TeleHealth Visits in Florida
General terms & conditions for TeleHealth Visits
In the state of Florida:
- A veterinarian practicing veterinary telehealth may order, prescribe, or make available medicinal drugs or drugs specifically approved for use in animals by the United States Food and Drug Administration, the use of which conforms to the approved labeling. Prescriptions based solely on a telehealth evaluation may be issued for up to 1 month for products labeled solely for flea and tick control and up to 14 days of treatment for other animal drugs. Prescriptions based solely on a telehealth evaluation may not be renewed without an in-person examination
- May not use veterinary telehealth to issue an international or interstate travel certificate or a certificate of veterinary inspection.
- This bill authorizes licensed veterinarians in Florida to practice veterinary telehealth, which is the use of telecommunications technology to provide various veterinary services remotely. It defines the scope and requirements for veterinarians practicing telehealth, including the establishment of a veterinarian-client-patient relationship, prescribing certain medications, and maintaining patient records. The bill also grants the Board of Veterinary Medicine jurisdiction over veterinarians practicing telehealth, regardless of their physical location. Additionally, the bill clarifies the definition of "records owner" for veterinary medical patient records.
Telehealth involves the use of electronic video and audio communications to enable telehealth veterinarians to help you navigate your pet’s health issues remotely. As with any medical exam or procedure, there are potential risks associated with the use of telehealth. These risks include, but may not be limited to:
- In rare cases, information transmitted by a pet owner may not be sufficient (e.g. poor photo resolution or slow wifi) to allow our telehealth veterinarians and/or telehealth staff to appropriately assess your pet. As such, a delay in medical evaluation or treatment could occur.
- In rare cases, a lack of access to complete medical records may result in adverse drug interactions or allergic reactions or other judgment errors.
- In rare instances, security protocols could fail, causing a breach of privacy of personal medical information.
By accepting the terms and conditions set forth ;The client understands the following:
- I understand that a variety of alternative methods of medical care may be available to the patient (my pet), and that I may choose one or more of these at any time. Bond Vet has explained the alternatives to my satisfaction.
- I understand that I may expect benefits for the patient from the use of telehealth, but that no results can be guaranteed or assured.
- I understand that the laws that protect privacy and the confidentiality of medical information also apply to telehealth, and that no identifying personal information obtained in the use of telehealth which identifies me will be disclosed to researchers or other entities without my consent, but this information may be used internally for training or other purposes.
- I understand that I have the right to withhold or withdraw my consent to the use of telehealth in the course of the patient’s (my pet’s) care at any time, without affecting the patient’s right to future care or treatment with AcuVetDoc.
- I understand that telehealth may involve electronic communication of the patient’s medical information to medical practitioners who may be located in other areas, including out of state.
- I understand and agree that AcuVetDoc teleheath veterinarian may use technology, such as artificial intelligence and/or audio capture (ex: scribing software), and I hereby consent to AcuVetDoc's use of such technology.