32-2249. Disciplinary action; grounds; emergency care by technician; letter of concern

A. Except as provided in subsection B of this section, the board may:

1. Take one or more of the following actions:

(a) Revoke or suspend a certificate.

(b) Issue a decree of censure.

(c) Place a certified veterinary technician on probation.

(d) Impose a civil penalty not to exceed one thousand dollars per violation.

2. Take one or more of the actions described in paragraph 1 for any of the following reasons:

(a) The employment of fraud, misrepresentation or deception in obtaining certification.

(b) Conviction on a charge of cruelty to animals or conviction of a felony, in which case the record of such conviction will be conclusive evidence.

(c) Chronic inebriety or habitual use of narcotics, dangerous drugs or controlled substances.

(d) Gross ignorance or inefficiency in connection with the performance of technical procedures in veterinary medicine.

(e) Representing himself as a doctor of veterinary medicine.

(f) Violating or attempting to violate, directly or indirectly, or assisting or abetting the violation or conspiracy to violate any of the provisions of this chapter, a rule adopted under this chapter or a written order of the board issued pursuant to this chapter.

(g) Practicing veterinary medicine.

(h) Gross incompetence or gross negligence.

(i) Following orders that are in violation of this chapter or rules adopted pursuant to this chapter.

B. In an emergency, a certified veterinary technician may render emergency care or first aid if the technician is supervised telephonically by a licensed veterinarian or until a licensed veterinarian arrives. This does not preclude emergency care as outlined in section 32-2261.

C. If the board receives information indicating that a certified veterinary technician may have engaged in unprofessional or dishonorable conduct and it appears after investigation that the information may be true, the board may request an informal interview. If the certified veterinary technician refuses the interview or if other evidence relating to the technician's professional competence indicates that disciplinary action should be taken, the board may take the action as prescribed by subsection A of this section.

D. If, as a result of information ascertained during an investigation, informal interview or formal hearing of a certified veterinary technician, the board has concern for the certified veterinary technician's conduct but has not found the conduct to be a reason listed in subsection A of this section, the board may issue a letter of concern to the technician regarding the technician's conduct.