SB 2059

Abstract

Amends the Regulatory Sunset Act. Repeals the Veterinary Medicine and Surgery Practice Act of 2004 on January 1, 2029 (rather than January 1, 2024). Amends the Veterinary Medicine and Surgery Practice Act of 2004. Adds provisions concerning an email address of record and for electronic delivery of certain notices to an email address of records. Provides for instances in which telehealth may be used. Provides that a veterinarian shall not substitute telehealth, teleadvice, telemedicine, or teletriage when a physical examination is warranted or necessary for an accurate diagnosis of any medical condition or creation of an appropriate treatment plan. Makes changes to provisions concerning: application for licensure; reports; procedures for refusal to license or issue certificate; and hearing officers, reports, and review. Removes provisions concerning: refusing to issue or renew, or revoking, suspending, placing on probation, reprimanding, or taking other disciplinary or non-disciplinary action for a conviction by any court of competent jurisdiction, either within or outside this State, of any violation of any law governing the practice of veterinary medicine; and certifying exhibits without cost. Repeals a provision requiring the Department of Financial and Professional Regulation to maintain a roster. Makes corresponding and other changes. Provisions amending the Regulatory Sunset Act are effective immediately. Senate Floor Amendment No. 2 Provides that service may be made to an email address on record only if in the course of the administrative proceeding the party has previously designated a specific email address at which to accept electronic service for that proceeding. House Floor Amendment No. 1 Provides that "veterinary specialist" means a veterinarian: (1) who has been awarded and maintains certification from a veterinary specialty organization recognized by the American Board of Veterinary Specialties; (2) who has been awarded and maintains certification from a veterinary certifying organization whose standards have been found by the Board to be equivalent to or more stringent than those of American Board of Veterinary Specialties-recognized veterinary specialty organizations; or (3) who otherwise meets criteria that may be established by the Board to support a claim to be a veterinary specialist (instead of meaning that a veterinarian is a diplomate within an AVMA-recognized veterinary specialty organization). Changes references from "telehealth" to "telemedicine" and "writing prescriptions" to "prescribing". Makes other changes.