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Rhode IslandS31802026 Regular SessionSenate

AN ACT RELATING TO BUSINESSES AND PROFESSIONS -- VETERINARY PRACTICE .

Sponsored By: Brian J. Thompson (Democratic)

Signed by Governor

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

2 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 0 costs, 2 mixed.

Limits on prescriptions from tele-visits

Initial prescriptions after a video‑only relationship are limited to 30 days. To go past 30 days, the vet must do another exam, which can be virtual once; after that, an in‑person exam is required. Controlled substances cannot be prescribed by telemedicine unless the vet has done an in‑person exam or made timely, medically appropriate visits to where the animal is kept. These rules improve safety and oversight but can require an office visit for refills.

Tele-vet care allowed with safeguards

The law lets veterinarians start the client–patient relationship by live audio and video. Video can give enough information for a first diagnosis. Only veterinarians licensed in Rhode Island may use telemedicine to do this, and the law defines a “veterinarian” as someone licensed in Rhode Island. Vets must get your verbal consent, including that telemedicine follows the same care standards as office visits, and they must keep telemedicine records for at least one year. Remote care must meet the same standard of care and state scope‑of‑practice rules as in‑person visits. Telemedicine providers must post a clear list of services and standard fees on their website.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • Brian J. Thompson

    Democratic • Senate

Cosponsors

  • Robert Britto

    Democratic • Senate

  • Frank A. Ciccone, III

    Democratic • Senate

  • Louis P. DiPalma

    Democratic • Senate

  • Melissa A. Murray

    Democratic • Senate

  • Todd M. Patalano

    Democratic • Senate

  • V. Susan Sosnowski

    Democratic • Senate

  • David P. Tikoian

    Democratic • Senate

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 99 • No: 6

House vote • 6/11/2026

VETERINARY PRACTICE PASSAGE IN CONCURRENCE

Yes: 67 • No: 0

Senate vote • 6/10/2026

BUSINESSES AND PROFESSIONS -- VETERINARY PRACTICE Passage

Yes: 32 • No: 6

Actions Timeline

  1. Signed by Governor — Chapter 393

    6/23/2026Governor

  2. Transmitted to Governor

    6/18/2026Governor

  3. House passed in concurrence

    6/11/2026House

  4. Placed on the House Consent Calendar (06/11/2026)

    6/10/2026House

  5. Senate read and passed

    6/10/2026Senate

  6. Placed on Senate Calendar (06/10/2026)

    6/9/2026Senate

  7. Committee recommends passage

    6/9/2026

  8. Scheduled for consideration (06/09/2026)

    6/7/2026

  9. Committee recommended measure be held for further study

    5/20/2026

  10. Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (05/20/2026)

    5/15/2026

  11. Introduced, referred to Senate Environment and Agriculture

    4/3/2026Senate

Bill Text

  • S3180 - As Introduced

    4/3/2026

    HTMLPDF

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