The proposed bill, titled the Veterinary Workforce Innovation Act, aims to establish a new category of veterinary professionals known as "veterinary professional associates." This legislation defines the qualifications necessary for individuals to use this title, specifically requiring them to have earned a master's degree from an approved program in veterinary clinical care and to have passed a national competency examination. Veterinary professional associates will be authorized to perform certain veterinary medical services under the responsible supervision of a licensed veterinarian, although they will be prohibited from prescribing drugs or controlled substances and from performing specific surgical procedures, with exceptions for veterinary sterilizations.

Additionally, the bill stipulates that supervising veterinarians will be held liable for the actions of the veterinary professional associates they oversee. The effective date for this act is set for July 1, 2025. Overall, the legislation seeks to enhance access to veterinary services while ensuring that the quality of care remains high and that the responsibilities of veterinary professional associates are clearly defined and regulated.