Bill > SB105

This bill updates Georgia's veterinary practice regulations to formally recognize and establish guidelines for three new forms of remote veterinary services: veterinary teleadvice, veterinary telemedicine, and veterinary teletriage. The bill defines these terms, with veterinary teleadvice being general, non-specific advice, telemedicine involving the use of telecommunications technology to practice veterinary medicine, and teletriage involving remote assessment of an animal's condition to determine if immediate in-person care is necessary. Licensed veterinarians can now practice these services under specific conditions, such as having an existing veterinarian-client-patient relationship, primarily practicing in-person, notifying the State Board of Veterinary Medicine of their intent, and ensuring the animal is located in Georgia. The bill also introduces a new provision allowing graduates of foreign veterinary schools who have completed a specialized residency and obtained board certification to be licensed, but only to practice in their specific certified specialty. Additionally, the bill expands the State Board of Veterinary Medicine's powers to regulate and oversee these new forms of veterinary practice, with most provisions set to take effect on July 1, 2025, aiming to modernize veterinary care delivery while maintaining professional standards and patient safety.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

https://www.legis.ga.gov/legislation/69961