Lawmakers give green light to veterinary board for physical, mental evaluation requests

ANNAPOLIS, MD. — Maryland veterinarians will now have to submit to physical and/or mental examinations if ordered by the state veterinary board.

Senate Bill 146, signed into law by the governor May 10 and effective Oct. 1, would allow the board to request physical and/or mental examinations for those seeking licensure or who are under investigation. The examinations could be required "if the board has reasonable evidence indicating the inability of that individual to practice veterinary medicine competently," the legislation says.

If a veterinarian refuses to undergo an examination, it will be considered "evidence of the ... inability to practice veterinary medicine competently," unless the board finds failure or refusal to submit to examination was beyond the control of the veterinarian.

After a hearing, the veterinary board will then have the power to revoke an applications or license, or place the licensee on probation if he or she:

• Is unable to practice veterinary medicine competently due to a physical or mental disability;

• Is convicted of any federal or state prescription drug, controlled-substance or dangerous substance laws;

• Is convicted of a felony or crime involving moral turpitude;

• Is convicted of unlawful or fraudulent practice or any misrepresentation of his or her professional qualifications;

• Has final judgment entered against him or her in a civil malpractice case involving gross personal negligence;

• Obtains the license by fraud;

• Is guilty of employing or permitting to practice someone who does not hold a license to practice veterinary medicine in Maryland;

• Fails to comply with board regulations;

• Is grossly negligent or deliberately cruel to an animal;

• Is found, after a hearing, to be professionally incompetent by four members of the veterinary board; or

• Is disciplined by a licensing authority of another state, including the suspension or revocation of a veterinary license.