Texas House Bill HB 3364

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

• Filed: 2/26/25
• Out of House Committee: 4/25/25

Caption

Relating to the establishment of a veterinarian-client-patient relationship and to the practice of veterinary medicine by telephone or electronic means.

Summary

HB 3364 would update Texas law governing veterinary telemedicine and the veterinarian-client-patient relationship (VCPR). The bill allows a veterinarian, once a VCPR has been established, to practice veterinary medicine by telephone or electronic means so long as the care otherwise complies with Chapter 801 of the Occupations Code and applicable rules. It also creates a narrow emergency exception allowing remote care without an established VCPR when a veterinarian reasonably believes an animal faces irreparable harm or suffering. The bill sets standards for remote veterinary practice. A veterinarian providing care by phone or electronically must hold a valid Texas veterinary license, be routinely engaged in veterinary practice in Texas, comply with state and federal law, and remain subject to the Texas Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners’ jurisdiction even if physically located elsewhere. The bill also limits remote prescribing of controlled substances for animals, generally prohibiting such prescriptions unless the veterinarian has examined the animal in person or made medically appropriate and timely visits to the premises where the animal is kept. The act would take effect September 1, 2025.

Impact

HB 3364 would amend Chapter 801 of the Occupations Code by codifying when telemedicine is permitted in veterinary practice and by adding explicit rules for remote care and controlled-substance prescribing. It would affect licensed veterinarians, animal owners, and the Texas Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners by clarifying professional obligations, jurisdiction, and the circumstances under which remote treatment is lawful. The bill would also reinforce existing controlled-substance safeguards under the Health and Safety Code by limiting electronic or telephone prescribing for animals.

Sentiment

The available record suggests generally favorable treatment of the bill, as it advanced through the House Agriculture & Livestock Committee and was reported to Calendars without any recorded votes or committee testimony indicating opposition. The absence of recorded debate or dissent in the provided materials suggests the measure was viewed as a practical modernization of veterinary practice rather than a controversial policy change. Overall, the bill appears to have had a neutral-to-positive reception among the legislators handling it.

Contention

The main policy tension in HB 3364 is between expanding access to veterinary care through telemedicine and preserving safeguards around diagnosis, treatment, and controlled substances. Supporters would likely favor the bill’s flexibility for remote care and emergency situations, while concerns may center on whether a VCPR should be required before treatment, how to verify the quality of remote care, and whether remote prescribing could increase misuse of controlled substances. Another point of potential concern is the board’s broad jurisdiction over veterinarians practicing by electronic means, including those physically outside Texas but treating Texas animals.