SB 1600 Summary

• Authorizes veterinarians to practice veterinary telemedicine using synchronous, audiovisual, interactive telecommunications technology with a current Florida license.

• Requires telemedicine veterinarians to establish a veterinarian/client/patient relationship, provide clients with their license information and nearby clinic contact details, and use sound professional judgment; prohibits discipline solely for practicing telemedicine.

• Prohibits veterinarians from ordering, prescribing, or making available controlled substances via telemedicine unless they have performed an in-person physical examination or made medically appropriate visits to the premises where the patient is kept.

• Allows employees, agents, or contractors of county or municipal animal control authorities to administer rabies vaccinations to impounded animals under indirect supervision of a veterinarian, with the supervising veterinarian assuming responsibility.

• Allows veterinarians who indirectly supervise rabies vaccination administration to affix their signature stamp in lieu of an actual signature on rabies vaccination certificates.