Health occupations: veterinarians; veterinarian-client-patient relationship; require. Amends secs. 16287, 18811 & 18814 of 1978 PA 368 (MCL 333.16287 et seq.) & adds sec. 18818.

HB 4200 establishes a formal "veterinarian-client-patient relationship" (VCPR) requirement for veterinary care in Michigan. It mandates that veterinarians must conduct an in-person exam or medically appropriate visit to establish a VCPR before treating animals, limits telemedicine consultations to companion animals with prior knowledge, and restricts prescriptions to 14-day supplies without in-person follow-up. The bill directly affects licensed veterinarians, pet owners seeking care, and veterinary technicians who cannot diagnose or prescribe. Key provisions include banning telemedicine for controlled substances without in-person exams and requiring veterinarians to provide emergency coverage or referrals if terminating a VCPR during ongoing treatment. These changes aim to standardize veterinary care practices under Michigan's Public Health Code.