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4/28/2025
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Rep. Brien legislation would allow veterinarians to use telemedicine
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STATE HOUSE — In an effort to expand access to quality care for pets, Rep. Jon D. Brien (I-Dist. 49, Woonsocket) has introduced legislation that would establish a framework for veterinary telemedicine in Rhode Island.
The House Committee on Corporations heard testimony on the bill (2025-H 5555) and Representative Brien has submitted amendments to the legislation that tighten the language and address various concerns.
The proposed legislation would authorize a veterinarian to establish a client-patient relationship in Rhode Island through electronic means, subject to certain limitations and requirements such as a veterinarian making a good faith effort to determine whether care should be provided through telemedicine instead of in person.
“Telemedicine has been a tremendous success story in health care,” said Representative Brien. “There’s no reason we can’t extend that success to animal care. It’s time to modernize Rhode Island’s veterinary laws to enable the state-licensed veterinarians to use proven, convenient, safe telehealth technology for pet patients. In addition, an ongoing veterinary workforce shortage is making care harder to get, and many Rhode Island pet owners do not have adequate access to veterinary care.”
The act would also provide that the veterinarian shall be licensed in Rhode Island, obtain the client consent to establish the veterinarian client-patient relationship through electronic means, and maintain such documentation for at least one year.
“Many pet owners will tell you one of the most difficult and unpleasant experiences is going to the vet,” said Representative Brien. “It can be a half-day commitment, and taking time off work can be challenging for many. The only current option for accessing vet care on evenings and weekends is an expensive and stressful trip to the emergency animal hospital.”
Jennifer Hobgood, testifying in support of the bill on behalf of the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, the Potter League for Animals, the Providence Animal Rescue League and the Veterinary Virtual Care Association, told the Corporations Committee, “While the shortage of veterinarians may worsen problems with access to care in the coming years, increasing access to veterinary telemedicine can help mitigate the effects of the shortage. Safe, convenient veterinary telemedicine can help address many common barriers to care faced by senior pet owners, as well as those who live in rural or underserved areas, face transportation issues, have large, fearful, or potentially aggressive animals, or need to access veterinary services outside of normal clinic hours due to work schedules or time-sensitive pet issues.”
Companion legislation (2025-S 0647) has been introduced in the Senate by Sen. Melissa A. Murray (D-Dist. 24, Woonsocket, North Smithfield).
For more information, contact:
Daniel Trafford, Publicist
State House Room 20
Providence, RI 02903
(401)222-1922
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