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HB 4200

Health occupations: veterinarians; veterinarian-client-patient relationship; require. Amends secs. 16287, 18811 & 18814 of 1978 PA 368 (MCL 333.16287 et seq.) & adds sec. 18818.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Jaime Greene and 2 co-sponsors

Michigan HB 4200 establishes a VCPR with annual in-person exams, telemedicine rules for vets, and strict 14-day prescription limits after telehealth.

bill electronically reproduced 03/11/2025
#healthoccupations:veterinarians #stateagencies(existing):licensingandregulatoryaffairs
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Bill Summary · HB 4200

Summary — HB 4200 (Veterinary practice; adds veterinarian‑client‑patient relationship requirements)

Note: the supplied materials also included unrelated text from an Illinois “Educational Choice” bill. This summary focuses on the Michigan Public Health Code amendments (MCL 333.16287, 333.18811, 333.18814) and the new section 333.18818 concerning the veterinarian‑client‑patient relationship (VCPR).

Purpose

The bill adds an explicit statutory VCPR requirement and telemedicine rules for veterinarians, clarifies use of veterinary titles, and confirms certain activities that do not constitute the unauthorized practice of veterinary medicine. Its intent is to define how veterinarians may establish professional relationships with animal owners, when telemedicine can be used, and limits on remote prescribing.

Key provisions

  • Adds Section 18818 establishing requirements for a valid veterinarian‑client‑patient relationship (VCPR):
    • A veterinarian must assume responsibility for clinical judgments and the owner must agree to follow instructions.
    • The veterinarian must have current knowledge of the animal, obtained by either:
    • an in‑person examination; or
    • a medically appropriate and timely visit to the premises where the animal (or the owner’s group of animals) is kept.
  • Telemedicine/telehealth:
    • Once a VCPR exists, veterinarians may consult via real‑time interactive audio‑visual telemedicine subject to limits.
    • Telemedicine consultations may not be used if:
    • the animal is not a companion animal (unless the veterinarian already has current knowledge via an in‑person or premises visit); or
    • the consultation is for issuing interstate veterinary inspection or pet health certificates.
    • If diagnostic instrumentation is used, equipment must be capable of electronically transmitting images and records.
    • Veterinarians must be readily available or arrange emergency coverage; owners may request in‑person follow‑up and must be given referrals if the veterinarian cannot provide it.
    • Veterinarians must conduct at least one in‑person examination of the animal annually.
  • Prescribing following telemedicine consults:
    • Prescriptions issued after a telemedicine consult are limited to a 14‑day supply with no refills.
    • One additional 14‑day supply may be prescribed only after another telemedicine consult.
    • Any further renewal requires an in‑person examination.
    • Controlled substances may be prescribed only after an in‑person exam or premises visit.
    • Veterinarians may send prescriptions to a pharmacy at the owner’s request and must comply with federal and state prescribing laws (including existing section 16285).
  • Termination and emergency care:
    • Either party may terminate the VCPR; if terminated while the animal has an ongoing medical/surgical condition, the veterinarian must refer the owner to another veterinarian and continue lifesaving support for a reasonable time or until a new VCPR is established.
    • Emergency exceptions appear in the bill (text truncated in provided materials).
  • Administrative and definitional changes:
    • Rules promulgated by the Department in consultation with the Michigan Board of Veterinary Medicine are made subject to Section 18818.
    • Section 18811 updates protect restricted use of veterinary titles and clarifies allowed titles for licensed veterinary technicians.
    • Section 18814 lists activities that do not constitute the practice of veterinary medicine (owner‑administered livestock treatment, research, NPIP poultry vaccination, federal employees on duty, certified sample collectors, etc.).

Who is affected

  • Veterinarians and veterinary practices (clinical policies, telemedicine use, prescribing limits).
  • Veterinary technicians (title protections clarified).
  • Animal owners (limits on remote prescribing, right to in‑person evaluations and referrals).
  • Pharmacies receiving prescriptions for animals.
  • Michigan Department of Health & Human Services (or relevant department) and the Michigan Board of Veterinary Medicine — rulemaking and enforcement responsibilities.

Procedural status & timeline

  • Introduced: March 10–11, 2025.
  • Read first time and referred to committee (Regulatory Reform / Trade, Workforce & Economic Development) March 2025.
  • The bill adds Section 18818 to the Public Health Code; no effective date specified in the provided excerpt (would take effect upon enactment unless otherwise stated).

Notes / open items

  • Provided text was truncated in places (particularly the emergency exception language in Section 18818). Final impacts depend on full bill text and any amendments adopted in committee.
  • Implementation will require administrative rules and guidance (the bill makes rulemaking subject to the new statutory VCPR provisions).

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

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