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Veterinary License Defense Attorney In Las Vegas, NV
The Nevada Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners protects and promotes the health and safety of Nevada citizens and their animals. They accomplish this by ensuring that every person who has a veterinary license in the state of Nevada can practice safely. This implies that the Nevada Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners has the power to penalize any medical doctor’s license. At the Spartacus Law Firm, we have assisted countless healthcare professionals with licensing board issues in Nevada. Our Las Vegas veterinary license defense attorney has the expertise to assist veterinarians with the Nevada Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners concerns. We work with veterinarians throughout Nevada to help protect their professional licenses and defend against any allegations against them. Below are a few of the veterinary professionals that we represent:
• Veterinarian
• Veterinary Technician
• Crematory
Grounds for Denial, Suspending, or Revoking a Veterinary License
Generally, the Nevada Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners can refuse licensure to any applicant that has been convicted of a crime. However, if you have been convicted of a crime you will have an opportunity to address the Board to explain mitigating circumstances and rehabilitation. The type of conviction is significant in determining whether a license will be issued or revoked. There are several reasons why a veterinarian’s actions, whether intentional or unintentional, might lead to the revocation of his or her license. Some examples include:
Negligence
Veterinarians and other healthcare workers must adhere to strict rules regarding animal health and safety. This is a serious topic that veterinarians need to be aware of when practicing medicine on animals. It’s critical for veterinarians to recognize the various types of negligence so they can avoid getting into trouble or facing discipline from the Board. When making mistakes while treating and caring for pet patients, veterinarians are risking legal exposure as well as their professional reputation.
Gross Negligence
When a party is found to be grossly negligent, he or she has made more than the average blunder. These mistakes frequently result in injuries, significant damage, or death. In these circumstances, civil liability and the possibility of losing one’s license are very prevalent.
Malpractice
When a veterinarian disregards medical research or demonstrates negligent behavior in a professional setting, they may be found guilty of malpractice. However, there are many malpractice allegations against all medical professionals, many of which are proven to be false. If you’re facing a ridiculous malpractice allegation, contact our veterinarian license defense attorney in Nevada today for a consultation.
Violations Of Contractual Obligations
A contract is a written or oral agreement between a patient and a veterinarian. A contract may be formed through an oral bargain. If a promise is made in a contract, and the veterinarian fails to fulfill it, there has been a breach of that contract and the veterinarian can potentially be at fault depending on the circumstances of the situation. A Las Vegas veterinary license defense attorney will be able to examine the facts and determine how best to proceed with a defense on your behalf.
Veterinarians may face license suspension or revocation for personal reasons, such as drug crimes, domestic violence, or driving under the influence which could lead to disciplinary action for work-related concerns. Following criminal convictions, DUI, and practicing medicine while intoxicated, it’s likely that a veterinarian will be suspended from practicing. If you’re a veterinarian facing criminal charges, contact the Spartacus Law Firm today.
Nevada Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners Disciplinary Actions
Nevada Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners disciplinary actions are given to veterinarians with a license or certification in Nevada. If the Board concludes that formal discipline is required, it will take action after the conclusion of an investigation. The responsibility of the Board is to evaluate any allegation alleging a breach of Nevada legal and regulatory standards. As a result, the Board will vote on each case’s outcome at a meeting. The Board may decide on a non-disciplinary settlement or recommend that the veterinarian be given formal training. Formal punishment can include:
- Dismissal
- Letter of concern
- Decree of censure
- Civil penalty
- Probation
- Non-disciplinary order for continuing education
- License restriction
- License suspension
- License revocation
Nevada Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners Administrative Appeal and Hearing
The Nevada Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners may discipline licensees, and appeals of its actions are permitted. Any licensee can appeal a Board action to an administrative law judge within the Office of Administrative Hearings. A settlement hearing is not as formal as a trial, yet it entails many of the same elements. Both sides utilize documents or sworn testimony to provide evidence. Each side also delivers an opening and closing argument, in which they should explain why the Board should rule one way or another. A Las Vegas veterinary license defense attorney may cross-examine witnesses and present arguments on his behalf after the proceeding. The Board makes its decision following a settlement hearing whether to accept, reject, or modify its original decision. If a professional believes there has been a mistake, he or she can ask for another opportunity to speak.
What To Do If You Have A Pending Allegation In Nevada
Above all else, you must remember that your professional license is on the line following an allegation against you. It’s highly recommended that you take immediate legal action after you receive notice of the complaint or allegation. If not responded to promptly, you could lose all of your rights to respond to the specified deadlines. It’s also important to understand the following:
• Do not assume the Nevada Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners will swiftly dismiss the complaint against you. They are required to conduct a thorough investigation.
• Do not assume that the Board is on your side. Instead, assume that they do not have your best interest in mind. Any allegation is a serious risk to your career and must be treated that way.
• You will be needed to fully cooperate with the investigation, however you are entitled to legal representation. We strongly recommend that you contact a Nevada veterinarian license defense lawyer before responding. You and your attorney can formulate the best response and make sure your rights are protected.
DUI Convictions as a Veterinarian
One of the most common license questions in pharmaceuticals is, “can I be a veterinarian with a DUI?” Nevada law states that veterinarians must report a DUI charge to the Nevada Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners. Hiding a DUI or failing to identify this charge in a timely manner can result in license denial or revocation. After learning the facts and circumstances of your DUI charge, the Board will determine the appropriate penalties as it relates to your career and license. Depending on the severity of the offense as well as your openness to report the charge, a veterinarian may be directed to seek help and pursue recovery which if completed, will allow them to continue practicing.
If you are a veterinarian facing a DUI conviction or some other allegation of substance abuse, you’ll likely also be burdened with legal penalties such as fines, prison time, or mandatory recovery treatment. These requirements are on top of your license being at risk for suspension or revocation. If you’ve found yourself in a similar position, having an experience veterinarian license defense attorney in Nevada by your side in the legal courtroom and administrative hearing settings is critical for retaining your career and your integrity.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is AVMA Veterinary License Defense Insurance?
What is the AVMA’s professional license defense insurance? The Professional Liability Insurance Trust, better known as the PLIT, is maintained by the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA). Vets may then choose from a variety of insurance options through this trust. The most popular and at least used by veterinarians is professional liability insurance, commonly known as malpractice insurance, which protects them if they are sued by a client. The AVMA also provides expert licensing board defense coverage. If a past client files a board complaint against the veterinarian and has this protection through the AVMA, they will be assigned an attorney without having to pay anything from the vet.
What Are the Most Common Accusations That Put a Veterinary License in Jeopardy?
Professional misconduct is a serious problem among veterinarians, and the majority of allegations that jeopardize their licenses relate to failure to comply with licensing board rules. The following are examples of some of the most frequent license revocations incurred by veterinarians:
- Abusive or neglectful treatment of animals. Any perceived act of maltreatment or lack of care for the patient—or failure to give adequate treatment—may result in a license being revoked.
- Substance abuse. Addictions to alcohol or drugs might harm your professional performance, and your board may declare you unfit to practice.
- Improper record keeping. Sloppy record-keeping has the potential to create medical mistakes, over-billing clients, and other problems.
- Criminal convictions. A DUI, drug possession, or any other criminal past might shatter community confidence and persuade the board to reconsider your license status.
Who Do I Answer To When a Complaint Is Filed Against Me?
The licensing board that initially granted your license is in charge of any accusations against the license, as well as determining how severe a penalty should be imposed. Complaints filed in Nevada are handled by the Nevada Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners. When you’re facing an allegation, the board will look into it and determine if there is validity to it. If you’re facing a serious allegation, contact our Las Vegas veterinarian license defense attorney right away.
Contact Our Las Vegas Veterinary License Defense Attorney
If a veterinarian has a complaint filed against them, the Board may choose to investigate the allegation and begin an investigation into the veterinarian’s personal life and practice, including patient files and other records. If evidence is discovered that supports the allegations, the Board will notify the licensee – at which point he or she will have an opportunity to appeal before losing his or her license. When the inquiry does not produce enough evidence to support the charges, despite the fact that the Board will not proceed with disciplinary action, the licensee should be cautious in the future to avoid any conduct that might result in additional claims. If you are a Nevada licensed veterinarian and facing an accusation, we highly recommend speaking with our Las Vegas veterinary license defense attorney to avoid suspension or revocation. Contact the Spartacus Law Firm today for a consultation and to learn more about how we can help.
Last Modified: August 4, 2024