The veterinary profession is entering a new era, as Colorado voters recently approved the nation’s first midlevel practitioner role—Veterinary Professional Associates (VPAs)—marking a significant shift in how veterinary care might be delivered. This new role allows VPAs to perform tasks traditionally reserved for veterinarians, such as diagnosing conditions and even performing surgeries.

The decision has raised critical questions:
How will this new position impact patient care, veterinarians, and veterinary technicians?
Could this model improve access to care, or does it introduce risks to quality and safety?
How will the scope of practice for VPAs be defined and executed, including the training and credentialing, as this initiative is brought to life technically and practically?
Will other states follow Colorado’s lead, and what would that mean for the profession?

The topic has sparked heated debate within the industry, with supporters seeing VPAs as a way to improve access to care, and critics questioning whether better utilization of veterinary technicians offers a safer and more effective path forward.

Whether you're a veterinarian, technician, or practice leader, this is your chance to stay informed and explore how this controversial shift might shape the future of the profession. Join the conversation!

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CoVet supports open, constructive conversations that advance veterinary medicine. This discussion from The Bird Bath Podcast highlights important perspectives on the role of Veterinary Professional Advocates. We encourage tuning in to explore both sides of this evolving topic!