To provide easier access to veterinary care in California, a new law, effective Jan. 1, will enable licensed veterinarians to practice virtually for preliminary diagnoses and prescribing some drugs.
Assembly Bill 1399, jointly authored by Assemblymembers Laura Friedman (D–Burbank) and Josh Lowenthal (D-Long Beach), was signed by Gov. Gavin Newsom Oct. 8 and allows California veterinarians to use video technology to assess an animal’s health. Existing law requires in-person examinations.
