Veterinarians can now establish a relationship with clients and their animals (called a veterinarian-client-patient relationship, or VCPR) through telehealth.
This means they can examine animals using live video calls instead of needing an in-person visit.
Telehealth Definition Update: The bill updates the law to refer to "telehealth" instead of "telemedicine."
Prescribing Medications via Telehealth:
Veterinarians can now prescribe medications after establishing a VCPR through telehealth, without needing an in-person exam.
Exceptions: An in-person exam is still required to prescribe controlled substances or to prescribe antibiotics for more than 14 days.
No In-Person Follow-Up Requirement: The bill removes the rule that required veterinarians using telehealth to be available for in-person follow-up visits.
Specialists Can Prescribe After Referrals: Veterinary specialists can now prescribe medications to referred patients without needing to see the animal in person.
In short, this bill makes it easier for veterinarians to provide care remotely, while keeping certain safeguards for specific types of medications.
Summary
The bill modifies certain laws related to the practice of veterinary
telehealth. Under current law, in order to practice veterinary telehealth in Colorado, a licensed veterinarian must establish a veterinarian-client-patient relationship (VCPR) through an in-person, physical examination of the animal (patient) or by a medically appropriate and timely visit to the premises where the animal is kept.
The bill allows a veterinarian to establish a VCPR through
telehealth. An in-person, physical examination of the patient or visit to the premises is not necessary, and the veterinarian may establish the VCPR through an electronic examination using synchronous audio-video based communication technology.
The bill clarifies the definition of telehealth and changes
references throughout current law from telemedicine to telehealth.
Under current law, a licensed veterinarian is prohibited from
prescribing drugs to a patient through telehealth unless the veterinarian has conducted an in-person, physical examination of the patient. The bill removes that requirement and permits a veterinarian to prescribe drugs to a patient through telehealth as long as the veterinarian has established a VCPR and follows certain requirements. However, the bill still requires an in-person, physical examination of the patient in order to prescribe the patient a controlled substance or an antimicrobial for longer than 14 days.
The bill removes the requirement under current law that a
veterinarian who uses telehealth be available in person at a veterinary premises that is accessible to the client and patient for follow-up evaluations. The bill also repeals a provision in current law that prohibits a veterinary specialist to whom a patient has been referred from prescribing medication to the patient unless that veterinary specialist has established a VCPR through an in-person, physical examination of the patient.
