Colorado Bill: Expedited Veterinary Licensing and Drug Donation

Detected March 6th, 2026

Summary

Colorado HB26-1198 proposes to expedite veterinary licensing by endorsement and veterinary technician registration by endorsement. It also establishes a program for the donation of unused veterinary drugs. The bill is currently under consideration in the 2026 Regular Session.

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What changed

Colorado House Bill 26-1198, introduced for the 2026 Regular Session, aims to increase access to veterinary care by establishing expedited processes for licensing veterinarians and registering veterinary technicians by endorsement. The bill requires the state board of veterinary medicine to create lists of states with equivalent or less stringent licensing requirements, influencing the endorsement process. Additionally, it introduces a program allowing the donation of unused, prescribed veterinary drugs to licensed veterinarians or animal shelters for use under specific conditions.

This legislation, if passed, will impact veterinarians and veterinary technicians seeking licensure or registration in Colorado, potentially streamlining their entry into the state. It also creates a new avenue for drug donation, which could reduce waste and provide cost savings for animal care facilities. Regulated entities should monitor the bill's progress through the legislative process, as it is currently under consideration and has upcoming schedule items, including a House General Orders meeting.

What to do next

Monitor the progress of Colorado HB26-1198 through the legislative process.
Review the requirements for expedited veterinary licensing and technician registration if applicable.
Evaluate participation in the proposed veterinary drug donation program.

Source document (simplified)

HB26-1198

Access to Veterinary Care

| Type | Bill |
| --- | --- |
| Session | 2026 Regular Session |
| Subjects | Professions & Occupations |
Concerning increasing access to veterinary care, and, in connection therewith, establishing a program to expedite the process of licensing a veterinarian by endorsement, a program to expedite the process of registering as a veterinary technician by endorsement, and a program for the donation of veterinary drugs.

Recent Bill (PDF) Recent Fiscal Note (PDF) Bill Summary:

The bill requires the state board of veterinary medicine (board) to expedite the process by which an individual who has a license to practice veterinary medicine in another state may be licensed by endorsement to practice veterinary medicine in Colorado. The bill directs the board to develop a list of states that have equivalent or substantially equivalent licensing requirements as Colorado and a list of states that have less stringent licensing requirements than Colorado. Where an individual is licensed will determine the process by which the individual may be licensed by endorsement in this state.

The bill also requires the board to expedite the process by which an individual who is registered as a veterinary technician in another state may obtain a registration by endorsement in Colorado. The board is required to develop a list of states that have equivalent or substantially equivalent registration requirements as Colorado and a list of states that have less stringent registration requirements than Colorado. Where an individual is registered will determine the process by which the individual may be registered by endorsement in this state. The board must also require a veterinary technician from another state to receive approval from a veterinary technician credentialing organization in Colorado before applying for a registration by endorsement.

The bill also establishes a veterinary prescription drug donation program. An owner of an animal may donate unused veterinary drugs that have been prescribed to the owner to a licensed veterinarian or an animal shelter. The licensed veterinarian or animal shelter may use any drugs accepted through donation if the veterinarian meets certain conditions.

(Note: This summary applies to this bill as introduced.)