When you decided to become a veterinarian in Texas, you probably did so because you are a compassionate person who cares for the well-being of animals. You spent years training to be able to make the lives of animals better and to perform your job to the highest professional standards. If you're now facing a complaint with the Texas Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners, your career, livelihood, and reputation are at risk. Even if you feel the complaint is unjustified, even if you did all you could to help the animals in your care, you need to take the complaint seriously.
The Texas State Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners regulates the practice of veterinary medicine in Texas. The Board is comprised of six practicing veterinarians and three members of the public who are appointed by the governor. The mission of the Texas State Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners is "to establish and enforce policies to ensure the best possible qualify of veterinary and equine dental provider services for the people of Texas." Anyone can file a complaint regarding veterinary services received from a vet licensed by the Board or a complaint concerning an unlicensed individual practicing veterinary medicine. All complaints filed with the Board are investigated.
When a complaint is filed with the Board is it assigned an investigator. You will be informed in writing if a complaint is filed against you. At this time, you have the opportunity to respond with your own testimony regarding the events in question, with witness testimony that defend your related decisions and behaviors, and with any supporting documents. From the very beginning of the complaint process you have the right to defend yourself.
Your initial responses to the complaint are critical and will have an impact on the outcome of the complaint. Our Firm believes that immediately consulting an experienced license defense attorney to review allegations of misconduct and help you respond to the initial inquiry helps ensure the most favorable outcome in your case.
If the investigation does not yield evidence to support a finding of a violation of the Texas Veterinary Licensing Act or Rules of Professional Conduct, then you are so advised and the complaint is closed.
If on the other hand, the investigation indicates that a violation exists, the case may go through several intermediate steps and is ultimately presented to the Board for disciplinary action. After the Board has acted, you will be notified as to the final disposition of the complaint. You may face penalties ranging from a reprimand to the revocation of your Medical Veterinary license. Further, there is a possibility that civil litigation will follow.
Given the possible repercussions of a complaint, it is imperative that you have legal representation at every stage of the complaint process. You have the right to defend your veterinary license. Hiring an attorney to help you mount a strong defense serves to protect your license, reputation, monetary interests, and your career; it does not make you look guilty.
If you have been notified of a complaint filed against you with the Texas Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners, BERTOLINO LLP can help. We are experienced veterinary license defense attorneys and we know how to navigate the Board's complaint process. We are prepared to represent you at any legal hearing or proceeding regarding your professional license. Our results speak for themselves.