|
|
 |
 |
|
|
|
|
|
Enforcing the laws governing
veterinary medicine in California is one of the Veterinary
Medical Board's (VMB) principal functions. Although the
Board supports maximum public information disclosure,
legal restrictions sometimes limit information availability.
The following is an outline of the Board's disclosure
policy:
1. Complaint Information Disclosure
The complaint review process consists of gathering evidence from all
parties. The raw evidence is unsubstantiated allegations that must
be reviewed and analyzed by impartial consultants in order to make
a determination. At the complaint review stage, legal restrictions
and due process considerations prohibit information disclosure to
the public. Disclosure at this stage would be prejudicial and would
compromise the investigation; therefore, complaint information is
exempt from the Public Information Act and not available to
the general public.
2. Disciplinary Actions - Information Disclosure
In cases where an investigation reveals a potentially serious violation,
the Board forwards the complaint information, along with the initial
findings, either to the Division of Investigation (DoI) or to the
Attorney General's office for action. If a DoI investigation is required,
an expert witness reviews the original complaint and the investigative
report and then, based on the expert review, the file is either closed,
referred to citation and fine, or referred to the Office of the Attorney
General for disciplinary action. Once a file is transferred to the
Attorney General for action, the public is given the following information
even before any written documentation is available:
"An investigation has been conducted and the case has been forwarded
to the Attorney General's Office for consideration of possible
action. At this time, there has been no determination of wrong-doing."
An "accusation" is the first public document in any case. The
accusation is prepared and filed by the Deputy Attorney General
(DAG). If the accusation results in a final order/decision, the
final decision is also available to the public.
3. License Status Information
The Board maintains licensing information records for all past and
present license holders. The following information is available to
the public upon request (a nominal preparation fee is charged for
written confirmation):
- Name of the licensee;
- License number;
- Address of record;
- Original licensure date;
- Expiration or termination date, and if applicable, the basis
for termination;
- Information regarding disciplinary actions (copy of accusation
and decision/order)
|
|
Any questions regarding this policy should
be directed to either Susan Geranen, Executive Officer,
or Gina Bayless, Enforcement Program Manager,
at (916) 263-2610.
|
|
|
|
