Proposition 129: A Closer Look at the Veterinary Professional Associate Position in Colorado
With Proposition 129 on Colorado’s November ballot, a significant change in veterinary care may be approaching. This proposition aims to establish a new role, the Veterinary Professional Associate (VPA), designed to enhance access to veterinary services, particularly in rural areas where service shortages are a persistent issue. However, the initiative has ignited intense discussions, with advocates asserting it could improve the availability of veterinary care and reduce costs, while opponents, including our team at Arya Animal Acupuncture, caution that it might jeopardize care quality and further deplete the industry’s workforce. Here’s an overview of what this proposition involves and the perspectives from both sides.
Here’s a quick breakdown of how a Veterinary Professional Associate (VPA) differs from a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM):
Education: DVMs complete a rigorous educational path, typically involving a bachelor’s degree followed by four years in veterinary school, where they gain in-depth knowledge and hands-on experience. VPAs, on the other hand, would only need a master’s degree, a shorter and less comprehensive program.
Scope of Practice: DVMs have full authority to diagnose, treat, perform surgeries, and prescribe medications without supervision. VPAs would be limited to certain tasks and could only work under a licensed veterinarian’s supervision.
Responsibilities and Liability: DVMs carry the full responsibility and liability for their decisions, especially in complex cases. VPAs would be in a supporting role, deferring to a DVM for high-stakes decisions.
Specialization: DVMs can pursue additional certifications in fields like surgery or oncology, allowing them to provide specialized care. VPAs would not have the same training path or advanced specialization options.
This distinction is essential. While VPAs may help with routine tasks, they won’t replace the deep expertise, independence, and full responsibility that a DVM brings to animal healthcare. As we approach voting on Proposition 129, it’s worth considering these differences and the impact they could have on the quality of care that pets and animals receive in Colorado.
To put this into perspective, imagine if we applied the same approach proposed by Proposition 129 to human healthcare. Would you feel comfortable letting someone with only partial medical training diagnose your condition, prescribe medication, or perform surgery? Most of us wouldn’t; we’d want a fully qualified doctor with extensive training to ensure we’re receiving the safest, most effective care possible. Our pets deserve that same standard.
When we see a veterinarian, we’re relying on years of rigorous education and experience. Veterinarians undergo in-depth training that prepares them for any number of challenges, from diagnosing complex conditions to handling unforeseen complications in surgery. By comparison, a Veterinary Professional Associate (VPA) would only require a master’s degree and would work under a licensed veterinarian’s supervision, handling some of these same tasks without the same level of expertise.
So, why should we accept less for our animals? Animals can’t tell us where it hurts or if something feels off — it’s up to us and their veterinarians to make the best choices for their health and well-being. Allowing someone with limited training to perform these duties puts animals at risk in ways they wouldn’t be if under a fully licensed DVM’s care.
As voters, it’s important to consider that our pets and animals deserve the same level of care we’d want for ourselves or our family members. The quality of veterinary care should not be compromised.
What Would Proposition 129 Change?
If approved, Proposition 129 would create a new midlevel practitioner role — the Veterinary Professional Associate (VPA) — regulated by the state. To be eligible, a VPA would need to hold a master’s degree in veterinary clinical care or an equivalent qualification as determined by the Colorado State Board of Veterinary Medicine. This position would enable VPAs to perform certain veterinary procedures under the supervision of a licensed veterinarian, including tasks that exceed the current scope of veterinary technicians, such as conducting routine spay and neuter surgeries.
The primary goal of establishing the VPA role is to tackle the shortage of veterinary services in rural areas and enhance overall access to affordable care. The USDA has pinpointed 25 rural counties in Colorado that require additional veterinary services, especially for large animals like cattle and horses, which are vital to Colorado's agricultural sector. Proponents believe that a master’s-level practitioner with limited authority to perform procedures could effectively fill this gap and allow licensed veterinarians to concentrate on more complex cases.
Arguments for Proposition 129
Supporters believe that Proposition 129 is essential for addressing the severe shortage of veterinary professionals in Colorado, particularly in rural areas. A survey conducted by Colorado State University indicates that 71% of veterinary practices have had to turn clients away at least once a week due to a lack of available appointments. This situation not only affects pets in need of care but also impacts livestock, which is a significant concern for farmers and ranchers who depend on regular veterinary services to ensure the health and productivity of their animals.
Moreover, advocates argue that the VPA role would provide a more affordable pathway to a veterinary career, potentially increasing access to veterinary care by allowing licensed veterinarians to focus on more complex medical cases. The coalition All Pets Deserve Vet Care, which supports the proposition, suggests that reducing entry barriers for the veterinary profession could help ease bottlenecks in care and lower costs for consumers. Financial supporters of the measure include major organizations like the Dumb Friends League and the ASPCA, with contributions exceeding $1.2 million.
Concerns and Criticisms
Opponents, including various professional associations such as the Colorado Veterinary Medical Association, contend that the approach taken by Proposition 129 is misguided and could jeopardize patient care. The Colorado Veterinary Medical Association and other groups, like Keep Our Pets Safe, express concerns that the proposed training requirements for VPAs are inadequate for the responsibilities outlined in the proposition, particularly regarding surgical procedures. Even routine veterinary tasks demand extensive skill and training to manage potential complications safely.
Critics further argue that creating this new role may not be the most effective solution to the workforce shortage. Instead, they suggest that recent legislation aimed at expanding the scope of tasks that veterinary technicians can perform would be a more sensible and focused approach.
Who Stands with and Against Proposition 129?
The campaign supporting Proposition 129, All Pets Deserve Vet Care, is backed by major animal welfare organizations and some corporate veterinary service providers. In contrast, there is significant opposition from professionals in the veterinary field, including groups like the American Association of Bovine Practitioners and the Colorado Association of Certified Veterinary Technicians.
The financial backing for each side highlights the intensity of the debate: All Pets Deserve Vet Care has raised $1.2 million from the Dumb Friends League and the ASPCA, while Keep Our Pets Safe has garnered nearly $1 million, primarily funded by the American Veterinary Medical Association.
Arya Animal Acupuncture’s Stand
At Arya Animal Acupuncture, we strongly advocate for maintaining high standards of care and safeguarding the future of our profession. While we acknowledge the difficulties in accessing veterinary care in rural areas, we believe that Proposition 129 is not the answer. Allowing individuals without comprehensive veterinary education to undertake critical tasks could result in preventable errors and potential harm to animals. Establishing the VPA position might ultimately lower the quality of healthcare by granting unlicensed practitioners more control over complex medical procedures.
Moreover, this strategy could exacerbate the workforce crisis by diverting individuals from pursuing full veterinary licensure into midlevel roles that offer limited opportunities for career growth. We are concerned that this proposition could set a troubling precedent that might spread to other states, jeopardizing veterinary care nationwide.
What’s Next for Voters?
For voters in Colorado, Proposition 129 poses a challenging decision that could significantly impact the quality of veterinary care, animal welfare, and public health. With only a simple majority required for its approval, voters will be pivotal in deciding whether to establish this midlevel veterinary practitioner role in the state.
This decision will not only affect how veterinary services are provided in Colorado but may also set a precedent for similar initiatives in other states. Voters need to consider the potential benefits of improved access to care against the risks of diminishing professional standards and possibly jeopardizing animal welfare.
As we near election day, we urge Colorado voters to reflect on the long-term consequences of this proposition. Ensuring quality care and maintaining the integrity of our profession are vital for animal health, and at Arya Animal Acupuncture, we believe that while addressing care shortages is important, Proposition 129 is not the right solution.