Update—September 5, 2023: Great news: California's veterinary telehealth bill passed the State Assembly in June and received bipartisan support from its second State Senate committee last week. Now this bill heads to the full State Senate where it could receive a vote at any moment! Please contact your state senator today and urge them to vote YES on A.B. 1399.
California is a leader in technological innovation, but surprisingly it is one of the most restrictive states in the country for the use of veterinary telemedicine. People are taking advantage of virtual appointments for their own medical care, and it’s time for California to allow the benefits of this technology to apply to our pets. Assembly Bill 1399 would remove unnecessary barriers that restrict access to virtual veterinary care in the Golden State.
To ensure the safe and effective use of telehealth in California, this bill requires that veterinarians receive consent from clients before using that method of care. Additionally, veterinary staff must be accessible for follow-up questions and offer local clinic referrals for in-person exams when needed or preferred by the pet owner. Veterinarians who practice telehealth must be licensed by the State of California and operate under the same standards and practices as veterinarians in a clinic setting.
If your pet has ever become ill overnight when most veterinary clinics are closed, you know how vital it is to be able to connect with a licensed veterinarian quickly. Telemedicine makes vet care more accessible in situations like this and offers pet owners safe and convenient vet care for a wide range of ailments and preventative services.
Veterinary telemedicine is a lifeline for pet owners who live in remote or underserved areas or face other obstacles to care such as a demanding work schedule that conflicts with normal clinic hours. Pets who are frightened of going to the vet, potentially aggressive, large or difficult to transport can also benefit immensely from better access to virtual veterinary care.
Furthermore, the veterinary industry is facing a critical shortage of professionals in the workforce, and families in California are struggling to access care for their pets. As we have seen in human medicine, video calls help bridge gaps in care caused by workforce shortages or other barriers to healthcare access. To expand access to virtual veterinary care, we need your voice today!
How You Can Help
Please use the form below to email your state senator TODAY and urge them to vote YES on Assembly Bill 1399 to expand access to virtual veterinary care in California.
