Lecture on Veterinary Telemedicine and Legislation

Introduction

• Fear-Free's Mission: Prevent and alleviate fear, anxiety, and stress in pets.
• Telemedicine Benefits: Offers veterinary care in relaxed environments, reducing stress for both pets and owners.
• Misconceptions: Present around veterinary telemedicine legislation.

ASPCA's Involvement

• Speakers: Dr. Camille Declan (ASPCA Animal Hospital), Jen Hobgood, Brittany, and Amy (Government Relations Team).
• Painting Reference: A 1903 painting representing telemedicine's role in future animal welfare.
• Discussion Topics: Telemedicine benefits, current laws, and how to get involved.

ASPCA's Beliefs on Veterinary Telemedicine

• Increased Access: Telemedicine can increase access to care and reduce fear, anxiety, and stress (FAS).
• Veterinarian Discretion: Veterinarians can decide suitable cases for telemedicine.
• Legislative Support: Supporting reduction in legal limitations to telemedicine access.

Telemedicine Benefits

• Bridging Care Gaps: Helps owners, reduces animal stress, and extends shelter capacity.
• Veterinary Shortage: Documented nationwide shortage of veterinarians.
• Cost Barriers: Telemedicine can address financial barriers making veterinary care accessible.
• Research Findings: Telemedicine app studies show low prescribing rates and effective treatments.

Challenges and Opportunities

• Access to Care: Many pets lack regular veterinary visits due to barriers.
• End of Life Care: Telemedicine can improve end-of-life care, reducing stress for pets.
• Clinical Stress: In-person exams are stressful; telemedicine can mitigate this.

Animal Sheltering

• Shelter Challenges: High vacancy rates and inability to treat common conditions.
• Virtual Consults: Can help animal shelters provide care even when vets are not on-site.

Legislative Landscape

• Current State: Many laws constrain veterinary telemedicine.
• VCPCP Issue: Debate around allowing virtual veterinarian-client-patient relationships (vcpr).
• State Legislation: Varies widely, with some states expanding access and others restricting it.

Case Studies

• Case 1: 5-month-old puppy with fleas, treatment options depend on state laws.
• Case 2: 15-year-old dog with arthritis, end-of-life care varies by state.

Getting Involved

• Contact Legislators: Use ASPCA’s tool to find representatives and advocate for telemedicine.
• Advocacy Actions: Write letters, meet officials, testify in hearings, join the Veterinary Engagement Team.
• Key States for Action: Florida, Washington, Colorado, Michigan, and New Jersey.

Conclusion

• Call to Action: Join advocacy efforts to support veterinary telemedicine legislation.