CO HB1198

HB 26-1198: Access to Veterinary Care

• Requires the State Board of Veterinary Medicine to create expedited licensing-by-endorsement procedures for veterinarians licensed in other states, including developing lists of states with equivalent versus less stringent licensing requirements.

• Establishes parallel expedited registration-by-endorsement procedures for veterinary technicians from other states, requiring them to obtain approval from a Colorado credentialing organization before applying.

• Creates a veterinary prescription drug donation program allowing animal owners to donate unused medications to licensed veterinarians or animal shelters for free redistribution to other animals.

• Donated drugs must meet specific criteria for reissuance: non-controlled, non-compounded, unexpired, non-refrigerated before opening, and not destined for food-producing animals.

• Provides civil and criminal liability protections for veterinarians, animal shelters, and drug manufacturers participating in the donation program when exercising reasonable care; effective date January 1, 2027.