S.B. No. 1442 mandates the State Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners to conduct a study on the establishment of a veterinarian-client-patient relationship through telephone or electronic means, including audiovisual telecommunications technology. The study will evaluate the availability and efficiency of such technology for veterinarians, the board's jurisdiction over veterinarians practicing remotely, the need for regulations regarding affiliations with local veterinary practices, and laws concerning the prescription of controlled substances and veterinary services for agricultural operations. Additionally, the board will consider potential amendments to Chapter 801 of the Occupations Code to allow for these relationships without a physical examination, as well as necessary changes to comply with a recent court opinion.

The board is required to submit a report detailing the study's findings and recommendations to key state officials and legislative committees by December 1, 2026. This act will expire on December 31, 2026, and is set to take effect on September 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Occupations Code 801.351 (Occupations Code 801)