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Bill

SB 105

enabling towns to adopt budget caps.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by James Gray and 3 co-sponsors

SB 105 modernizes veterinary care in Georgia by allowing telemedicine, enhancing access for pet owners, especially in underserved areas, while ensuring safety and regulation.

Signed by the Governor on 06/24/2025; Chapter 0131; Effective 08/23/2025
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Bill Summary · SB 105

Summary of Senate Bill 105 (SB 105)

Purpose and Intent

Senate Bill 105 (SB 105) aims to modernize the practice of veterinary medicine in Georgia by authorizing licensed veterinarians and veterinary technicians to provide veterinary teleadvice, teletriage, and telemedicine. The bill seeks to enhance access to veterinary care through technology while ensuring that the practice remains regulated and safe for animal patients.

Key Provisions

  1. Authorization of Veterinary Telepractice:

    • Veterinary Teleadvice: Licensed veterinarians and veterinary technicians can provide general advice to clients using telecommunications technology, without being specific to a particular animal or treatment.
    • Veterinary Teletriage: Licensed veterinarians can assess and manage animal cases remotely, determining if immediate referral to a veterinarian is necessary.
    • Veterinary Telemedicine: Licensed veterinarians can practice veterinary medicine through synchronous or asynchronous telecommunications, under specific conditions.

  2. Regulatory Oversight:

    • The State Board of Veterinary Medicine is empowered to regulate the practices of veterinary telemedicine, teletriage, and teleadvice.
    • The Board will also oversee the licensure of foreign veterinary graduates who are board-certified in a specialty.

  3. Definitions and Clarifications:

    • The bill revises existing definitions related to veterinary practice and introduces new terms to clarify the scope of telepractice.
    • It establishes the requirements for a veterinarian-client-patient relationship necessary for telepractice.

  4. Licensing and Compliance:

    • The bill outlines the powers of the State Board, including the ability to issue, renew, suspend, or revoke licenses for veterinary practice.
    • It mandates the establishment of standards for professional conduct and the publication of licensing fees.

Impact

  • Veterinarians and Veterinary Technicians: The bill expands the scope of practice for licensed professionals, allowing them to utilize technology to enhance service delivery.
  • Animal Owners: Pet owners will benefit from increased access to veterinary care, particularly in rural or underserved areas where in-person visits may be challenging.
  • Regulatory Framework: The bill establishes a clear regulatory framework that ensures the safe and effective use of telemedicine in veterinary practice.

Procedural Timeline

  • Introduced: January 27, 2025
  • Passed Senate: March 6, 2025
  • Passed House: March 27, 2025
  • Signed by Governor: May 13, 2025
  • Effective Date: July 1, 2025

Conclusion

SB 105 represents a significant advancement in veterinary practice in Georgia, leveraging technology to improve access to care while maintaining regulatory oversight. This legislation is expected to enhance the veterinary profession's ability to respond to the needs of animal patients and their owners in a rapidly evolving healthcare landscape.

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

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