Okla. Stat. tit. 59, § 698.14a - Disciplinary Actions Available to State Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners

• Cite as: Okla. Stat. tit. 59, § 698.14a

A. A range of sanctions is hereby made available to the State Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners which includes, but is not limited to:

1. Revocation of licensure or certification;

2. Suspension of licensure or certification;

3. Probation of licensure or certification;

4. Refusal to renew a license or certification;

5. Injunctions and other civil court actions;

6. Reprimand, censure, agreement to voluntary stipulation of facts and imposition of terms of disciplinary action;

7. Administrative citation and administrative penalties; and

8. Prosecution through the office of the district attorney.

B.

1. The Board may take such action as the nature of the violation requires.

2. Upon a determination that a violation has been committed, the Board shall, by clear and convincing evidence, have the authority to impose upon the alleged violator, the payment of costs expended by the Board in investigating and prosecuting the cause, to include but not be limited to staff time, salary and travel expenses, witness fees and attorney fees and same shall be considered part of the order of the Board.

3. The Board shall make report of action to any association, organization or entity deemed appropriate for transmittal of the public record but shall in no cause be held liable for the content of the reported action or be made a party to action taken as a result of the sanction imposed by the State Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners.

C. The president or secretary-treasurer of the Board may issue a confidential letter of concern to a licensee or certificate holder when, though evidence does not warrant formal proceedings, there has been noted indications of possible misconduct by the licensee or certificate holder that could lead to serious consequences and formal action.

D. The Board may require an applicant for licensure or certification or a licensee or certificate holder to be examined on the applicant's or holder's medical knowledge and skills should the Board find, after due process, that there is probable cause to believe the licensee or certificate holder or applicant may be deficient in such knowledge and skills.

E. The Board may take disciplinary action or other sanctions upon clear and convincing evidence of unprofessional or dishonorable conduct, which shall include, but not be limited to:

1. Fraud or misrepresentation in applying for or procuring a license or certificate to practice veterinary medicine in any federal, state or local jurisdiction;

2. Cheating on or attempting to cheat on or subvert in any manner whatsoever the licensing or certificate examination or any portion thereof;

3. The conviction of or entry of a guilty plea or plea of nolo contendere involving a felony in this or any other jurisdiction, whether or not related to the practice of veterinary medicine;

4. Conduct likely to deceive, defraud, or harm the public;

5. The making of a false or misleading statement regarding one's skill or the efficacy or value of the medicine, treatment or remedy prescribed by the licensed veterinarian or at the licensed veterinarian's direction in the treatment of any disease or other condition of the animal;

6. Representing to a client that a manifestly incurable condition, sickness, disease or injury can be cured or healed;

7. Negligence in the practice of veterinary medicine;

8. Practice or other behavior that demonstrates a manifest incapacity or incompetence to practice veterinary medicine;