HB 4980 Summary

• Establishes requirements for a veterinarian-client-patient relationship, including veterinarian assumption of clinical responsibility, owner agreement to follow instructions, and veterinarian knowledge of the animal's health condition

• Permits veterinarians to obtain current knowledge of animals through in-person examination, telehealth using real-time audio and visual technology, or medically appropriate visits to animal premises

• Restricts telehealth examinations to companion animals only and prohibits their use for issuing interstate certificates of veterinary inspection or pet health certificates

• Limits prescription drug supply from telehealth-only examinations to a maximum of 14 days with no refills, with one additional 14-day supply allowed after a second telehealth examination; in-person examination required for further renewals

• Prohibits prescription of controlled substances based solely on telehealth examination; requires in-person examination or premises visit for controlled substance prescribing