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Fleming Island senator proposes telehealth for pets

Published on December 21, 2023 at 11:36 am

Republican lawmakers have filed proposals that would allow veterinarians to use telehealth in treating animals.

Sen. Jennifer Bradley, R-Fleming Island, filed a Senate version of the proposal (SB 1040) on Wednesday, after Rep. Sam Killebrew, R-Winter Haven, and Rep. James Buchanan, R-Osprey, filed an identical bill (HB 849) last week.

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The proposals are filed for consideration during the 2024 legislative session, which will start Jan. 9.

Physicians have increasingly used telehealth to treat human patients in recent years. The new bills would extend a similar practice to pets.

The veterinary bills are dubbed the “Providing Equity in Telehealth Services Act” and set guidelines for veterinarians.

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For example, a veterinarian practicing telehealth would not need to research a pet’s medical history or conduct a physical examination to provide care.


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