In California, a VCPR is established when the client has authorized the licensed veterinarian to assume responsibility for making medical judgements and the need for medical treatment of the patient (including the prescription of antimicrobials) AND the veterinarian has assumed that responsibility and has communicated with the client an appropriate course of treatment. For a valid VCPR, the veterinarian must be personally acquainted with the care of the animal(s) by hands-on examination of the animal or by medically appropriate and timely visits to the premises where the animals are kept AND have enough knowledge of the animal(s) to give at least a general or preliminary diagnosis of the medical condition. CCR § 2032.1