The bill establishes specific requirements for licensed veterinarians in New Jersey to engage in telemedicine and telehealth practices. It mandates that veterinarians assess whether the standard of care for services provided through these methods aligns with in-person care standards. Additionally, veterinarians must establish a licensee-client-patient relationship before offering telemedicine services, which includes verifying the client's identity and providing them with a consent form for record sharing. Exceptions to this requirement are outlined for informal consultations, emergency assistance, and situations involving substitute licensees.
Furthermore, the bill stipulates that veterinarians must utilize interactive, real-time communication technologies and may employ asynchronous store-and-forward technology for transmitting medical information. It emphasizes the importance of maintaining thorough records of care provided and requires veterinarians to inform clients about the risks and benefits of telemedicine. If telemedicine cannot provide sufficient clinical information, the veterinarian must advise the client to seek an in-person evaluation. Overall, the legislation aims to ensure that telehealth practices in veterinary care meet established standards while providing flexibility for various circumstances.