Colorado Code § 12-315-102

Legislative declaration. [Editor's note: This version of this section is effective January 1, 2026.]
Open in Lexace · Ask the AI about this section
(1) This article 315 is enacted as an exercise of the police powers of the state to promote the
public health, safety, and welfare by safeguarding the people of this state against incompetent,
dishonest, or unprincipled practitioners of veterinary medicine. It is hereby declared that the
practice of veterinary medicine is a privilege conferred upon persons possessed of the personal
and professional qualifications specified in this article 315.
(2) The people of the state of Colorado declare that:
(a) There is a critical veterinary workforce shortage impacting the animals of Colorado;
(b) The veterinary workforce shortage is causing an access-to-veterinary-care crisis in
Colorado;
(c) The access-to-veterinary-care crisis is threatening the welfare of companion animals,
the livelihood of members of Colorado's animal agriculture industry, and the safety of our food
supply;
(d) The veterinary workforce shortage and access-to-veterinary-care crisis cannot be
solved without seeking new ways to bring additional people into the veterinary workforce; and
(e) Experts in veterinary medicine have identified a mid-level veterinary practitioner
career pathway as one solution to the veterinary workforce shortage and access-to-veterinary-
care crisis.

‹ Prev All Colorado sections Next ›


Lexace provides legal information, not legal advice, and no attorney–client relationship is created. Statute text is provided for general information and may not reflect the most recent amendments; verify against the official state code.