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HB 7020

AN ACT RELATING TO BUSINESSES AND PROFESSIONS -- VETERINARY PRACTICE

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Jackie Baginski and 4 co-sponsors

Rhode Island would allow veterinarians to establish client-patient relationships via telemedicine, with standards for consent, documentation, prescribing limits, and transparency.

06/23/2026 Signed by Governor
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HB 7020

Overview

HB 7020, introduced in the Rhode Island General Assembly in the 2026 session, would authorize veterinarians to establish a valid client-patient relationship (CPR) through telemedicine (synchronous audiovisual electronic means) in Rhode Island. The bill sets standards for licensure, consent, documentation, and prescribing when care is provided via telehealth, and requires transparency about services and pricing.

Main purpose and intent

  • Modernize veterinary practice by permitting telemedicine to form a CPR, expanding how veterinarians can assess and treat animal patients.
  • Ensure telehealth care meets professional standards and remains bound by state veterinary laws and regulations.
  • Provide a framework for when telemedicine can be used, especially in establishing initial relationships and prescribing medications.

Key provisions and changes

  • Definitions (Section 5-25-2):
    • Clarifies terms such as “animal,” “department,” “director,” “division,” “veterinarian,” “veterinarian/client/patient relationship,” and “veterinary dentistry.”
    • CPR requirements include: veterinarian responsibility for medical judgments, sufficient knowledge of the animal, availability for follow-up, and maintained records of visits, diagnosis, and treatment.
  • New telemedicine CPR (§ 5-25-18):
    • A CPR may be established via synchronous video/audio telecommunication, subject to conditions in subsection (b).
    • Preconditions for telemedicine CPR:
    • The veterinarian must be licensed in Rhode Island.
    • The client must provide verbal consent to establish CPR via electronic means, acknowledging that telehealth standards are the same as in-person care.
    • Documentation of the CPR must be kept for at least one year.
    • Standards of care: Telemedicine must align with prevailing professional standards for in-person care; veterinarians must use sound judgment to determine telehealth appropriateness.
    • Prescribing limitations:
    • Initial prescriptions based on a virtual CPR may be issued for up to 30 days and can’t be renewed more than 30 days without an additional examination (virtual or in-person).
    • A prescription renewed once via virtual examination cannot be renewed again without an in-person exam.
    • Controlled substances may not be prescribed without an in-person examination or timely on-site visits to the animal’s premises.
    • Compliance: Telemedicine is subject to existing state veterinary practice laws and regulations.
    • Transparency: Telemedicine providers must display a consumer-friendly description of services and standard charges on their website.

Who is affected

  • Rhode Island-licensed veterinarians who offer telemedicine services.
  • Animal owners/clients seeking veterinary care via telehealth.
  • Veterinary practices and telemedicine providers operating within Rhode Island.

Procedural and timeline aspects

  • Effective date: The act would take effect upon passage.
  • Action history indicates ongoing committee consideration in 2026, with scheduling updates (ex: hearing dates, committee recommendations).

Summary

HB 7020 would formally authorize and regulate the use of telemedicine to establish CPRs in Rhode Island, imposing licensing, consent, documentation, and prescribing safeguards. It aims to balance expanded access to veterinary care through telehealth with professional standards and consumer protections, including clear disclosure of services and charges.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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