LIVESTOCK VETERINARY CARE ACCESS/TELEMEDICINE.

Printer-friendly: Click to view
View NCGA Bill Details2023-2024 Session
House Bill 1052 (Public) Filed Thursday, May 2, 2024
AN ACT TO ESTABLISH THE LIVESTOCK VETERINARY CARE ACCESS AND TELEMEDICINE PROGRAMS IN THE DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE AND CONSUMER SERVICES.
Intro. by Jeffers.

Status: Ref to the Com on Wildlife Resources, if favorable, Appropriations, if favorable, Rules, Calendar, and Operations of the House (House action) (May 7 2024)
H 1052

Bill Summaries:

  • Summary date: May 2 2024 - View Summary

    Identical to S 807, filed 5/2/24.

    Includes legislative findings regarding access to veterinary services by livestock farmers in rural and economically distressed areas.

    Appropriates $3 million in recurring funds from the General Fund for 2024-25 to the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (DACS) to establish the Livestock Veterinary Care Access Program (program) to provide support for the recruiting and retention of current and prospective veterinarians in areas of the State underserved for livestock veterinary services, in coordination with other similarly focused federal, State, or privately funded programs. Details possible program supports, including loan forgiveness programs, equipment cost-sharing, and subsidies for services provided to economically distressed or disadvantaged livestock farmers. Directs DACS to collect and maintain data on the time veterinarians receiving program support remain employed within the same or an adjacent county as the practice site selected for their service commitment. Directs DACS to annually report to the specified NCGA committee and division on the use of appropriated funds. Lists required content of the reports. States legislative intent to appropriate to the Program 0.05% of the total funds appropriated for the current operations and capital improvement needs of the State in the previous year's Appropriations Act.

    Appropriates $1 million in recurring funds from the General Fund to DACS for 2024-25 to partner with the College of Veterinary medicine at NC State to establish the Telemedicine for Livestock Health Program (Telemedicine Program) to provide financial support for information technology and personal services costs to provide telehealth support to livestock farmers in underserved and economically disadvantaged areas of the State, as specified. Permits DACS to contract with existing veterinary telehealth providers to carry out the Telemedicine Program. Directs DACS to annually report to the specified NCGA committee and division on the use of appropriated funds. Lists the required content of the reports. 

    Authorizes DACS to use up to 3% of the funds appropriated for technical and administrative support provides to the program and Telemedicine Program. 

    Effective July 1, 2024.