Committee considers bills to allow veterinary telemedicine and expand how veterinarians establish VCPR

The Michigan House Committee on Regulatory Reform heard testimony on a bipartisan bill package to allow veterinarians to establish a veterinary‑client‑patient relationship (VCPR) via telemedicine when appropriate, sponsors and witnesses said.

Representatives Raymond Aragona and Pawetsky introduced the bills (identified in testimony as House bills 42 20 and 42 21). Aragona told the committee the bills would codify telemedicine practices used during the COVID‑19 pandemic and give licensed veterinarians discretion to use remote consultations for many companion-animal needs.

Supporters — which included the Michigan Pet Alliance, Huron Valley Humane Society, the ASPCA and numerous practicing veterinarians — said telemedicine would expand timely access to care in rural and underserved areas, reduce stress for animals that react badly to clinic visits, and ease burdens on overcrowded shelters. Dr. Courtney White, vice president…