PROVIDENCE – Legislation introduced by Rep. Jon Brien and Sen. Brian Thompson was signed into law on Saturday, establishing a framework for veterinary telemedicine in Rhode Island to expand access to quality care for pets.
Gov. Dan McKee signed the bill at a ceremony held outside the Statehouse, joined by the sponsors, dignitaries, animal advocates, and numerous pets, stated a release.
“This one is for Dad,” posted Brien of his late father Albert Brien. “If you knew Albert, you know what that means.”
The legislation (2026-H 7020, 2026-S 3180) authorizes a veterinarian to establish a client-patient relationship in Rhode Island through electronic means, subject to certain limitations and requirements such as a veterinarian making a good faith effort to determine whether care should be provided through telemedicine instead of in person.
“Telemedicine has been a tremendous success story in health care,” said Brien, an independent representing District 49, Woonsocket. “There’s no reason we can’t extend that success to animal care. It’s time to modernize Rhode Island’s veterinary laws to enable state-licensed veterinarians to use proven, convenient, safe telehealth technology for pet patients. In addition, an ongoing veterinary workforce shortage is making care harder to get, and many Rhode Island pet owners do not have adequate access to veterinary care.”
