Arizona Veterinary Board Attorney

The Arizona Veterinary Board protects and promotes the welfare of the people of Arizona. They do this by ensuring each person who holds a license as a veterinarian in the State of Arizona is able to practice safely. This means the Arizona Veterinary Board has the authority to discipline the license of any medical doctor. Chelle Law’s Arizona Veterinary Board Attorneys have represented over 1,000 health care professionals before Arizona licensing boards. Our attorney’s have the experience to help veterinary professionals with Arizona Veterinary Board matters. We assist veterinarian professionals with all Arizona Veterinary Board issues, including those who work as a:

• Veterinarian.
• Veterinary Technician.
• Crematory.

Arizona Veterinary Board Complaint

Who can file a complaint against a veterinarian? Patients, Health Care Facilities, other professionals, among others. When the Arizona State Veterinary Medical Examining Board receives a complaint, the Board will initiate an investigation into the complaint (if the Board has jurisdiction and the Complaint isn’t dismissed).  After this happens, the veterinarian will receive notice and the board assigns an investigator to the case. Please note, having an attorney during this step can be crucial for veterinarians as they must submit a response, interview with the investigator while also possibly appearing at a Arizona Veterinary Board.

Veterinarian Application Denial Assistance

Applicants to the Arizona Veterinary Board who have a criminal history or previous discipline by the Arizona Veterinary Board (or any other Board) may be subject to denial of their application for licensure. Thus, those with a criminal or disciplinary history from other licensing boards will be investigated by the Board. 

Reporting a Criminal Charge to the Arizona Veterinary Board

Behavioral health professionals who currently hold a valid license with the Arizona Veterinary Board or pending applicants must notify the board of nursing of any criminal charge that may affect patient safety within ten business days.  Learn what crimes an individual must report and the potential discipline that can come with it.

Veterinary Board Administrative Appeal and Hearing

Any licensee may request an appeal of an Arizona Veterinary Board disciplinary action; however, any Board appeal is not heard by an administrative law judge with the Arizona Office of Administrative Hearings (OAH).  This Board oversees their own hearings. Furthermore, in some circumstances, a case is sent automatically to hearing. The hearing is not as formal as a trial, but is similar. Each party presents evidence using documents or sworn testimony. Each party also gives an opening and closing argument which should explain why the the Board should rule one way or the other. A veterinarian’s attorney can cross examine witnesses and testify on his or her behalf. After the hearing the Board makes the decision to either accept, reject or modify their original decision.  If a professional feels there has been an error they can request a rehearing.

Arizona Veterinarian Disciplinary Actions

Arizona Veterinary Board disciplinary actions are given to veterinarians with a license or certification in Arizona.  If the Board determines formal disciplinary action is necessary it will happen after the completion of an investigation. It’s the job of the Board to review any complaint alleging a violation of the Arizona laws and regulations.  Thus, at a Board Meeting the Board will vote to determine the outcome of each investigation.  The Board can vote on a non-disciplinary outcome or vote to offer the veterinarian formal discipline.  Disciplinary actions can include:

• Dismissal.
• Letter of concern.
• Decree of censure.
• Civil penalty not to exceed $1,000.
• Probation.
• Non-disciplinary order for continuing education.
• License restriction.
• Suspension.
• Revocation.

If you would like to set up a consultation with our Arizona Veterinary Board Attorney at Chelle Law or would like to learn more about the services we provide to Arizona veterinarians we invite you to reach out to us today.