Arizona Senate Bill 1053: Expanding Veterinary Care Through Telehealth
- Dr. Zeke Zekoff
- Apr 28
- 2 min read
Updated: May 1
Arizona has taken a significant step towards modernizing veterinary medicine with the passage of Senate Bill 1053. This legislation allows veterinarians to establish a veterinarian-client-patient relationship (VCPR) using audio-video communication technology, expanding access to care and offering greater flexibility in how veterinary services are delivered.
Key Changes Introduced by SB 1053
Establishing VCPR Electronically: The bill permits veterinarians to establish a VCPR through real-time electronic examinations using audio-video communication. This acknowledges the role of telemedicine in contemporary veterinary practice.
Conditions for Electronic VCPR: To establish a VCPR electronically, veterinarians must:
Be licensed or hold a permit in the state.
Obtain informed consent from the client, ensuring they understand that electronic visits adhere to the same standards of care as in-person visits.
Provide the client with their name, contact information, and license number, and secure an alternative means of communication in case of interruption.
Advise the client that an in-person visit may be necessary, that federal law restricts some drug prescriptions via electronic exams, and that the electronic appointment can be terminated at any time.
Be able to recommend a local veterinarian for in-person care, ensuring the client has a choice.
Prescribing Medications: The bill also addresses prescribing medications through electronic VCPRs, with the following stipulations:
Initial prescriptions are limited to a 14-day supply and can be renewed once for another 14 days following an additional electronic examination.
Further renewals require an in-person examination.
Controlled substances cannot be prescribed unless the veterinarian has conducted an in-person physical examination or made appropriate visits to the animal's location.
Prescriptions must be made available at the client's preferred pharmacy, when possible, and adhere to all state and federal laws.
Exclusions: Importantly, the bill prohibits the establishment of a VCPR electronically for animals used in commercial food production.
Regulatory Oversight: The provision of veterinary services through electronic means will be subject to the rules and regulations of the Arizona State Veterinary Medical Examining Board.
Impact
Senate Bill 1053 intends to modernize veterinary practices in Arizona, allowing for the use of telemedicine to enhance animal care. It balances the need to embrace technological advancements with the necessity of maintaining high standards of veterinary care and ensuring the well-being of animals.
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