1. United States
2. Fla.
3. Letter

Allowing veterinary professional associates (VPAs) to perform duties typically reserved for licensed veterinarians raises significant concerns for animal welfare, public health, and client trust in the veterinary profession. Missed or delayed diagnoses by inadequately trained VPAs could lead to the unchecked spread of zoonotic diseases transmissible from animals to humans, posing a threat to public health. Furthermore, VPAs attempting complex surgical procedures for which they lack proper training and expertise may result in severe harm or suffering to animal patients. This would likely prompt an influx of board complaints and malpractice claims against the supervising veterinarians, undermining public confidence in the field. To safeguard animal health, sustain food supply safety standards, and preserve the veterinary profession's hard-earned reputation, I strongly urge opposing legislation that would empower underqualified VPAs to take on responsibilities beyond their demonstrated competencies.