SB 14-039 Summary

• Authorizes certified or licensed emergency medical service providers to voluntarily provide emergency medical care to dogs and cats when responding to emergencies that involve human patients.

• Defines "preveterinary emergency care" as immediate medical stabilization using oxygen, fluids, medications, or bandaging with the intent of enabling the animal to receive veterinary treatment, excluding care provided solely for injured animals unless human life is at risk.

• Requires emergency medical service providers to have received commensurate training and authorization from their employer before providing such care; employers may establish policies governing when and how care is provided.

• Clarifies that preveterinary emergency care by EMS providers does not violate the Colorado Veterinary Practice Act and does not impose any obligation on providers to care for animals or prioritize animals over human patients.

• Took effect August 6, 2014, subject to a referendum petition process.