Ohio Veterinary License Defense Attorneys

About the Ohio Veterinary Medical Licensing Board

The Ohio Veterinary Medical Licensing Board is the regulatory agency for the practice of veterinary medicine in Ohio. The board licenses:

• Veterinarians
• Veterinary technicians
• Veterinary business facilities

Veterinary aides are not licensed by the board.

As the agency overseeing veterinary licenses, the board also receives and investigates complaints of possible misconduct or violations by license holders. The board takes complaints in writing and evaluates complaints to determine if the board has jurisdiction over the matter in question.

Possible outcomes of a complaint can include:

• Determining no violation occurred and closing the case without action
• Directing staff to obtain medical records, a statement from the licensee, or other documents
• Pursuing an investigation involving interviews, inspection, and other activities

A common reason for a complaint and resulting disciplinary action is a failure to keep records according to the standards described in the rules set by the board. The failure to conform to minimal standards of care is also common.

Annually, the board sees several cases dealing with impairment issues or actions taken in another state. There are also applications which the board can propose a denial for. The board also conducts random compliance inspections. A practice’s failure to conform to the board’s rules could also result in the initiation of discipline.

The Veterinary Board is a small board. There are two full-time employees and one part-time employee that provide support to the seven-member board. Meetings are held monthly to review complaints, determine if an investigation is necessary, determine if disciplinary action should be taken, and if a settlement agreement should be accepted. Many of the requirements placed upon licensees can be found in the board’s rules.

Veterinary Medical License Board Disciplinary Process

The standard process for investigations starts with a letter sent to the licensee. The licensee is asked to provide a copy of his or her records, and also a description of what happened to a certain animal. Occasionally the board will send out an investigator to talk with the licensee or others at the practice.

Licensees subject to complaint or investigation have the right to be treated fairly and professionally. However, the failure to cooperate in an investigation can result in disciplinary action as well.

If the board believes a violation has occurred and charges the licensee, the licensee can request a hearing about the case. During a hearing, both the board and the licensee may present witnesses and evidence regarding the alleged violation. A hearing officer presides over the hearing and issues a report and recommendation afterward, to which the licensee may submit written objections. The board then can either approve, disapprove, or modify the report and recommendation and decide on the appropriate course of action.

How a Qualified Attorney Can Help

There are many ways that a qualified attorney can offer help if you’re applying for a veterinary license or have been notified of a possible disciplinary action. If you involve a lawyer early in the process, your lawyer can negotiate and advocate on your behalf to try to avoid disciplinary action or a hearing. A lawyer’s involvement can help ensure that you are in compliance with the board’s rules and regulations, meet deadlines in your case, and prevent misunderstandings and miscommunication.

If the board proceeds with a disciplinary action, an attorney can help you request a hearing through the proper channels and represent your interests at a hearing before the Veterinary Medical License Board.

Experienced Ohio Veterinary License Defense Attorneys

Proceedings before the Veterinary Medical License Board follow a unique set of rules different than a case in a courtroom. Given the nature of matters in front of this board, the outcome of your case may depend on having an experienced attorney by your side who knows how this board operates and has handled cases like yours.

Graff & McGovern offers decades of experience practicing administrative law, representing licensed professionals, and handling matters involving veterinary licenses. Our attorneys have detailed knowledge of this board’s rules and processes that we can use to help you work toward a positive outcome to your case. Three of our attorneys are certified by the Ohio State Bar Association as Administrative Agency Specialists. Only eight lawyers in the state hold this certification.

To learn more about how Graff & McGovern can help with your veterinary license case, call us at 614-228-5800, or use our online form to schedule your appointment today.