S.B. 2798 Summary

• Establishes courtesy permits valid for 30 days (renewable once, max 60 days per 12 months) allowing out-of-state licensed veterinarians to practice temporarily in Hawaii under sponsor supervision.

• Establishes relief permits valid for 30 days (renewable once, max 60 days per 12 months) allowing out-of-state veterinarians to cover for absent Hawaii veterinarians, with sponsor not required to be on same island.

• Permits veterinary telemedicine by Hawaii-licensed veterinarians only, requiring establishment of veterinarian-client-patient relationship except for veterinary teleadvice, teletriage, and telesupervision.

• Imposes $100 surcharge on each courtesy and relief permit deposited into the compliance resolution fund to cover administrative costs.

• Allows graduates of foreign veterinary colleges who complete American Veterinary Medical Association equivalency requirements to qualify for Hawaii licensure examination, and establishes temporary permit procedures for certain qualified applicants.