Rhode Island veterinarians may start care relationships by video

A licensed veterinarian may start a care relationship with a client through live video. This applies to veterinarians licensed in Rhode Island and their animal patients. The veterinarian must get the client's spoken consent, including acknowledgment that the same care standards apply as in person. The veterinarian must use sound professional judgment and meet the standards for in-person veterinary care. The veterinarian must get consent before starting the relationship and keep the related documentation for at least one year.

A veterinarian may prescribe after starting a care relationship by video, subject to limits on prescription length and renewals. These rules apply to prescriptions based on a video-based veterinarian-client-patient relationship. An initial prescription may cover no more than 30 days. A renewal may cover no more than 30 days without another video or in-person exam. After one renewal based only on video exams, another renewal requires an in-person exam. A controlled medicine requires an in-person exam or medically appropriate, timely visits where the animal is kept. The 30-day limits apply to the initial prescription and renewals before an additional exam.

Each veterinary telemedicine provider must post its services and standard charges on its website. This applies to each provider offering veterinary telemedicine. The information must be consumer-friendly and easy to find.