Relating to the establishment of a veterinarian-client-patient relationship and to the practice of veterinary medicine by telephone or electronic means.

89(R) HB 3364 - House Committee Report version - Bill Text

89R25080 AND-F

By: Lopez of Cameron, et al.

H.B. No. 3364

Substitute the following for H.B. No. 3364:

By: Guillen

C.S.H.B. No. 3364

A BILL TO BE ENTITLED

AN ACT

relating to the establishment of a veterinarian-client-patient

relationship and to the practice of veterinary medicine by

telephone or electronic means.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:

SECTION 1. Section 801.351, Occupations Code, is amended by

adding Subsections (d) and (e) to read as follows:

(d)

After a veterinarian-client-patient relationship is

established, veterinary medicine may be practiced by telephone or

electronic means if otherwise practiced in accordance with the

requirements of this chapter.

(e)

Notwithstanding Subsections (a) and (d), in a medical

emergency, a veterinarian who reasonably believes an animal's

condition would result in irreparable harm or suffering may provide

care by telephone or electronic means without establishing a

veterinarian-client-patient relationship if that care is otherwise

provided in accordance with the requirements of this chapter.

SECTION 2. Subchapter H, Chapter 801, Occupations Code, is

amended by adding Sections 801.365 and 801.366 to read as follows:

Sec.

801.365.

STANDARDS FOR VETERINARY PRACTICE BY

TELEPHONE OR ELECTRONIC MEANS; JURISDICTION. (a) Notwithstanding

any other law, a veterinarian who practices veterinary medicine by

telephone or electronic means:

(1)

must possess a valid license to practice

veterinary medicine in this state;

(2)

must be routinely engaged in the practice of

veterinary medicine in this state;

(3)

shall practice in accordance with this chapter and

rules adopted under this chapter; and

(4)

shall comply with all federal laws applicable to

the practice of veterinary medicine.

(b)

The board has jurisdiction over a veterinarian's

practice of veterinary medicine in this state by telephone or

electronic means regardless of where the veterinarian is physically

located.

Sec.

801.366.

AUTHORITY TO PRESCRIBE CONTROLLED SUBSTANCES

BY TELEPHONE OR ELECTRONIC MEANS. A veterinarian may not prescribe

for the treatment of an animal a controlled substance as defined by

Section 481.002, Health and Safety Code, by telephone or electronic

means unless the veterinarian has:

(1) examined the animal in person; or

(2)

made medically appropriate and timely visits to

the premises on which the animal is kept.

SECTION 3. This Act takes effect September 1, 2025.