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Proponents say telemedicine will expand access; veterinarians warn hands‑on exams cannot be replaced
Summary
Supporters of H 3355 argued the bill would expand access to veterinary care by allowing veterinarians to establish patient relationships via telemedicine. Several veterinary associations and clinicians countered that in‑person exams are essential for diagnosis and that virtual establishment of the VCPR could harm animals and low‑income owners.
Boston — Witnesses split sharply over House Bill 3,355, which would permit Massachusetts veterinarians to establish a veterinary‑client‑patient relationship (VCPR) remotely and expand telemedicine use.
"This bipartisan bill modernizes veterinary law in Massachusetts and increase[s] access to veterinary care by providing more options for state licensed veterinarians to use safe convenient veterinary telemedicine," said Jen Hobgood, senior director of access to care…
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