New Rhode Island Law Allows Vets To Use Telemedicine

PROVIDENCE, RI — A bill to establish a framework for veterinary telemedicine in Rhode Island has been signed into law.

The new law "authorizes a veterinarian to establish a client-patient relationship in Rhode Island through electronic means, subject to certain limitations and requirements such as a veterinarian making a good faith effort to determine whether care should be provided through telemedicine instead of in person," according to a media release.

The bill was brought by Rep. Jon D. Brien, I-Woonsocket.

“Telemedicine has been a tremendous success story in health care,” Briensaid in the release.

“There’s no reason we can’t extend that success to animal care," Brien said. "It’s time to modernize Rhode Island’s veterinary laws to enable state-licensed veterinarians to use proven, convenient, safe telehealth technology for pet patients."

The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals supported the move by the Rhode Island legislature and Gov. Dan McKee.

"Telemedicine is a proven, responsible way to expand access to the veterinary care system, especially for pet owners who struggle to access care in clinics outside of regular business hours or because they lack transportation or face other barriers," Jennifer Hobgood, senior director of access to care policy for the ASPCA, said in a media release.

"With the signing of (the bill), Rhode Island has become the latest state to modernize its veterinary laws and enable veterinarians to treat more patients using safe and convenient telehealth technology, helping pets stay in loving homes, reducing unnecessary pet and owner stress, and preventing animal suffering,” Hobgood said.

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