Source: Providence Journal
Rhode Island now allows veterinarians to provide telemedicine appointments for pets after Governor Dan McKee signed a new law on June 23. Veterinarians may offer virtual care at their discretion, including for first time patients, and can prescribe many medications remotely. However, controlled substances still require an in person examination. Prescriptions issued through telemedicine are limited to 30 days and may be renewed once before another appointment is required.
Supporters say the law improves access to care amid a nationwide veterinarian shortage, particularly for rural residents, low income families, seniors, and communities such as Block Island with limited Veterinary services. Critics, including the American Veterinary Medical Association, support telemedicine but oppose allowing initial veterinarian client relationships to begin virtually, citing federal standards. Rhode Island becomes the tenth state to permit Veterinary telehealth and also allows licensed out of state veterinarians to provide remote services to Rhode Island residents.