Game-Changing Bill to Revolutionize Vet Care in Michigan: Telehealth for Pets!
In a move that could significantly transform veterinary care, Michigan lawmaker Rep. Laurie Pohutsky, D-Livonia, is championing a bill that seeks to expand telehealth services for pets. This initiative was inspired by her own experience with Delilah, her 13-year-old cat, who frequently suffered from respiratory infections.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, emergency orders by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer allowed a broad expansion of veterinary telehealth, enabling pet owners like Pohutsky to consult with veterinarians via video calls. This change made it much easier for Pohutsky to get her cat the necessary antibiotics for chronic infections without the hassle of visiting the vet's office each time.
However, with the expiration of these emergency orders, the use of telehealth has been limited once again. Pohutsky's bill aims to reverse this and allow for greater flexibility in veterinary care. The bill proposes that veterinarians be allowed to offer limited care via telehealth without any prerequisite in-person appointments.
While telehealth for pets does present communication challenges, Pohutsky believes that it shouldn't lead to the abandonment of such a beneficial service. The current regulations stipulate that vets can only employ telehealth if they've already established a "client-patient relationship" through in-person appointments.
Kevin O’Neill, the vice president of state affairs at the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, acknowledges the ideal situation of in-person vet visits. Still, he recognizes that socioeconomic factors and living in rural areas might impede easy access to veterinary services. Pothutsky’s bill would leave the decision to use telemedicine up to the veterinarians, offering them the choice to incorporate this method into their practice.
Larry Letsche, the 2023 president of the Michigan Veterinary Medicine Association, notes that current regulations already allow the use of telehealth in emergencies. Vets can conduct a telehealth exam if circumstances prevent someone from getting an in-person appointment. However, Letsche emphasizes the importance of in-person exams for accurate diagnosis, cautioning that telehealth should be practiced correctly to avoid issues.
During the pandemic, there was an observed increase in lawsuits and formal licensing complaints against Michigan vets who used telehealth, indicating the need for careful implementation of such services.
Pohutsky's bill, a revised version of an earlier proposal that failed in the Senate, is currently pending in the House Agriculture Committee. It addresses concerns about over-prescription by limiting the types and durations of medications that can be prescribed via telehealth and stipulating that telehealth would only be available for "companion animals," differentiating them from livestock.
The bill's supporters include Reps. John Roth, Reggie Miller, Kelly Breen, Carol Glanville, Noah Arbit, and Abraham Aiyash. State veterinarian Nora Wineland, who expressed concerns about the previous bill, is currently reviewing the updated legislation before taking a stance.
This proposed bill represents a significant step towards modernizing veterinary care, making it more accessible and convenient for pet owners while ensuring the health and well-being of their beloved animals.
