All Roll Calls
Yes: 152 • No: 0
South CarolinaH 3223126th General Assembly (2025-2026)House
AN ACT TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY ADDING ARTICLE 5 TO CHAPTER 69, TITLE 40 SO AS TO PROVIDE DEFINITIONS AND REQUIREMENTS CONCERNING THE USE OF TELEHEALTH FOR VETERINARY SERVICES; AND BY AMENDING SECTION 40-69-20, RELATING TO DEFINITIONS CONCERNING THE BOARD OF VETERINARY MEDICAL EXAMINERS, SO AS TO REMOVE AN OBSOLETE DEFINITION AND TO DEFINE "VETERINARIAN-CLIENT-PATIENT RELATIONSHIP.
Sponsored By: William H. Bailey (Republican)
Signed by Governor
Summary
Telehealth for Veterinary Services
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Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 0 costs, 2 mixed.
New rules for veterinary telemedicine access
The law defines telehealth and telemedicine for animal care. Telemedicine requires a South Carolina-licensed veterinarian and an established veterinarian-client-patient relationship (VCPR). A VCPR starts only after an in-person exam of the animal or a timely visit to where the animal is kept. After that, the VCPR can be maintained with telehealth between in-person visits. The VCPR ends if the veterinarian has not seen the animal within one year. Other veterinarians in the same practice may treat related conditions if they review the records. Only South Carolina-licensed veterinarians may provide telemedicine in the state; others face penalties. These rules apply beginning March 9, 2026.
Safety and consent rules for vet telehealth
Veterinarians must use professional judgment to decide if telemedicine is right for the animal. Telehealth tools must allow accurate exams, clear communication, and protect privacy. Providers must get and record client consent and share their name, location, license status, if telemedicine fits the condition, and treatment options. Care by telemedicine must meet the same standard of care as in-person care. A veterinarian cannot treat based only on an online questionnaire. Only a licensed veterinarian with a VCPR may prescribe by telemedicine, and other prescribing limits still apply. These rules start March 9, 2026.
Sponsors & Cosponsors
Sponsor
William H. Bailey
Republican • House
Cosponsors
There are no cosponsors for this bill.
Roll Call Votes
Senate vote • 2/25/2026
(Telehealth for Veterinary Services)2nd Reading
Yes: 42 • No: 0
House vote • 4/30/2025
(Telehealth for Veterinary Services)Passage of Bill
Yes: 110 • No: 0
Actions Timeline
Act No. 102
3/12/2026legislatureEffective date 03/09/26
3/12/2026legislatureSigned By Governor
3/9/2026GovernorRatified R 107
3/5/2026legislatureRead third time and enrolled
2/26/2026SenateRoll call Ayes-42 Nays-0
2/25/2026SenateRead second time
2/25/2026SenateCommittee report: Favorable Medical Affairs
2/19/2026SenateReferred to Committee on Medical Affairs
5/1/2025SenateIntroduced and read first time
5/1/2025SenateRead third time and sent to Senate
5/1/2025HouseRoll call Yeas-110 Nays-0
4/30/2025HouseRead second time
4/30/2025HouseAmended
4/30/2025HouseScrivener's error corrected
4/30/2025legislatureCommittee report: Favorable with amendment Agriculture, Natural Resources and Environmental Affairs
4/29/2025HouseReferred to Committee on Agriculture, Natural Resources and Environmental Affairs
1/14/2025HouseIntroduced and read first time
1/14/2025HouseReferred to Committee on Agriculture, Natural Resources and Environmental Affairs
12/5/2024HousePrefiled
12/5/2024House
Bill Text
Introduced
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