B035E40697005B9887258A2700530906 Hearing Summary

The chair called the meeting to order. Presentation materials from all presenters can be accessed at https://leg.colorado.gov/content/jwrarc2023ascheduleandmeetingmaterials

Dr. Sue VandeWoude, representing College of Veterinary Medicine at Colorado State University (CSU), presented to the committee on veterinary workforce trends and how CSU programming is responsive to needs of the industry. Ms. VandeWoude discussed rural and livestock veterinary care workforce shortages, curriculum revisions, and plans to expand the college, including the construction of a new clinic and livestock hospital.    

 

Dr. Wayne Jensen, representing CSU, presented to the committee on a draft curriculum to train veterinary paraprofessionals as a master's program in veterinary clinical care, referred to as the Veterinary Professional Associate (VPA) program. Dr. Jensen described the development of the draft curriculum and other details, including prerequisites.  

Dr. Apryl Steele, representing the Vet Care Coalition and the Denver Dumb Friends League, presented to the committee regarding support for the VPA program. Dr. Steele discussed issues around access to veterinary care, including costs and workforce shortages. Dr. Steele provided printed materials to the committee which can be found in Attachment A.

Committee discussion continued.