Senate committee rejects bill to allow VCPR by telemedicine after testimony on risks and access

Little Rock — A Senate committee on agriculture debated a bill by Sen. Ricky Hill that would permit a veterinarian to establish a veterinary‑client‑patient relationship (VCPR) via telemedicine, but after extensive testimony the committee voted and the motion to pass the bill as amended failed.

Hill, a Republican from Senate District 11, told the committee the proposal is voluntary for veterinarians and designed to expand access in underserved parts of the state, particularly eastern and southern Arkansas. "We have a shortage of veterinarians out here," Hill said, arguing telemedicine could help economically challenged families who cannot easily reach a clinic.

Opponents included representatives of the Arkansas Veterinary Medical Association and witnesses from the private sector who warned remote establishment of a VCPR could increase misdiagnosis and public‑health risk. Bruce Holland, representing the American Veterinary…