This bill introduces a new section to the existing veterinary practice law, specifically enabling the use of telehealth for delivering veterinary care. The new section, 332-B:21, defines "veterinary telehealth" as the use of communication technologies to provide remote veterinary medical care. It allows licensed veterinarians to establish a veterinarian-client-patient relationship (VCPR) through telehealth, provided certain conditions are met, such as using real-time audiovisual communication or obtaining current knowledge of the animal through diagnostic equipment. The bill also stipulates that veterinarians must obtain a signed consent from clients acknowledging that the same standards of care apply to telemedicine as to in-person services and that clients have the option for in-person visits.

Additionally, the bill outlines the responsibilities of veterinarians practicing telehealth, including maintaining client confidentiality, providing follow-up care instructions, and ensuring compliance with state and federal laws. It specifies that while veterinarians can prescribe medications through telehealth, they cannot prescribe controlled substances without an in-person examination, except in specific circumstances related to hospice or palliative care. Furthermore, the bill prohibits the use of telehealth for issuing travel certificates or veterinary inspection certificates. The act will take effect 60 days after its passage.