What’s included in HB 22-1235
While the bill is awaiting to be signed into law by the governor, these are the key changes included in HB 22-1235 as it currently stands.
1. Continues the veterinary practice act for 11 more years until 2033.
2. Establishes regulation of veterinary technicians (this amendment was proposed jointly by CVMA and CACVT):
- Adds a definition of a veterinary professional as a licensed veterinarian or a registered veterinary technician
- Revises the Veterinary Peer Health Assistance Program section to include veterinary technicians and reorganizes it to improve understanding
3. Expands the administration of rabies vaccines:
- Allows administration of rabies vaccine under supervision of a licensed veterinarian
- Amends public health statute 25-4-607 to allow veterinarians to delegate under indirect supervision the administration of rabies vaccinations in a public health emergency situation
4. Expands continuing education requirements for license renewal:
- Allows veterinarians to receive up to 16 hours of credit toward relicensing for continuing education on topics such as client communication, management, leadership, wellbeing and developing a highly functional veterinary workforce
- Requires two hours of jurisprudence CE on the veterinary practice act per license renewal period
5. Requires veterinarians to create a written plan for the storage, security, and disposal of patient records.
6. Permits the state veterinary board to require a physical examination of a licensed veterinarian if there is reasonable cause to believe the veterinarian is unable to practice with reasonable skill and safety (Note: This provision exists in other practice acts such as the Dentist and Dental Hygienists Practice Act, Medical Practice Act, Nurses and Nurse Aides Practice Act, and Pharmacists Practice Act)
7. Repeals the requirement that the state veterinary board send a letter of admonition by certified mail.
8. Cleans up vague or conflicting language related to supervision:
- Defines indirect supervision
- Resolves conflicting language among 12-315-105 (b) and (k) and 12-315-116 regarding duties delegated to veterinary students under direct supervision
- Clarifies the requirements concerning confidential agreements
