technician.'"

Registration of Credential and Qualified Veterinary Technicians will be open from Jan. 1, 2023 to Dec. 31, 2023. Colorado technicians who are eligible to register with DORA during that one-year window include those who hold current CVT credentials from CACVT, have completed an AVMA-accredited program and have passed the exam. After January 1, 2024 technicians who have completed an AVMA-accredited program and passed the exam may apply for registration through DORA's process at any time.

Rep. McCormick, who is also a veterinarian, represents House District 11, which is the district Niwot is in. She hopes to expand veterinary capacity in Colorado. This includes allowing veterinarians to delegate administration of rabies vaccinations under supervision consistent with the Rabies Compendium published by the Association of State Public Health Veterinarians.

For questions regarding the Veterinary Practice Act, contact Rep. McCormick at [email protected].