Md. Code Regs. 15.14.02.03

Current through Register Vol. 51, No. 25, December 13, 2024

Section 15.14.02.03 - Complaint Procedures

A. The Board or a veterinary review committee shall review a complaint received within 3 years of the conduct complained of, and may review a complaint received after 3 years of the conduct complained of upon a showing of extraordinary circumstances.

B. After reviewing a complaint, the Board or a veterinary review committee may further investigate the complaint by:

(1) Requesting relevant records;

(2) Requesting written or oral responses from the alleged violator;

(3) Requesting rebuttals from the complainant;

(4) Requesting statements from witnesses;

(5) Requesting statements from relevant third parties, including other treating veterinarians;

(6) Procuring expert opinions on relevant specialty areas;

(7) Researching areas in dispute; and

(8) Seeking legal advice.

C. After completing an investigation of a complaint, the Board or a veterinary review committee may recommend that the Board take one or more of the following actions:

(1) Dismiss the matter for lack of authority or merit;

(2) Issue a cease and desist order;

(3) Issue a letter of advice;

(4) Issue a letter of admonition;

(5) Issue a notice of action and charging document;

(6) Stay the matter;

(7) Stet the matter;

(8) Refer the matter to mediation;

(9) Refer the matter to the appropriate authorities; or

(10) Issue a summary suspension which provides the right to request within 10 days a nonevidentiary show cause hearing.

Md. Code Regs. 15.14.02.03