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WashingtonHB 22472025-2026 Regular SessionHouseWALLET

Concerning veterinarian-client-patient relationships.

Sponsored By: Lisa Parshley (Democratic)

Became Law

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

6 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 1 costs, 5 mixed.

Rules for farms using veterinarians

Commercial animal operations must have a written agreement with a veterinarian of record. That vet oversees drug‑use protocols, training, treatment records, inventory and labeling, and outcomes, for all drugs used on the operation. Drug supplies must be time‑limited and apply only to the management groups the vet directly oversees. If telehealth is used between exams, the vet must make at least one in‑person visit each year after the initial on‑site exam. Veterinary feed directives must follow federal rules.

Limits on remote pet prescriptions

Telehealth prescriptions cannot last more than three months unless your animal has an in‑person exam. Antibiotics or anti‑inflammatory drugs by telehealth are limited to 14 days. You cannot get more of the same drug for the same problem by telehealth without an in‑person visit. Prescriptions must be issued by a licensed veterinarian and follow federal rules.

New vet definitions and start date

The law updates definitions in Washington’s veterinary rules, including terms like telehealth, teleadvice, commercial operation, veterinary technician, and medication clerk. These definitions apply across chapter 18.92 RCW. All of the new veterinary and telehealth rules take effect July 1, 2027.

Telehealth vets must be certified

Telehealth vets must get your informed consent. Consent explains that telehealth follows the same care standards as in‑person, you can switch to in‑person anytime, and how to get follow‑up if there’s no response, a bad reaction, or tech failure. Telehealth vets must certify with the board and usually complete at least 14 days (105 hours) of hands‑on clinic work each year, unless exempt by rules (for example, telehealth under 90% of practice or over 20 years’ experience). They must use privacy‑compliant tech, review records, share name, contact, and license info, keep an alternate contact method, avoid false specialty claims, and maintain records as board rules require.

What vets can do by telehealth

Without a VCPR, vets can only give limited help: general advice, emergency triage, poison control, fill another vet’s prescription to avoid gaps, and short non‑controlled sedation to allow a safe in‑person visit. Vets may refuse telehealth if an exam is needed. They must hold a Washington license, share their identity and clinic address, tell clients they can use a pharmacy of their choice, and send the prescription there on request. If problems are not resolved, they should encourage an in‑person visit within 90 days.

When your vet relationship counts

The law defines when a veterinarian–client–patient relationship (VCPR) exists. A vet must take responsibility, know the animal’s case (usually by a physical exam within the past year or telehealth only for urgent or access barriers), and be available for follow-up. Once a VCPR exists, the vet can use any telehealth tools and decides if another in‑person exam is needed. The VCPR extends to other vets working at the same clinic or mobile practice. A VCPR can end, but vets must avoid abandonment and offer a referral if there is an ongoing condition.

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Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • Lisa Parshley

    Democratic • House

Cosponsors

  • April Berg

    Democratic • House

  • Debra Lekanoff

    Democratic • House

  • Janice Zahn

    Democratic • House

  • Julia Reed

    Democratic • House

  • Mari Leavitt

    Democratic • House

  • Mary Fosse

    Democratic • House

  • Mia Gregerson

    Democratic • House

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 219 • No: 18

House vote • 3/11/2026

Final Passage as Amended by the Senate

Yes: 95 • No: 0 • Other: 3

Senate vote • 3/6/2026

3rd Reading & Final Passage as Amended by the Senate

Yes: 30 • No: 18 • Other: 1

House vote • 2/12/2026

3rd Reading & Final Passage

Yes: 94 • No: 0 • Other: 4

Actions Timeline

  1. Effective date 7/1/2027.

    3/24/2026House

  2. Chapter 202, 2026 Laws.

    3/24/2026House

  3. Governor signed.

    3/24/2026legislature

  4. Speaker signed.

    3/12/2026legislature

  5. President signed.

    3/12/2026legislature

  6. Delivered to Governor.

    3/12/2026legislature

  7. Passed final passage; yeas, 95; nays, 0; absent, 0; excused, 3.

    3/11/2026House

  8. House concurred in Senate amendments.

    3/11/2026House

  9. Third reading, passed; yeas, 30; nays, 18; absent, 0; excused, 1.

    3/6/2026House

  10. Rules suspended. Placed on Third Reading.

    3/6/2026House

  11. Committee amendment(s) adopted with no other amendments.

    3/6/2026House

  12. Placed on second reading by Rules Committee.

    3/5/2026House

  13. Passed to Rules Committee for second reading.

    2/25/2026House

  14. Minority; without recommendation.

    2/24/2026House

  15. Minority; do not pass.

    2/24/2026House

  16. HLTC - Majority; do pass with amendment(s).

    2/24/2026House

  17. First reading, referred to Health & Long-Term Care.

    2/16/2026House

  18. Third reading, passed; yeas, 94; nays, 0; absent, 0; excused, 4.

    2/12/2026House

  19. Rules suspended. Placed on Third Reading.

    2/12/2026House

  20. Floor amendment(s) adopted.

    2/12/2026House

  21. 1st substitute bill substituted.

    2/12/2026House

  22. Rules Committee relieved of further consideration. Placed on second reading.

    2/11/2026House

  23. Referred to Rules 2 Review.

    1/27/2026House

  24. HCW - Majority; 1st substitute bill be substituted, do pass.

    1/23/2026House

  25. Minority; without recommendation.

    1/23/2026House

Bill Text

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