Marc Catlin’s Bill to Relieve Pressure in Colorado’s Veterinarian Shortage is now Law

NEWS RELEASE

CONTACT INFORMATION:

Office of Colorado

State Representative Marc Catlin

303-866-2955

marc.catlin.house@coleg.gov

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Marc Catlin’s Bill to Relieve Pressure in Colorado’s Veterinarian Shortage is now Law

Denver, Colorado – State Representative Marc Catlin’s HB24-1047, Veterinary Technician Scope of Practice was just signed into law by Governor Jared Polis. The act establishes the veterinary technician specialist designation. It also directs the State Board of Veterinary Medicine to promulgate rules on supervision and delegation of certain tasks for vet techs, vet tech specialists and other vet personnel. There is not a fiscal note associated with this act. The bi-partisan bill received 97% approval from all state legislators.

The prime sponsors in the Colorado House of Representatives were Marc Catlin (R-HD58) of Montrose County and Karen McCormick (D-HD11) of Boulder County. The prime sponsor in the Colorado Senate were Dylan Roberts (D-SD8) of Eagle County and Cleave Simpson (R- SD6) of Alamosa County.

Representative Catlin says, “Our rural communities are struggling to get access to vet services. This act should help alleviate the shortage on the Western Slope and the state as a whole. It also allows experts in veterinarian medicine to determine the appropriate amount of responsibility for vet techs and vet tech specialists. This should speed up the process to increase veterinarian care for our pets and our livestock.”

Colorado State Representative Marc Catlin represents the eight counties of Dolores, Delta, Gunnison, Hinsdale, Montezuma, Montrose, Ouray, and San Miguel. Representative Catlin is the Vice Chair of Agriculture, Water, & Natural Resources Committee, is a member of the Capital Development Committee, and is Ranking member of the Transportation, Housing & Local Government Committee.

***