Summary order of suspension or prohibition; hearing; investigation; order.
1. If the Board receives information that a veterinarian or veterinary technician is causing, allowing or maintaining any condition or activity which is an immediate threat to the welfare of an animal, it may, without a hearing, suspend his license or prohibit the use of certain procedures or any dangerous activity. The Board shall notify the veterinarian or veterinary technician within 2 days after taking the action.
2. The Board shall, within 14 days after notifying the veterinarian or veterinary technician, hold an informal hearing to determine if cause exists to extend the order. The veterinarian or veterinary technician may present evidence at that hearing. After the hearing the Board may extend the order for no more than 60 days.
3. The issuance or extension of the order is not an adjudication on the merits. During the period of suspension, the Board shall investigate further and if it decides it is necessary, hold a formal hearing which must take priority over any other proceeding before the Board. If the Board finds, after the formal hearing, that the licensee is causing, allowing or maintaining any condition or activity which is an immediate threat to the welfare of an animal, it shall issue an order stating its findings and the action taken.
Last modified: February 27, 2006