Telemedicine has become a routine way to provide health care services to people and has become an important tool for health systems to bridge gaps in care and give people safe and convenient access to health care professionals. I am. Unfortunately, veterinary telemedicine is not yet widely available in Florida. Because outdated and unclear regulations mean veterinarians believe they can lose their licenses if they treat pets via telemedicine without conducting an in-person exam of the pet in their clinic.
In this post-pandemic world, it is unlikely that state law would require licensed physicians to perform unnecessary clinical patient tests when they believe the condition can be safely treated using telemedicine technology. yeah. Such onerous and onerous requirements would cripple our health care system. It is already suffering from a labor shortage. But that's exactly what Florida's current state regulations are doing to similarly understaffed veterinarians.
That's why we're working with Sen. Jennifer Bradley and Rep. James Buchanan, and additional co-sponsors from both political parties, to introduce state legislation to expand access to telehealth services for pets in Florida. We support the Provision of Equity (PETS). Law (HB 849/SB 1040). As an organization that employs large numbers of veterinarians and veterinary technicians, the ASPCA knows firsthand how important this tool is in the face of shortages like this.
A December 2023 poll conducted by Mason Dixon Polling & Strategy found that 89% of registered Florida voters support expanding legal options for veterinarians and pet owners to use telemedicine. 88% of respondents support legislation that would provide more flexibility in telemedicine for pet owners and veterinarians. Establish a relationship with your veterinarian using telemedicine video services. This overwhelming public support for legislation to expand access to veterinary telehealth cuts across political parties, race, and gender, and regardless of whether respondents live in rural or urban areas. It was very consistent.
As any pet owner knows, taking your pet to the clinic can be stressful for both the pet and the owner. It can require time off from work and can be difficult for people without reliable transportation, the elderly, and owners of large, potentially aggressive, or otherwise mobile animals. there is. animal. Many Floridians already struggle to access veterinary care due to economic or logistical barriers or because they live in rural areas or communities that lack access to adequate veterinary services. . According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics' Consumer Price Index, the cost of veterinary services rose 10.8% last year.
Telemedicine technology provides another tool in a veterinarian's toolbox to reach more pet patients. If you believe that your licensed veterinarian can effectively diagnose and treat your pet's routine veterinary illnesses using telemedicine, you may request your veterinarian to perform an optional in-person examination of your pet. Mandatory regulations should not get in the way. Additionally, outdated regulations should not force owners to take their pets with them. Clinic unnecessarily.
Veterinary medicine is experiencing a severe shortage of veterinarians and other veterinary professionals, with a recent study finding that 75 million pets in the United States could be left without medical care by 2030. Did. Florida's veterinary care accessibility score is 43 out of 100. , Florida ranks near the bottom third of states with access to care.
We can do better. Millions of pet families in Florida and the more than one-third of U.S. pets who do not see regular veterinarian visits deserve better access to safe and convenient veterinary care. , our veterinarians are entitled to professional freedom to decide when to see a veterinarian. Utilize telemedicine technology for medical treatment and business.
The PETS Act recently passed the House with unanimous support, and if approved by the Senate and signed by Gov. Ron DeSantis, it would modernize the law to expand access to telemedicine for veterinarians. Become. We urge the Florida Senate to pass this lifesaving bill to give Florida's licensed veterinarians more flexibility and increase health care options for pets and the families who care for them in the Sunshine State. Masu.
Congressman Sam Killebrew lives in Winter Haven and represents Florida's 48th Congressional District. Jennifer Hobgood is based in Tallahassee and serves as the senior director of state legislation for the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.
