Use of Veterinary Telehealth

The bill modifies certain laws related to the practice of veterinary telehealth. Under current law, in order to practice veterinary telehealth in Colorado, a licensed veterinarian must establish a veterinarian-client-patient relationship (VCPR) through an in-person, physical examination of the animal (patient) or by a medically appropriate and timely visit to the premises where the animal is kept. The bill allows a veterinarian to establish a VCPR through telehealth. An in-person, physical examination of the patient or visit to the premises is not necessary, and the veterinarian may establish the VCPR through an electronic examination using synchronous audio-video based communication technology. The bill clarifies the definition of "telehealth" and changes references throughout current law from "telemedicine" to "telehealth". Under current law, a licensed veterinarian is prohibited from prescribing drugs to a patient through telehealth unless the veterinarian has conducted an in-person, physical examination of the patient. The bill removes that requirement and permits a veterinarian to prescribe drugs to a patient through telehealth as long as the veterinarian has established a VCPR and follows certain requirements. However, the bill still requires an in-person, physical examination of the patient in order to prescribe the patient a controlled substance or an antimicrobial for longer than 14 days. The bill removes the requirement under current law that a veterinarian who uses telehealth be available in person at a veterinary premises that is accessible to the client and patient for follow-up evaluations. The bill also repeals a provision in current law that prohibits a veterinary specialist to whom a patient has been referred from prescribing medication to the patient unless that veterinary specialist has established a VCPR through an in-person, physical examination of the patient. (Note: This summary applies to this bill as introduced.)