Arizona veterinarians can start animal care remotely with consent

A veterinarian may start a care relationship with a client through electronic means. This applies to veterinarians licensed under this chapter or holding the stated permit. It excludes animals used in commercial food production regulated under title 3. The veterinarian must be licensed under this chapter or hold a permit under section 32-2217.01. The veterinarian must get the client's informed consent and keep proof of it for at least three years. The veterinarian must give the client contact details, arrange another way to reach the client if the electronic connection fails, and include the veterinarian's license number in the visit record. Before evaluating the animal, the veterinarian must explain that an in-person visit may be recommended, federal law bars some prescriptions based only on an electronic exam, and the appointment may end at any time. The veterinarian must explain the listed limits before evaluating the animal through electronic means.

A veterinarian may prescribe medicine after starting a care relationship electronically, subject to limits on certain medicines. These rules cover prescriptions following a care relationship started through electronic means. An electronic-exam prescription for an antimicrobial drug may cover one treatment period of up to 14 days. More antimicrobial prescriptions for the same animal and ongoing condition require an in-person exam. For flea and tick medicines, an electronic-exam prescription may be renewed once for up to three months. An electronic-exam prescription renewed once may not be renewed again without an in-person exam. A veterinarian may not prescribe or provide a controlled substance unless the veterinarian has examined the animal in person or made medically appropriate and timely visits to where it is kept. The veterinarian must follow federal and state law. A flea and tick prescription based only on an electronic exam may be renewed once for up to three months.

A veterinarian must tell clients that some prescription medicines may be available at a pharmacy and, if asked, send a prescription to a pharmacy they choose. This applies to clients receiving veterinary services through electronic means. The veterinarian must submit the prescription to the pharmacy chosen by the client if the client requests it.