23 Oct Colorado Veterinary Practice Act up for review in 2021; CVMA establishes Practice Act Review Task Force to represent veterinary voice
Michelle Larsen, DVM
To lead CVMA’s review process, the CVMA Board of Directors has chosen Michelle Larsen, DVM, to chair the Practice Act Review Task Force. Dr. Larsen is past president of CVMA Chapter 6 | Denver Area. Together with a team of other volunteer veterinarians, Dr. Larsen will take the lead on reviewing the practice act to ensure it offers maximum benefit for the profession.
“The Colorado Veterinary Practice Act is just that- a legal act that governs how we practice veterinary medicine,” Dr. Larsen said. “CVMA takes a very active role in this process to ensure the needs and current issues of Colorado veterinarians are addressed in the most fair way as possible. I am honored to have been selected to lead this task force for CVMA. I will work with CVMA to gather thoughts from key experts and make strong recommendations to DORA and the legislature to ensure the practice act changes or stays the same for the benefit of our profession. Many major changes in how we practice have occurred over the last decade, and you can rest assured by supporting the CVMA we will put your interests to the forefront during the practice act renewal period and communicate the important changes to you!”
The Colorado General Assembly sets specific dates that a particular agency, board, or function of government will terminate unless the legislature passes new legislation to continue. So, the “sun sets” on that part of government if it is not reauthorized. In fact, the term “sunset legislation” was originally coined in Colorado in the 1970s as a response to problems with regulatory boards, regulatory efficiencies and government transparency. Many states now have sunset provisions, and the specific provisions may differ among states. In Colorado, a sunset review will generally question the need for regulation to protect the public. If regulation is determined to be needed, the sunset review will look for the least restrictive level of regulation consistent with the public interest.
Sunset and sunrise reviews cover a wide variety of functions, ranging from the State Pharmacy Board and Athletic Trainers to the Office of Consumer Counsel and Program for Disability Benefits. Curious about the reviews? Click here to see the full review schedule of the Sunrise, Sunset, and Advisory Committee. Click here to learn more about the sunset review process.
Interested in sharing your comments with the CVMA Practice Act Review Task Force? Email [email protected] to have your input shared with the CVMA Practice Act Review Task Force.