Michigan House Bill HB4980

Michigan 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 9/14/23
• Refer: 9/14/23
• Report Pass: 11/13/24

Caption

Health occupations: veterinarians; veterinarian-client-patient relationship; require. Amends secs. 16287 & 18811 of 1978 PA 368 (MCL 333.16287 & 333.18811) & adds sec. 18818.

Impact

The proposed changes in HB 4980 are significant for veterinary practice in Michigan. By formalizing the veterinarian-client-patient relationship and allowing for telehealth evaluations, the bill is expected to expand the accessibility of veterinary care, especially for patients in remote areas. However, it also places limitations on the prescription of medications following a telehealth examination, ensuring that veterinarians maintain a direct oversight of their patients’ health, particularly for controlled substances which require in-person evaluations before prescribing.

Summary

House Bill 4980 seeks to amend the Public Health Code regarding the practice of veterinary medicine in Michigan. Specifically, the bill introduces requirements for establishing a veterinarian-client-patient relationship, which emphasizes the responsibility of veterinarians to know and evaluate their patients, and mandates certain conditions under which telehealth examinations can take place. By establishing these guidelines, the bill aims to ensure that veterinary practitioners uphold their professional obligations while also adapting to the growing trend of telemedicine in veterinary care.

Contention

One notable point of contention revolves around the restrictions on what veterinarians can prescribe based solely on telehealth consultations. While supporters argue that this is a necessary safeguard to ensure pet health and to prevent over-prescription, some veterinarians express concern that these limitations could hinder their ability to provide timely care, especially in urgent situations where an immediate online consultation might be more feasible. The bill could lead to debates on the balance between patient safety and accessibility to veterinary services.