Bill > HB1305

This bill enables veterinarians in New Hampshire to provide medical care to animals remotely through telehealth, establishing clear guidelines for its practice. The bill defines veterinary telehealth as using communication technologies to provide remote veterinary medical care and allows licensed veterinarians to establish a veterinarian-client-patient relationship (VCPR) through real-time audiovisual communication or electronic transmission of medical records. Veterinarians practicing telehealth must obtain client consent, maintain patient confidentiality, provide follow-up care instructions, and be familiar with local veterinary resources. The bill specifies that telehealth practitioners can order and prescribe medications in compliance with state and federal laws, but cannot prescribe controlled substances without an in-person examination, except in limited hospice or transport scenarios. Additionally, veterinarians cannot use telehealth to issue travel certificates or veterinary inspection documents. The bill emphasizes that telehealth services must meet the same standard of care as in-person veterinary services, and clients must be informed of their option to choose an in-person visit. The legislation will take effect 60 days after its passage, providing a structured framework for delivering veterinary care through remote technologies.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

https://gc.nh.gov/bill_Status/billinfo.aspx?id=2089&inflect=2