10/22/2024
This is an email from our Veterinary office. Good information about Prop 129.
Dear Mesa Clients,
We have received many questions regarding Colorado’s Proposition 129. Due to the high volume of questions we are receiving we feel compelled to share our position with our clients.
As it stands, the veterinarians at Mesa Veterinary Hospital strongly oppose Colorado’s Proposition 129. Our position on this matter aligns with key veterinary organizations, including:
American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA)
Colorado Veterinary Medical Association (CVMA)
Why are we opposed to Prop 129?
Proposition 129 aims to establish a new role called Veterinary Professional Associate (VPA). While this may sound beneficial, the measure poses serious risks to animal care, public health, and the veterinary profession. Here are the primary concerns:
Inadequate Training and Certification:
VPAs would be allowed to diagnose, recommend treatments, and even perform surgeries after completing a mostly online master’s program with minimal hands-on training. No national accreditation or standardized exam exists for this program, leaving major gaps in accountability and public protection.
Compromised Animal Health and Safety:
Animals needing specialized care or emergency intervention might suffer due to the limited knowledge and practical experience of VPAs. Even routine procedures can pose life-threatening risks if performed by someone without comprehensive veterinary training.
Increased Liability and Costs:
Supervising veterinarians would bear the legal responsibility for mistakes made by VPAs. This could lead to more malpractice claims, greater stress for veterinarians, and ultimately higher costs for animal owners.
Disruption to the Veterinary Workforce:
The role of VPAs overlaps with that of veterinary technicians and could aggravate existing technician shortages by diverting resources. Furthermore, this measure introduces unnecessary complications, given that leveraging well-trained veterinary technicians offers a better path forward for supporting our profession as a whole.
We encourage you to visit the following links to learn more:
Keep Our Pets Safe
AVMA Position on Proposition 129
Thank you for your support and for standing with us in opposition to this measure.
Please vote NO on Colorado Proposition 129