Proposition 129 is a ballot initiative in Colorado that aims to create a new career pathway within veterinary care to address the shortage of accessible and affordable services in the state. The proposal introduces the role of a Veterinary Professional Associate (VPA), a highly trained professional who would work under the supervision of a licensed veterinarian, similar to how Physician Assistants (PAs) function in human healthcare.

Overview of Proposition 129

The intent behind Proposition 129 is to improve access to veterinary care, particularly in low-income and rural areas of Colorado. These regions, often referred to as "vet care deserts," lack adequate veterinary services, leading to long travel distances, extensive wait times, and higher costs for pet owners.

Dr. Jo Myers, a veterinarian in Salida, emphasizes the potential benefits for rural areas: "Rural Coloradans love their pets, and Proposition 129 will finally help alleviate some of the challenges to accessing veterinary care in these areas."

What Is a Veterinary Professional Associate (VPA)?

Under Proposition 129, VPAs would need to complete a master's degree in veterinary clinical care. Colorado State University (CSU) has developed a program to train VPAs, which is designed to be both accessible and inclusive. Part of the curriculum is offered online to support working students and those in rural areas. The program's focus is exclusively on cats and dogs, with the aim of providing specialized training to address the most common veterinary needs in the state.

VPAs would be required to pass a national certification exam and would work under the supervision of licensed veterinarians. This arrangement is intended to allow veterinarians to concentrate on more complex cases while VPAs handle routine care, potentially expanding the capacity of veterinary practices across Colorado.

Support for Proposition 129

The proposition has received support from various individuals and organizations within Colorado. Judy Calhoun, CEO of NOCO Humane, describes the measure as "a lifeline to bring relief to our community." Dr. Frank Garry, a professor at CSU, compares VPAs to PAs in human medicine, suggesting that VPAs would be "highly trained and overseen in the same way veterinarians are today."

Animal welfare groups, veterinary professionals, and public figures, including Colorado Governor Jared Polis, are among the endorsers. Supporters believe that Proposition 129 could help address the shortage of veterinary services in Colorado, where more than 20% of counties have little to no access to veterinary care.

Addressing the Veterinary Care Crisis

The United States, including Colorado, faces a veterinary care shortage. A survey by the Colorado Veterinary Medical Association (CVMA) found that 1 in 3 Colorado residents experienced barriers to accessing veterinary care in the past two years. Other data indicates:

• Rural Impact: Over 20% of Colorado counties have limited veterinary services, affecting over 114,000 families.

• Veterinary Shortage: Current estimates suggest that 55,000 new veterinarians are needed nationwide by 2030 to meet the growing demand for pet care.

• Capacity Issues: 71% of veterinary practices in Colorado report having to divert clients at least weekly due to reaching capacity.

Proponents argue that introducing VPAs could help address these gaps by expanding the veterinary workforce and making care more accessible to communities currently underserved.

Training and Regulation

To become a VPA, candidates would need to complete a 65-credit hour master’s program in veterinary clinical care. The Colorado Board of Veterinary Medicine would establish rules and regulations for VPAs, similar to the oversight provided for veterinarians and veterinary technicians. Proponents highlight that the proposed training includes comprehensive coursework in dentistry and surgery, aimed at preparing VPAs for supervised practice.

Opposition and Concerns

Some veterinary trade associations oppose Proposition 129, expressing concerns about altering the traditional veterinary care model. They argue that changes to the current system may have implications for the quality and delivery of care. However, some surveys indicate that 46% of veterinary professionals believe VPAs could benefit the profession by expanding access to care.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Who is funding the proposition?
   Funding for Proposition 129 has primarily come from animal welfare organizations, including the Dumb Friends League, the ASPCA, and NOCO Humane, with an investment of $1.3 million. No significant corporate funding has been accepted.

2. Will VPAs be adequately trained?
   The master’s program at CSU is focused solely on cats and dogs. Supporters note that VPAs would work under the supervision of licensed veterinarians and would not be expected to handle complex medical cases independently.

3. Who opposes the measure?
   Some veterinary trade associations oppose Proposition 129, citing concerns about changing the current model of veterinary care. They argue that decisions regarding veterinary practice should remain with licensed veterinarians.

Proposition 129 proposes the introduction of the Veterinary Professional Associate role in Colorado as a response to the ongoing veterinary care shortage. Its supporters believe that VPAs could help improve access to care, particularly in underserved communities. However, the measure has faced opposition from some veterinary trade groups, raising questions about how it might impact the veterinary profession in Colorado. As the debate continues, Colorado voters will decide whether this initiative is the right step for addressing the state's veterinary care challenges.