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SB 193

Health occupations: veterinarians; veterinarian-client-patient relationship; require. Amends 1978 PA 368 (MCL 333.1101 - 333.25211) by adding sec. 18818. TIE BAR WITH: SB 194'25

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Rosemary Bayer and 5 co-sponsors

SB 193 establishes statutory requirements for veterinarian-client-patient relationships to regulate when vets can prescribe medications and provide services in Michigan.

REFERRED TO COMMITTEE ON NATURAL RESOURCES AND AGRICULTURE
#healthoccupations:veterinarians #stateagencies(existing):licensingandregulatoryaffairs
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Bill Summary · SB 193

Legislative bill overview

SB 193 amends Michigan's health occupations law to establish formal requirements around veterinarian-client-patient relationships (VCPR), likely defining what constitutes a valid professional relationship before veterinarians can prescribe medications or provide certain services. The bill is tied to SB 194, suggesting complementary regulatory changes in veterinary practice standards.

Why is this important

Veterinary prescribing and telemedicine have expanded significantly, and this bill would create statutory clarity on when veterinarians can legally provide services. Clear VCPR standards protect both animal owners (ensuring proper veterinary oversight) and veterinarians (establishing legal protection for their professional judgments), while also addressing concerns about online prescription services or remote consultations that may lack adequate in-person examination.

Potential points of contention

  • Telemedicine restrictions: The bill may limit remote consultations or online prescription services, potentially reducing convenience and access for rural areas or emergency situations
  • Definition ambiguity: Without seeing the actual language, the specific requirements for establishing VCPR (in-person exam requirement, timeline, frequency) could be either too restrictive or too vague
  • Enforcement clarity: Unclear how violations would be handled and whether penalties would apply uniformly to veterinarians versus other entities providing animal health services

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

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