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ARIZONA STATE SENATE
Fifty-Seventh Legislature, Second Regular Session
veterinarian visits; electronic means; prescriptions
Purpose
Extends the time period that a veterinarian may issue and renew a prescription for drugs or medications during an examination through electronic means.
Background
In 2023, the Legislature authorized a veterinarian to establish a veterinarian client patient relationship (VCPR) through electronic means if: 1) the veterinarian is licensed or permitted in Arizona; 2) the veterinarian obtains informed consent from the client, including an acknowledgement that the standards of care apply to in-person visits and visits through electronic means and maintains documentation of the consent for at least three years; 3) the veterinarian provides the client with the veterinarian's name and contact information and secures an alternate means of contacting the client if the electronic means is interrupted; 4) the veterinarian, before the electronic evaluation, advises the client on prescribed notifications; and 5) the veterinarian is able to recommend the client to a local veterinarian who can see the animal in person and the client has the option to choose an in-person visit.
A veterinarian may prescribe drugs or medications after establishing a VCPR through electronic means, except: 1) prescriptions based only on an electronic examination may be initially issued for up to 14 days and may be renewed one time for up to 14 days with an additional electronic examination; 2) prescriptions based on only electronic examinations and that has been renewed once may not be renewed again without an in-person examination; 3) the veterinarian must notify the client that some prescription drugs or medications may be available at a pharmacy and, if requested, the veterinarian will submit a prescription the a pharmacy of the clients choosing; 4) the veterinarian may not order, prescribe or make available a controlled substance unless the veterinarian has performed an in-person physical examination of the patient or made medically appropriate and timely visits to the premises where the patient is kept; and 5) the veterinarian prescribes all drugs and medications in accordance with federal and state laws (Laws 2023; Ch. 124; A.R.S. § 32-2240.03).
There is no anticipated fiscal impact to the state General Fund associated with this legislation.
Provisions
1. Extends, from 14 days to 60 days, the initial time period that a veterinarian may prescribe drugs or medications through electronic means.
2. Extends, from 14 days to 60 days, the subsequent time period that a veterinarian may renew a prescription of drugs or medications through electronic means.
3. Makes technical change.
4. Becomes effective on the general effective date.
Prepared by Senate Research
February 2, 2026
JT/NRG/ci