GVTAA Position Statement on Mid-Level Practitioners
In November, the state of Colorado passed Proposition 129, which creates a new role in veterinary medicine called a Veterinary Professional Associate (VPA). The scope of this role includes performing surgery, diagnosing as well as ordering tests and procedures. Colorado State University is currently developing a curriculum for the VPA.
Several state and national organizations have spoken out against the creation of this new role, both before and since the election, including the AVMA, NAVTA, and the GVMA.
In alignment with our colleagues and peers, GVTAA strongly opposes the mid-level veterinary practitioner as a new professional role and opposes any education program that would educate and graduate such a professional.
The argument for this role is to help alleviate the veterinarian shortage. However, the scope of this new role is limited to canine and feline practice, therefore excluding rural large animal and production medicine patients, which is already a vastly underserved population.
The mid-level practitioner role lacks a definition of a clear and unique skillset, program assessment and accreditation, regulatory structures at the state and/or national level, and financial sustainability of the mid-level position.
GVTAA supports increased utilization and education of licensed veterinary technicians.
Technicians working in the field know that they are underutilized. A 2022 NAVTA survey found that increased technician utilization was one of the most important topics to veterinary technicians. Technicians need a career pathway that allows them to use their knowledge and skills, advanced degree options that allow them to grow within their roles, and the opportunity to earn a living wage commensurate with their skills and education.
GVTAA supports the GVMAs intended response.
The GVMA has stated their recommended solution to improve access to care issues in veterinary medicine including statutory solutions and/or education to promote optimal utilization of licensed veterinary technicians and creation of advanced educational programs for licensed technicians. The goals of these solutions will result in:
More robust utilization of LVTs in clinical settings.
Expediting LVTs achieving their Licensed Veterinary Technician Specialist (VTS) designation.
Improving engagement and retention of LVTs in the veterinary profession.
Helping ensure that licensed veterinary technicians are paid a living wage that reflects the high value of their work.
In conclusion, the GVTAA does not support Proposition 129 or the creation of any mid-level practitioner at this time. The GVTAA encourages improving technician utilization, encouraging advanced education programs geared towards licensed veterinary technicians, and the growth of veterinary technicians specialists as a more practical, ethical, and safe solution.
The GVTAA referenced and used AVMA, GVMA and NAVTA positions in the development of this document.