Veterinary Doctor and Technician License Defense Attorney

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Veterinarians and veterinary technicians must be licensed to legally practice in the state of California. The Veterinary Medical Board issues licenses and oversees all licensees to ensure compliance. The stated mission of the Veterinary Medical Board is to protect animals and consumers by regulating licenses, promoting professional standards, and enforcing state law under the California Veterinary Medicine Practice Act. To be licensed as a veterinary doctor or technician, you must have completed the appropriate level of education and not be convicted of a crime that is against the morals and duties of a veterinary doctor or technician.

A veterinary doctor is a doctor of animals and can help pets and other animals with medical diagnosis, treatment, and care. Veterinary technicians are described as animal nurses and assist veterinary doctors in several different ways. When a veterinary doctor or technician license is issued, there are several ongoing requirements that the licensee must follow to avoid license sanction. If you are facing a professional licensing issue, then it is important that you speak to an experienced professional licensing defense attorney.

Attorney Scott J. Harris is a former Deputy Attorney with the California Department of Justice. He is dedicated to protecting state-issued licenses during investigations and disciplinary actions. If you have a California veterinary doctor or technician license and were recently notified of a complaint against you to the Veterinary Medical Board, then you must respond immediately to protect your license.

Veterinary Medical Board License Denial

A veterinary doctor’s license and/or veterinary technician’s license can be denied for several reasons. Common reasons why a license would be denied include certain criminal convictions or making misstatements on the license application. If the Veterinary Medical Board has denied you a veterinary doctor or technician license, then you can challenge that denial before the Office of Administrative Hearings in a Statement of Issues hearing. It is crucial that you understand the appropriate procedure and present your case in the most effective way to change the minds of the Veterinary Medical Board to be awarded your vets license for your practice.

Veterinary Medical Board Accusations in California

If a California veterinarian or veterinary technician is met with a complaint, then the Veterinary Medical Board can sanction or even take away the veterinary professional’s license as a punishment.

Common complaints filed against veterinarians and veterinary technicians include:

  • Cruelty to animals – This involves any act that causes unnecessary suffering or harm to animals. In a veterinary context, this might include harsh treatment during handling, performing procedures in a way that causes undue pain or distress, or neglecting the welfare of animals in their care. Such behavior seriously violates the ethical and professional standards expected in veterinary medicine.
  • Negligence – This refers to a failure to provide the standard of care that a reasonable veterinarian or technician would offer under similar circumstances. Examples include misdiagnosis, incorrect treatment, surgical errors, or failing to provide necessary post-operative care. Negligence can lead to harm or deterioration of an animal’s health and is a common ground for complaints and legal action.
  • False advertising – This could involve making misleading, deceptive, or untrue statements about the services offered, treatments’ effectiveness, or the veterinary staff’s qualifications. False advertising can lead clients to make uninformed decisions about their animals’ care, potentially leading to ineffective or harmful treatments.
  • Failure to report animal abuse – Veterinarians and veterinary technicians are often in a position to notice signs of animal abuse or neglect. In many jurisdictions, they are legally required to report such cases to the appropriate authorities. Failing to do so not only neglects the welfare of the animal but may also be a violation of legal obligations.
  • Aiding and abetting unlicensed activity – This involves assisting individuals who are not licensed to practice veterinary medicine in performing procedures or offering services that require a license. This is a serious issue as it can put animals at risk of harm from unqualified individuals and undermines the regulatory framework that ensures the quality and safety of veterinary care.

If a veterinary professional receives notice that their license is in danger of being revoked by the Veterinary Medical Board, then the license holder has 15 days to respond and file a notice of defense. A failure to appropriately respond within the allotted time can result in a default judgment against the veterinarian or veterinary technician. A default judgment immediately strips the licensee of their veterinary license or veterinary technician license and prohibits them from engaging in the practice of medical care for animals within California.

Veterinary Doctor and Technician Investigation Attorney

Once a case is initiated, it will be investigated by an investigator who is employed by the state. At the end of the investigation, the investigator will make a recommendation for the Veterinary Medical Board to determine if a formal complaint is warranted. The Veterinary Medical Board can also decide to issue a citation or refer the case to the Attorney General’s Office or the local District Attorney’s Office for criminal charges. If you are unable to reach a resolution in your case, then your case will be heard by the California Office of Administrative Hearings.

S J Harris Veterinary License Attorney

If you are facing a complaint against your veterinary license & practice, then it is essential to consult with an experienced license defense attorney.

The SJ Harris Law Office offers free consultations to any veterinary doctor or technician facing a licensing complaint.

Contact us today at 323-794-0701 to schedule your appointment.

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When dealing with these complex issues, you need legal representation that has a long track record of success in these types of cases. Scott Harris and the rest of our team at S J Harris Law will be ready to help you pursue any option available that allows you to keep your license and continue working, no matter what industry you are in.

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