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Veterinarians and animal‑welfare groups split over bill allowing telemedicine to establish patient relationship
Summary
Witnesses for House Bill 3,355 said allowing veterinarians to establish a veterinary‑client‑patient relationship (VCPR) via telemedicine would expand access to care for seniors, people with disabilities and pet owners facing transport barriers. Veterinary associations and multiple clinicians warned that video exams cannot substitute for hands‑on
Supporters and opponents of House Bill 3,355 told the Joint Committee on Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure that telemedicine could expand access to veterinary care — but that it also carries clinical risks if it replaces an in‑person initial exam.
"This legislation provides an important policy switch that will safely open more access to care immediately upon enactment because it addresses a key outdated policy barrier, an arbitrary in‑person physical examination requirement," said Jen Hobgood, senior director of access to care policy for the ASPCA. She said telemedicine can help people who face…
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