Senate passes Wilkin, Huffman bill establishing veterinary telehealth visits

COLUMBUS – The Ohio Senate passed Senate Bill 60, sponsored by State Senator Shane Wilkin (R-Hillsboro) and State Senator Steve Huffman (R-Tipp City), to establish requirements and procedures for veterinarian telehealth visits.

"Expanding telehealth to veterinary medicine allows Ohioans to have greater access to care, particularly those who do not have easy access to transportation," said Senator Wilkin. 

"This bill allows veterinarian care across the state to be more efficient and timely to the benefit of every type of pet owner. In a time when there are national veterinarian shortages and continued competition to attract and retain veterinarians, Ohio should embrace this opportunity to be an attractive place for veterinarians to be licensed and practice." 

"As the medical field continues to adjust and benefit from better technology, there is no reason not to expand telehealth to veterinary care," said Senator Huffman. 

"This bill follows the examples set by Florida, Arizona, and California that have enacted telehealth for veterinarians and have seen the benefits from it. By giving veterinarians the option to provide telehealth visits, Ohio continues its strong support of the medical field throughout the Buckeye state."

Senate Bill 60 generally allows a licensed veterinarian to conduct the practice of veterinary medicine via veterinary telehealth services with a client and the client’s animal. The bill prohibits telehealth visits for livestock raised for human food product unless a veterinary-client-patient relationship (VCPR) has been established with the owner beforehand.

Senate Bill 60 now goes to the Ohio House for further consideration.

Senator Shane Wilkin represents the 17thDistrict in the Ohio Senate, which encompasses Fayette, Gallia, Highland, Hocking, Jackson, Lawrence, Pike, Ross, and Vinton Counties, as well as part of Perry County. Learn more at www.OhioSenate.gov/Wilkin.

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