Colorado’s 2024 Proposition 129: A New Role in Veterinary Care or Just Another Layer of Bureaucracy?

Proposition 129 is on the 2024 ballot, and if you’ve ever thought, “We need another tier of veterinary professionals in Colorado,” then this one’s for you. The measure proposes creating a new state-regulated position called a Veterinary Professional Associate (VPA). Let’s break it down to see if this is the solution to our vet shortage or just a fancy title that adds to the confusion.

What Is Proposition 129?

Proposition 129 proposes creating a mid-level veterinary position between vet technicians and veterinarians. This role, the Veterinary Professional Associate (VPA), would require a master’s degree in veterinary clinical care and registration with the state’s Board of Veterinary Medicine. VPAs would be allowed to perform certain medical procedures, diagnose conditions, and conduct surgeries—but always under the supervision of a licensed veterinarian.

Here’s the text you’ll see on the ballot

Shall there be a change to the Colorado Revised Statutes creating a new veterinary professional associate profession, and, in connection therewith, establishing qualifications including a master’s degree in veterinary clinical care or the equivalent as determined by the state board of veterinary medicine to be a veterinary professional associate; requiring registration with the state board; allowing a registered veterinary professional associate to practice veterinary medicine under the supervision of a licensed veterinarian; and making it a misdemeanor to practice as a veterinary professional associate without an active registration?

What’s the Goal of Proposition 129?

Supporters claim this is all about filling a critical gap in veterinary care, especially in rural areas where access is limited. According to a Colorado State University study, many vet clinics report turning away clients due to staff shortages. The idea is that VPAs would lighten the load for veterinarians by taking on routine procedures and diagnostics, which could also reduce costs for pet owners in the process.

The Pros

1. Increased Access to Care: Proponents like the “All Pets Deserve Vet Care” coalition argue that this measure is essential to combat the vet shortages plaguing rural communities. They claim VPAs could provide relief by handling routine cases, freeing up veterinarians for more complex work and expanding access across Colorado​ (Colorado Public Radio) ​(The Colorado Sun).
2. Lower Costs for Pet Owners: By adding a mid-level professional, supporters believe it could bring down the cost of veterinary visits, making it more affordable for lower-income pet owners who might otherwise skip care​ (Colorado General Assembly)​ (BallotReady).
3. Career Path Expansion: Advocates highlight that this new role could be a great option for vet techs looking to advance their careers without going through the time and expense of becoming a full veterinarian. This could help retain talent in the field ​(The Colorado Sun).

The Cons

1. Risk to Animal Safety: The Colorado Veterinary Medical Association and other industry groups oppose Proposition 129, claiming it would allow underqualified professionals to perform surgeries and make diagnoses that should be left to fully trained veterinarians. They argue that even routine procedures can become complicated, and animals could suffer if VPAs don’t have adequate training​ (Colorado Public Radio) ​(BallotReady).
2. Vague Training Requirements: Critics also point out that while the measure mandates a master’s degree, it leaves much of the training specifics up to the state board. They argue that this ambiguity could lead to inconsistencies in care and might delay the rollout of the program​ (Colorado General Assembly)​ (BallotReady).
3. Existing Solutions Ignored: Opponents suggest that instead of creating an entirely new profession, the state should focus on expanding the role of veterinary technicians, something lawmakers have already done. They argue that enhancing current roles is a better and less risky way to address the shortage​ (The Colorado Sun).

What the Colorado Blue Book Says

A “YES” vote on Proposition 129 establishes the new regulated profession of veterinary professional associate as a provider of veterinary care, alongside veterinarians, veterinary technicians, and veterinary technician specialists.

A “NO” vote on Proposition 129 allows only veterinarians, veterinary technicians, and veterinary technician specialists to be regulated providers of veterinary care in Colorado.

The Bottom Line

Proposition 129 aims to create a new tier of veterinary professionals to alleviate the vet care crisis, especially in rural areas. If you believe adding a mid-level professional is the answer to Colorado’s vet shortage and could lower costs, this might be an easy “yes.” But if you’re worried about animal safety or think this measure is too vague and unnecessary, voting “no” could be the way to go.

We’ve been objective, now here’s our vote

We’re voting YES. Surprisingly, Colorado faces a shortage of veterinarians. When we go to the “doctor,” chances are, our GP is no longer a MD, but a PA, FAC, etc. We need a similar position in the veterinarian medicine field – allow an educated and highly trained animal medical professional to enter practice more rapidly. Doing so would help ease the workload of existing vets, and perhaps even drive the price of animal care down for the consumer. Sure, it’s a bit more bureaucracy, but we think it’s worth it.