43-50-121. Practice of veterinary teletriage and veterinary telemedicine regardless of whether a veterinarian-client-patient relationship exists.

Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this chapter, a licensed veterinarian or a veterinary technician supervised by a licensed veterinarian may practice veterinary teletriage, regardless of whether a veterinarian-client-patient relationship exists, if the following conditions are met:#

1. (1)

   No licensed veterinarian or veterinary technician is available within a 50 mile radius of the animal’s location to perform a physical examination at a veterinary facility or the premises where the animal is located within 24 hours of the client’s request for services;#

2. (2)

   The licensed veterinarian or veterinary technician requests that, as soon as reasonably practical, the client present the animal patient for a physical examination at the veterinary facility or at the premises where such animal is located; and#

3. (3)

   The licensed veterinarian or veterinary technician informs the client, in writing, of the veterinarian or supervising veterinarian’s full name, location, license number, licensure status, and limitations involved in accessing veterinary teletriage, and obtains a signed and dated statement from the client indicating receipt of such required information.#

Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this chapter, a licensed veterinarian may practice veterinary telemedicine, regardless of whether a veterinarian-client-patient relationship exists, if the licensed veterinarian satisfies the conditions set forth in paragraphs (1) and (2) of subsection (a) of this Code section and paragraphs (1) and (2) and paragraphs (4) through (7) of subsection (a) of Code Section 43-50-120.#

Nothing in this Code section shall be construed to require or impose a duty upon any licensed veterinarian or veterinary technician to identify or refer any client to a licensed veterinarian located within the radius imposed under paragraph (1) of subsection (a) of this Code section before practicing veterinary teletriage or veterinary telemedicine.#