South Carolina Veterinary Medical Examiner Professional License Defense Attorneys
In the state of South Carolina, Veterinary Medical Examiners and Veterinary Technicians (“Vet techs”) are regulated by the South Carolina Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners who is tasked with enforcing relevant South Carolina Law and Regulations. Whether you are seeking to obtain a license or have been issued a license by the South Carolina Board of Veterinary Medicine, it is important for you to understand that this Board’s focus is ensuring the protection of the public.
As a veterinarian or vet tech, you have worked hard to obtain your license and the care of your patients is your primary concern. In the event of a licensing issue, your professional livelihood is at stake. If you receive notice that a complaint has been filed against you, it is important to contact a South Carolina professional license defense attorney to discuss your legal rights.
Many professionals feel that they can go it alone. However, even a complaint without merit may require the assistance of an attorney to ensure that your license and your livelihood are protected.
If a Veterinary Medical Examiner or Vet Tech is found to be in violation of applicable South Carolina law, he or she may be faced with disciplinary actions and/or risk denial of his or her initial request for licensure.
Unlawful Veterinary conduct may include, but not be limited to:
- Criminal Conduct and/or receiving a criminal conviction;
- Practicing beyond the authorized scope of practice;
- Practicing without a license;
- Negligence;
- Failure to maintain proper records;
- Practicing while under the influence of drugs or alcohol;
- Practicing while impaired with a mental disability;
- Allowing professional duties to be performed by unauthorized staff;
- Failing to properly supervise staff;
- Failing to maintain proper records;
- Prescription fraud; and
- Diverting medication
A complaint may be made to LLR by the patient’s owners, a fellow employee or other veterinary medical professional. A complaint can result in disciplinary action including: denial of your request for a license, a public reprimand, a cease and desist order, license suspension, or license revocation.
Just because a complaint is filed does not mean you are guilty. What is does mean is that you need a professional licensing defense attorney to help ensure your legal rights are protected.
Handling Complaints with the LLR
Once a complaint is filed an investigator from the South Carolina Department of Labor, Licensing, and Regulation will contact you. Exercise extreme caution when talking with the investigator as anything you say can be used against you. The investigator may seem friendly and say they want your side of the story so he/she can close the case. You can decline comment to the investigator until you have spoken with an attorney.
Losing your professional license can cause serious problems legally, financially, and personally. Do not wait until it is too late. Contact an experienced professional licensing defense attorney as soon as you believe you are under investigation.
Handling Referrals to the RPP
If you have been found accused of a drug or alcohol related offense, you may be referred to the South Carolina Recovering Professionals Program for an assessment. Depending upon the results of your assessment, you may be subjected to additional treatment and/or continued monitoring for a specific amount of time.
RPP works under a contract with LRADAC and the LLR. Their goal is ensure you adequate care and get you back to professional practice.
If you are veterinary medical professional and you believe you are under investigation by the South Carolina Department of Labor, Licensing, and Regulation contact the experienced professional licensing defense attorneys at the Strom Law Firm, LLC. We will provide you with a free consultation. Contact us today at 803-252-4800.
