
Agricultural News
Oklahoma State Board of Veterinary Services offers Tutorial on Telemedicine for Vets
Fri, 20 Mar 2020 08:38:43 CDT
The Oklahoma Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners and Staff has provided the following tutorial on Telemedicine for Vets.
Over the past few days we have received many questions regarding telemedicine; the Board is asking for approval from the Legislature and Governor in defining "Telemedicine-Telehealth". The Bill has passed the House and is waiting to be heard in the Senate.
"Telemedicine - Telehealth" means the practice of veterinary medicine including diagnosis, consultation, evaluation and treatment, transfer of medical data or exchange of information by means of a two-way, real-time interactive communication, between a client/patient and a veterinarian with access to and reviewing the patient's relevant information prior to the telemedicine visit. Does not include consultations provided by telephone audio-only communication. A veterinarian using telehealth technologies must take appropriate steps to establish the VCPR and conduct all appropriate evaluations and history of the patient consistent with traditional standards of care for the particular patient presentation. A veterinarian must be licensed, or under the jurisdiction of, the veterinary board of the jurisdiction where the patient is located. The practice of medicine occurs where the patient is located at the time telehealth technologies are used.
A valid VCPR is when the veterinarian has assumed responsibility for making clinical judgments regarding the health of the patient, and the client has agreed to follow the veterinarians' instructions; the veterinarian has sufficient knowledge of the patient to initiate at least a general or preliminary diagnosis of the patient's medical condition. This means the veterinarian is personally acquainted with the keeping and care of the patient by virtue of a timely examination of the patient by the veterinarian, or medically appropriate and timely visits by the veterinarian to the operation where the patient is managed; the veterinarian is readily available for follow-up evaluation or has arranged for the following: veterinary emergency coverage, and continuing care and treatment, the veterinarian provides oversight of treatment, compliance and outcome and patient records are maintained.
Use a good common sense approach and an exception may be made in an emergency situation until the patient can be seen by a veterinarian. Continue to be committed to your client/patients and take appropriate steps to protect yourself and your staff from the spread of the virus.
Stay safe and healthy,
The Oklahoma Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners and Staff
WebReadyTM Powered by WireReady® NSI
Top Agricultural News
More Headlines...
