A retired veterinarian from Texas has filed a federal lawsuit challenging the state's prohibition of online practice. Ronald Hines has used his website to provide veterinary advice for the last decade, but last month the Texas veterinary board suspended Hines’ license for a year after finding that his internet practice violates state laws, which require the establishment of a “veterinarian-client-patient relationship,” while making clear that this cannot be achieved solely through the telephone or internet. Libertarian law firm the Institute for Justice, which is representing Mr. Hines, claims the rule infringes on free-speech rights and is an unreasonable restriction on the profession. It further claims the case could set a precedent in other fields employing telepractice such as law, psychology and financial advice.
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