Colorado Passes VPA Legislation: Are Veterinary Technicians Being Left Behind?

Colorado’s decision to introduce the Veterinary Professional Associate (VPA) role has sent ripples through the veterinary profession. With the proposition narrowly passing (52% to 48%), the state is set to become the first in the U.S. to implement this controversial role. But as the dust settles, many are left questioning: Is this really the solution to access-to-care challenges, or are we creating more problems than we solve?

What Is the Veterinary Professional Associate (VPA)?

The VPA is a newly defined role designed to perform most of the duties of a veterinarian, excluding prescribing medications. Proponents tout it as a way to alleviate workforce shortages, particularly in small animal practices. But with training requirements at half the length of veterinary school, concerns are mounting about whether this role can truly address the complexities of veterinary care.

Critics argue that the VPA role sidesteps deeper issues, such as the underutilization and undervaluation of veterinary technicians, and risks compromising public trust and patient safety.

A Missed Opportunity to Elevate Veterinary Technicians

As a former credentialed veterinary technician, I see this legislation as a missed opportunity to properly recognize and support technicians. Here’s why:

1. Exclusion from Advancement: 🛑 The VPA program requires a bachelor’s degree for entry, effectively excluding the 75-80% of veterinary technicians who hold associate degrees. While initially positioned as a stepping stone for technicians, the reality is that this role leaves them behind.
2. Retention Over Expansion: 📉 The veterinary profession already struggles with retaining technicians. Instead of creating new roles, why aren’t we focusing on improving working conditions, career pathways, and compensation for existing team members?
3. Proper Utilization: 🛠️ Many technicians are underutilized in their current roles. Empowering them to work to the top of their skill sets could address workforce challenges more effectively than introducing an entirely new position.

Will VPAs Compromise Public Trust and Patient Safety?

One of the most concerning aspects of the VPA role is the lack of credentialing comparable to veterinarians and veterinary technicians. Unlike these established roles, VPAs will not take a national licensing exam or meet the same rigorous standards. This raises critical questions:

• Accountability: ❓ If a VPA makes a mistake, who is responsible? The supervising veterinarian? The practice owner? This ambiguity could leave clients without recourse and erode public trust.
• Scope of Practice: 🩺 VPAs are authorized to perform advanced procedures, including surgeries like amputations and splenectomies. With only half the training of veterinarians, do they truly have the knowledge and experience to handle complications?
• Supervision Standards: 👁️ Will VPAs require immediate, direct, or indirect supervision? Without clear guidelines, we risk overextending veterinarians and compromising patient care.

Is the VPA the Right Solution for Access-to-Care Challenges?

Supporters argue that VPAs will increase access to veterinary care, but the reality is more complex. The introduction of this role doesn’t address the root causes of access issues, such as:

• Workforce Retention: 🚪 The profession struggles to retain veterinary technicians and veterinarians alike. Adding a new role doesn’t solve this underlying issue.
• Cost of Care: 💰 There’s little evidence to suggest that VPAs will make veterinary care more affordable for clients.
• Team Dynamics: ⚖️ Introducing VPAs could create division within veterinary teams, particularly if technicians feel undervalued or displaced.

A Better Path Forward: Supporting Veterinary Technicians

Instead of creating a potentially divisive new role, we should focus on elevating the veterinary technicians already in the profession. Here’s how:

1. Credentialing Across States: 🏛️ Advocate for standardized credentialing to ensure technicians are recognized and valued as professionals.
2. Improved Utilization: 💡 Allow technicians to take on more responsibilities within their current roles, enabling veterinarians to focus on tasks only they can perform.
3. Retention Initiatives: ❤️ Address the systemic issues driving technicians out of the profession, such as low pay, lack of career advancement, and workplace burnout.

Your Voice Matters

Colorado may be the first state to pass VPA legislation, but similar discussions are already underway in other states. This is a pivotal moment for the veterinary profession. If we don’t address these challenges thoughtfully, we risk creating more division and jeopardizing the very foundation of veterinary care.

Are you a veterinarian, technician, pet owner, or livestock producer? How do you see the VPA role impacting veterinary medicine? What changes would you like to see? Let’s have this conversation now, before it’s too late.

Let’s Protect Our Profession and Patients