Proposition 129 is pushing for a mid-level position for veterinarians comparable to a PA/NP. So why, in a state where mid-levels make up 50% of providers, are Coloradans opposing this proposition insinuating mid-levels are good enough for us, but not for our pets? Did you know most NPs only have a master’s degree and 90+-plus% of them obtained their degree online? Some say the position overlaps with a vet tech, but a vet tech isn’t a mid-level; the position they’re creating is.
And why are vets among those with the loudest voice? The position created would be practicing under the supervision of a vet. It wouldn’t be taking clients from you; the vet would have the ability to delegate cases as seen fit, with the VPA taking cases that don’t require the education of a vet. It would take a load off vets on routine things such as vaccinations, fertility testing, pregnancy checking, etc., and the vet could still consult on cases. This position creates much needed help for the profession struggling with a shortage of only 3,800 vets for 2.5 million dogs/cats plus over 6 million large animals in Colorado.
And why does this need to go to vote? In the 1960s, when the first NP program was developed (in Colorado), did we have to vote the position into existence? Absolutely not. Did the proposition have to include the curriculum, clinical hour requirement, method of learning and scope of practice? Absolutely not, those were developed later.
Vote “yes” on Proposition 129!
Emily Horvath
Hesperus
