In this episode, Jim Zeliff, DVM, MBA, discussed the emerging issue of midlevel veterinary practitioners. In the wake of Colorado voters passing Proposition 129 last November, creating the position of “veterinary professional associate,” many veterinarians are concerned, Zeliff explained. These associates, after two years of training and certification, will be able to practice veterinary medicine under the supervision of a licensed veterinarian.
Zeliff explained that in Colorado, once the ballot initiative was passed, the Veterinary Practice Act automatically had to be amended to allow this law. In many other states, the state legislature would need to create a similar law, so veterinarians could have power to influence their legislators. However, a few other western states are set up like Colorado, he explained.
The idea of a VPA emerged during the pandemic because of a perceived shortage of veterinarians. The AVMA and many other veterinary associations are strongly opposed and believe midlevel practitioners will harm the stature of already often underutilized licensed veterinary technicians. In Colorado, Zeliff said, humane groups found a sympathetic governor who was convinced animals were suffering. The funding for the initiative came mostly from corporate veterinary firms.
Zeliff encouraged veterinarians to get involved in their state veterinary medical associations to increase advocacy for equine and all other sectors of veterinary medicine. He said individuals can contact their state representatives and senators “to let them know where you stand.” Being involved with organized veterinary associations is important in supporting a healthy future for the profession.
Federal law dictates that only veterinarians can prescribe medications. Therefore, a licensed veterinarian must approve of any pharmaceutical treatments midlevel practitioners prescribe. Concluding, Zeliff suggested that increasing utilization of licensed veterinary technicians is an important part of keeping VPAs out of equine veterinary medicine.
About Dr. Jim Zeliff
Jim Zeliff, DVM, MBA, grew up in northern New Hampshire, where he enjoyed trail riding and skiing. He attended Purdue University with a major in biochemistry, after which he earned his DVM in 1988. After an internship at Belmont Racetrack in New York, he founded Allegheny Equine in Murrysville, Pennsylvania. More recently, in 2019, Zeliff earned his MBA.
Zeliff is an active member of the AAEP. He served a term on the board of directors, was co-chair of the AAEP Commission on Equine Veterinary Sustainability’s Compensation Subcommittee, and currently serves as the AAEP representative to the AVMA Legislative Advisory Council.
During his free time, Zeliff enjoys traveling, skiing, and spending time with his wife and their son and two daughters.
Related Reading
- Colorado Lawmakers Fall Short in Effort to Limit Midlevel Role
- Staying Ahead of the Curve: Navigating Legislation Affecting the Veterinary Profession
- Ohio Lawmakers Loosen Veterinary Telemedicine Rule
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