PHOENIX — On Wednesday, Governor Doug Ducey signed a new Executive Order ensuring pet owners don’t have to leave their home as part of his COVID-19 “stay home” measures. The Order allows veterinarians to examine pets and other animals through telemedicine.
The Order also prevents vets from charging more for telemedicine than for an office or in-person visit.
The Executive Order took effect immediately and will remain in effect throughout the state’s Public Health Emergency. Under the order:
The use of telemedicine may be used by licensed veterinarians in Arizona;
The Arizona State Veterinary Medical Board may establish reasonable requirements and parameters for telehealth services, including recordkeeping, but such requirements and parameters may not be more restrictive or less favorable to providers than are required for veterinary medical services delivered in-person;
And veterinary providers cannot charge more for a telemedicine visit than they would for an in-person visit.
All electronic means of delivering veterinary telehealth, including telephone and video calls, to enable individuals to remain in their homes are allowed under the Executive Order. This measure allows veterinarians to continue to perform their duties and provide care to Arizona animals and allows pet owners to receive the care their pets need — while minimizing the risk of spreading COVID-19.
Last week, Governor Ducey issued an Executive Order requiring health care insurance companies to expand telemedicine coverage for all services that would normally be covered for an in-person visit.
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