CS/HB 199 - Veterinary Medicine Summary

• Adds comprehensive definition of "complementary or alternative and integrative therapies" including acupuncture, homeopathy, manual therapy, and nutraceutical therapy, while excluding non-veterinary animal massage and tooth polishing.

• Exempts persons whose work is confined solely to non-veterinary and non-therapeutic animal massage, acupressure, or tooth polishing from veterinary licensure requirements.

• Establishes requirements for veterinary telemedicine practitioners, including exemption from premises permit requirements and mandatory display of license number on websites or advertising materials.

• Clarifies that veterinarians may establish a valid patient relationship through telemedicine that includes complete examination and allows consultation with other veterinarians and emergency care provision.

• Modifies disciplinary grounds to permit veterinarians to see animals via telemedicine appointments as acceptable means of establishing patient knowledge for drug prescription purposes.

• Effective date: July 1, 2017.