The bill amends section 4741.04 and enacts section 4741.041 of the Revised Code to establish new requirements and procedures for veterinarian telehealth visits. It clarifies the conditions under which a veterinary-client-patient relationship exists, emphasizing that a veterinarian must have sufficient knowledge of the patient through in-person examination, telehealth services, or timely visits to the premises where the patient is kept. The bill also introduces the concept of "tele-advice," which allows veterinarians to provide health information without establishing a formal veterinary-client-patient relationship.

Under the new section 4741.041, licensed veterinarians are permitted to conduct telehealth services provided they obtain informed consent from the client, maintain documentation, and provide necessary information about the visit. The bill outlines specific conditions for prescribing medications via telehealth, including limitations on initial prescriptions and the requirement for in-person examinations for controlled substances. Additionally, it specifies that veterinarians may not use telehealth services for livestock raised for human consumption unless a prior in-person relationship has been established, although tele-advice can be provided without such a relationship. The existing section 4741.04 is repealed as part of this legislative update.

Statutes affected:
As Introduced: 4741.04
As Reported By Senate Committee: 4741.04
As Passed By Senate: 4741.04