Relating to a study by the State Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners on establishing a veterinarian-client-patient relationship by telephone or electronic means.

89(R) SB 1442 - Engrossed version - Bill Text

By: Johnson

S.B. No. 1442

A BILL TO BE ENTITLED

AN ACT

relating to a study by the State Board of Veterinary Medical

Examiners on establishing a veterinarian-client-patient

relationship by telephone or electronic means.

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

SECTION 1. (a) In this Act, "board" means the State Board

of Veterinary Medical Examiners.

(b) The board shall conduct a study on establishing a

veterinarian-client-patient relationship by telephone or

electronic means, including by using audiovisual

telecommunications technology. In conducting the study, the board

must consider:

(1) whether synchronous audiovisual

telecommunications technology is available and efficient for use by

veterinarians;

(2) the board's authority to exercise jurisdiction

over a veterinarian practicing veterinary medicine in this state by

telephone or electronic means, regardless of the veterinarian's

physical location;

(3) the need for rules regarding the affiliation of a

veterinarian practicing veterinary medicine by telephone or

electronic means with a veterinary practice located in this state;

(4) the need for laws regarding the prescription of

controlled substances and the provision of veterinary medical

services to animals associated with an agricultural operation;

(5) whether to amend Chapter 801, Occupations Code, to

authorize and regulate the establishment of a

veterinarian-client-patient relationship by telephone or

electronic means without a physical examination of an animal; and

(6) the extent to which changes to Chapter 801,

Occupations Code, are required for the state to comply with the

opinion in
Hines v. Pardue
, 117 F.4th 769 (5th Cir. 2024).

(c) Not later than December 1, 2026, the board shall submit

to the governor, the lieutenant governor, the speaker of the house

of representatives, and each standing committee of the legislature

with primary jurisdiction over the practice of veterinary medicine

a report on the results of the study conducted under Subsection (b)

of this section and any recommendations for legislative or other

action. The report may be submitted electronically.

SECTION 2. This Act expires December 31, 2026.

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