The bill amends section 4741.04 of the Revised Code and enacts a new section, 4741.041, to establish specific requirements and procedures for veterinarian telehealth visits. It clarifies that a veterinary-client-patient relationship is necessary for such interactions, detailing the conditions under which this relationship exists. Notably, the bill allows veterinarians to conduct telehealth services, provided they obtain informed consent from clients, maintain documentation for three years, and ensure that the standards of care apply equally to both in-person and telehealth visits. Additionally, it mandates that veterinarians provide their contact information and an electronic or written record of the visit to the client.

The new section also outlines the limitations on prescribing medications via telehealth, including restrictions on initial prescriptions and refills, as well as prohibitions on prescribing controlled substances without an in-person examination. Furthermore, it specifies that veterinarians working with clients involved in food production must establish a veterinary-client-patient relationship in person before utilizing telehealth services. The existing section 4741.04 is repealed, streamlining the legal framework governing veterinary telehealth practices.

Statutes affected:
As Introduced: 4741.04