A new Rhode Island law lets vets offer remote care—but comes with a pricing transparency requirement many practices haven't prepared for.
Most Rhode Island veterinary practice owners know that H7020 authorizes telemedicine services. What many don't realize: the same bill imposes a specific, ongoing compliance obligation that affects how they operate their websites and manage pricing information.
Rhode Island's H7020 does two things. First, it allows veterinarians to establish a client-patient relationship through electronic means—telemedicine visits, in other words—rather than requiring an in-person exam before remote care can begin. This is the headline most practices focus on.
But Section 2, § 5-25-18(f) on page 3 adds a requirement that's easy to miss: veterinarians offering telemedicine must disclose their service prices on a publicly accessible website. The law doesn't specify how detailed the fee schedule must be, but it does require the information to be consumer-friendly and available to the public before a client calls or books an appointment.
This isn't optional for practices that use telemedicine. It's a concrete compliance obligation tied directly to offering remote services.
Any veterinary practice in Rhode Island that plans to offer telemedicine services must comply. This includes small animal clinics, large animal practices, specialty hospitals, and urgent care facilities. If you're not offering telemedicine now but considering it, this requirement applies once you do.
Practices that offer only in-person care are not affected by this provision.
The price disclosure requirement creates three practical obligations:
Website infrastructure: You need a dedicated, publicly visible page or section listing telemedicine fees. This must be easy for consumers to find and understand—not buried in a PDF or behind a login.
Pricing transparency: You'll need to decide which services to list and at what price point. This includes telemedicine consultation fees, follow-up visit costs, and any service-specific charges. Vague or incomplete pricing doesn't satisfy the requirement.
Ongoing maintenance: If you change your fees, you must update your website. This isn't a one-time setup; it's a recurring compliance task. Outdated pricing can create legal and customer service problems.
H7020 takes effect upon passage. There is no grace period or delayed implementation date. If your practice launches telemedicine services after the bill passes, the price disclosure requirement is in effect immediately.
If you're planning to offer telemedicine, audit your website now. Confirm you have a clear, consumer-friendly fee schedule posted before you begin accepting remote appointments. If you already offer telemedicine, review your current pricing disclosure to ensure it meets the law's requirements.
The Rhode Island Veterinary Medical Association and your practice attorney can provide guidance specific to your situation.
This explainer is based on H7020, Section 2, § 5-25-18(f). For a free, detailed guide tailored to your practice type, contact your state veterinary association or legal counsel.