Bill > SB85

This bill amends Alabama law to further define the veterinarian-client-patient relationship (VCPR) and clarify the scope of practice for veterinarians, both within and outside of a VCPR. Key provisions include specifying that a VCPR is established when a veterinarian assumes responsibility for a patient's medical judgments and the client agrees to follow instructions, requiring a physical examination within the past 12 months (or more frequently based on the patient's needs), and ensuring the veterinarian has sufficient knowledge of the patient's care and is available for follow-up. The bill also clarifies that a VCPR cannot be established solely for drug sales and that telemedicine cannot be used to establish a VCPR, though it can be used for refills of prescriptions for up to one year and for communication during emergencies when the original veterinarian is unavailable. Furthermore, the bill introduces "teletriage," which allows veterinarians to assess and manage a patient's condition via electronic communication in the absence of a VCPR, but explicitly prohibits diagnosis or treatment during teletriage, instead focusing on determining the immediate need for an in-person visit or referral. The bill also updates definitions for various terms related to veterinary medicine, such as "animal," "client," "emergency," and "livestock," and sets an effective date of October 1, 2026.

Agriculture and Natural Resources, Health and Social Services

https://alison.legislature.state.al.us/bill-search