Clarity DVM Telehealth Policy
What We Will and Won't Do via Telehealth from New York State
Effective Date: March 2026
Clarity DVM | Dr. Pamela Edwards, DVM | Licensed in New York State
Our Commitment to Legal and Ethical Veterinary Care
Clarity DVM provides educational consultations and veterinary mentorship via telehealth while strictly adhering to New York State veterinary practice guidelines and federal regulations. This policy outlines exactly what services we provide and what we do not provide to ensure clarity, transparency, and compliance.
What We WILL Do
Client Education and Decision Support
• Explain disease processes and help you understand your pet's diagnosed medical condition
• Review treatment options presented by your primary veterinarian and explain benefits, risks, and alternatives Interpret medical records including lab results, imaging reports, and specialist recommendations
• Provide educational resources about chronic diseases, medication side effects, and disease management
• Discuss prognosis and quality-of-life considerations to support informed decision-making
Veterinarian Mentorship and Consultation
• Vet-to-vet consultations with practicing veterinarians seeking second opinions or case discussion
• Mentorship services for veterinarians on practice management, clinical protocols, and continuing education
• Practice optimization consulting including scheduling workflows and team efficiency strategies
What We WILL NOT Do
Services Requiring a Veterinary Client-Patient Relationship (VCPR)
Under New York State guidelines, a valid VCPR requires an in person physical examination by a veterinarian.[1][2] Because Clarity DVM operates via telehealth only, we cannot and will not:
• Diagnose any medical condition in your pet
• Prescribe medications of any kind (including antibiotics, pain medications, or other drugs)
• Recommend specific treatments without involvement of your primary veterinarian who has examined your pet
• Establish a VCPR through virtual-only interaction
• Provide ongoing medical management or replace your pet's primary veterinary care
General Limitations
• We do not provide care for animals we have not physically examined
• We do not offer direct-to-consumer telemedicine that replaces in person veterinary visits
• We do not serve as your pet's primary veterinarian
Why These Limitations Exist
New York State currently requires that a VCPR be established through in-person examination or timely visits to the premises where the animal is kept.[1][2] This means:
• Virtual-only veterinary care (without prior in-person exam) is not permitted for diagnosis, treatment, or prescribing in New York
• Telehealth within an existing VCPR is allowed for follow-up care by the veterinarian who established the relationship
• Educational services and advice that do not constitute veterinary diagnosis or treatment may be provided without VCPR
Clarity DVM operates exclusively in the educational and advisory space to remain compliant with these requirements while providing valuable support to pet owners and veterinarians.
Your Primary Veterinarian Remains Essential
Clarity DVM is designed to complement, not replace, your pet's primary veterinary care. We strongly recommend:
• Maintaining a relationship with a local veterinarian who can examine your pet in person
• Sharing information from our consultations with your primary veterinarian to ensure coordinated care
• Following your primary veterinarian's treatment recommendations, as they have physically examined your pet
How Our Service Works Within Legal Boundaries
For Pet Owners:
1. You schedule a consultation through our SimplePractice platform
2. You provide medical records from your primary veterinarian (labs, imaging, diagnoses)
3. We review those records and discuss the diagnosed condition, treatment options, and decision-making
4. We educate you about disease management, prognosis, and quality-of-life considerations
5. We document our discussion and can provide a summary letter to share with your primary veterinarian
For Veterinarians:
1. You schedule a professional consultation or mentorship session
2. We discuss clinical cases, practice management, or educational topics
3. We provide professional guidance and resources to support your practice
Client Consent and Acknowledgment
By using Clarity DVM services, you acknowledge and agree that:
• Clarity DVM does not establish a VCPR with you or your pet
• Our services are educational and advisory only
• We will not diagnose or prescribe for your pet
• You retain responsibility for all medical decisions and will work with your primary veterinarian for diagnosis, treatment, and prescriptions
• Emergency situations require immediate in-person veterinary care, not telehealth consultation
Contact Information
Clarity DVM
Dr. Pamela Edwards, DVM
Licensed in New York State
Website: claritydvm.com
Email: dr.edwards@claritydvm.com
References
[1] Otto.vet. (2024). Veterinarian Client-patient Relationship (VCPR) by State - New York. Retrieved from https://otto.vet/vcpr/
[2] New York State Veterinary Medical Society. (2023). Letter to NYS Board of Veterinary Medicine regarding virtual VCPR. Retrieved from https://www.op.nysed.gov/sites/op/files/2023-12/NYSVMS letter to BVM re virtual VCPR 12-4-2023.pdf
Last Updated: March 4, 2026