The bill amends the Public Health Code to establish specific requirements for veterinarians to engage in the practice of veterinary medicine within the context of a veterinarian-client-patient relationship. It stipulates that a veterinarian must assume responsibility for the animal's health, have current knowledge of the animal's condition, and be available for emergency coverage if needed. The bill allows for examinations through telehealth under certain conditions, including the use of appropriate technology and limitations on prescribing medications based solely on electronic examinations.
Additionally, the bill outlines the conditions under which a veterinarian may prescribe medications, including restrictions on the quantity and type of drugs that can be prescribed without an in-person examination. It defines key terms such as "companion animal," "pet health certificate," and "telehealth," and emphasizes compliance with federal and state laws regarding drug prescriptions. The enactment of this bill is contingent upon the passage of Senate Bill No. 194.
Statutes affected: Senate Introduced Bill: 333.1101, 333.25211