SC H3223

Establishes a legal framework for telehealth and telemedicine in veterinary practice in South Carolina by adding Article 5 to Chapter 69, Title 40 of the state code

Requires a veterinarian-client-patient relationship to be established through an in-person physical examination before telemedicine services can be provided, though the relationship may be maintained through virtual examinations between in-person visits

Mandates that only veterinarians licensed in South Carolina may practice telemedicine in the state, with unlicensed practitioners subject to penalties for unauthorized practice

Requires veterinarians to obtain client consent before providing telehealth services, document consent in medical records, and disclose their license information and professional opinion on whether the condition can be treated remotely

Establishes that veterinarian-client-patient relationships lapse after one year without seeing the animal and may extend to other licensed veterinarians at the same practice location who have reviewed the patient's medical records