NJ A1499

Licensed veterinarians in New Jersey must determine whether telemedicine or telehealth services meet the same standard of care as in-person treatment before providing remote consultations, and must advise clients to seek in-person care if standards cannot be met remotely.

Veterinarians must establish a licensee-client-patient relationship before providing telemedicine services by verifying client identity (name, date of birth, phone, address) and disclosing their own credentials, license, and specialty certifications.

Telemedicine services must use interactive, real-time, two-way communication with video capability, though audio-only combined with store-and-forward technology may be used if the veterinarian determines it meets care standards after reviewing patient records.

Prescriptions may be issued via telemedicine if consistent with in-person care standards, but Schedule II controlled substances require an initial in-person examination plus follow-up in-person visits every three months.

Veterinarians must provide clients with notice of telemedicine risks and benefits, maintain records complying with state and federal requirements, and establish written protocols addressing user authentication, system security, and fraud prevention.