Washington legislation · 2025-26 Regular Session
Washington HB2247: Veterinarian relationship
Status: Signed into law, March 24, 2026
Concerning veterinarian-client-patient relationships.
What the bill says
An act Relating to veterinarian-client-patient relationships; amending RCW 18.92.015; adding a new section to chapter 18.92 RCW; and providing an effective date. NEW SECTION.
From the enrolled text:
AN ACT Relating to veterinarian-client-patient relationships; amending RCW 18.92.015; adding a new section to chapter 18.92 RCW; and providing an effective date. NEW SECTION. Sec. 1. A new section is added to chapter 18.92 RCW to read as follows: (1) A veterinarian-client-patient relationship is the basis for interaction between veterinarians and their clients and patients. A veterinarian-client-patient relationship exists when all of the following conditions have been (b) The veterinarian has sufficient knowledge of the animal to initiate, at a minimum, a general or preliminary diagnosis of the medical conditions of the animal. To establish this knowledge, the veterinarian must: (i) Have physically examined the animal within the last year, or sooner if medically appropriate. In cases where a veterinarian cannot physically examine the animal, such knowledge may be established using telehealth or (B) The animal has an urgent condition that could result in suffering, and it is not medically reasonable for the veterinarian or client to delay care; (ii) In cases involving operations with several animals, such as encountered at farms, laboratories, or in shelters, be personally acquainted with the keeping and care of the animals by virtue of an examination of the animals or by medically appropriate and timely visits to the premises where the animals are kept; and (iii) In cases where a veterinarian-client-patient relationship has been …
Sponsors
- Lisa Parshley (D) · primary sponsor
- Debra Lekanoff (D)
- Julia Reed (D)
- Leavitt, Mari (D)
- Janice Zahn (D)
- Mia Gregerson (D)
- April Berg (D)
- Mary Fosse (D)
Latest actions
- : Effective date 7/1/2027.
- : Chapter 202, 2026 Laws.
- : Governor signed.
- : Delivered to Governor.
- : President signed.
- : Speaker signed.
- : Passed final passage; yeas, 95; nays, 0; absent, 0; excused, 3.
- : House concurred in Senate amendments.
- : Third reading, passed; yeas, 30; nays, 18; absent, 0; excused, 1.
- : Rules suspended. Placed on Third Reading.
Votes
- Final Passage as Amended by the Senate (March 11, 2026): 95 yea, 0 nay, passed
- 3rd Reading & Final Passage as Amended by the Senate (March 6, 2026): 30 yea, 18 nay, passed
- Senate Committee on Health & Long-Term Care: Do pass as amended (February 24, 2026): 7 yea, 3 nay, passed
- 3rd Reading & Final Passage (February 12, 2026): 94 yea, 0 nay, passed
- House Committee on Health Care & Wellness: The substitute bill be substituted therefor and the substitute bill do pass (January 23, 2026): 15 yea, 0 nay, passed
Subjects: ANIMALS
Common questions
- What is HB2247?
- HB2247 is a bill in the Washington Legislature (2025-26 Regular Session): Veterinarian relationship.
- What does HB2247 do?
- In its own words: An act Relating to veterinarian-client-patient relationships; amending RCW 18.92.015; adding a new section to chapter 18.92 RCW; and providing an effective date. NEW SECTION.
- What is the status of HB2247?
- Signed into law as of March 24, 2026. Latest action: Effective date 7/1/2027. (March 24, 2026).
- Who sponsored HB2247?
- Lisa Parshley (D), with 7 co-sponsors.
- Where is the official record for HB2247?
- On the Washington Legislature website: https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary?BillNumber=2247&Year=2025
Source: official Washington record. Tracked by Delilah, AI for legislation across all 50 states and Congress.