The proposed changes will specifically modify the Veterinary Medicine Practice Act, enabling veterinarians to deliver care via telehealth. This includes provisions requiring veterinarians to exercise sound professional judgment in determining the appropriateness of telehealth for delivering medical advice and treatment. Additionally, veterinarians must maintain comprehensive records and ensure that clients are informed about nearby facilities should in-person care be necessary. These adjustments reflect a modern approach to veterinary care, integrating technology while ensuring that animal health standards are upheld.
Summary
Assembly Bill 1399, also known as AB1399, seeks to amend existing laws relating to veterinary medicine in California, particularly focusing on the establishment and regulation of veterinarian-client-patient relationships within the context of telehealth. This legislation intends to facilitate improved access to veterinary services through telehealth while maintaining protective measures for animal care. By allowing veterinarians to provide services remotely, the bill aims to enhance the capacity for timely consultation and treatment, which can especially benefit rural or underserved areas where veterinary services may be limited.
Sentiment
General sentiment around AB1399 tends to be supportive among veterinary professionals who recognize the potential for enhanced service delivery and access to care. However, concerns persist regarding the risks associated with telehealth, such as inconsistent standards of care and the challenges of establishing a proper veterinarian-client-patient relationship without in-person interactions. Advocates for animal welfare emphasize the need for strict adherence to quality standards to prevent the possible deterioration of care quality in veterinary practices.
Contention
The most notable point of contention within AB1399 revolves around the balance between expanding veterinary care access through telehealth and ensuring that such practices do not compromise the health and welfare of animals. Critics worry that reliance on remote consultations might lead to inadequate assessments and potentially harmful prescriptions without direct physical examinations. Furthermore, the bill specifies conditions under which telehealth can be utilized, which aims to mitigate these risks by ensuring that veterinarians must still prioritize physical examinations under specific circumstances.
Veterinary medicine; veterinarian-client-patient relationship further provided; refilling prescription regulations; relationship shared among a location, provided
Health occupations: veterinarians; veterinarian-client-patient relationship; require. Amends secs. 16287, 18811 & 18814 of 1978 PA 368 (MCL 333.16287 et seq.) & adds sec. 18818.
Relating to the establishment of a veterinarian-client-patient relationship and to the practice of veterinary medicine by telephone or electronic means.
Authorizes veterinarians to establish a client-patient relationship through electronic means, subject to limitations and requirements such as Vet making a good faith effort to determine if care should be provided through telemedicine instead of in person.