The Texas Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners regulates the practice of veterinary medicine in Texas. Texas licensed veterinarians are subject to Compliance Inspections, which are unannounced, on-site inspections that may occur at any time. The Board uses these Compliance Inspections to document and monitor chronic problems that exist in the areas of Continuing Education (CE), Controlled Substances, and Prescription Labels.
Inspection of Facilities and Records may be conducted pursuant to the Texas Rules Pertaining to the Practice of Veterinary Medicine, RULE §573.63:
“Licensees shall admit a representative of the Board, during regular business hours, to inspect equipment and business premises; examine and/or copy client and patient records, drug records, including, but not limited to, invoices, receipts, transfer documents, inventory logs, surgery logs; and all other associated records relating to the practice of veterinary medicine or equine dentistry.” 22 Texas Admin. Code §573.63.
Being Prepared for a Compliance Inspection
By adhering to certain rules and regulations, you and your veterinary practice will be prepared for a compliance inspection from the Board at any time.
The Texas Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners encourages veterinarians to keep their CE records at the facility where they practice. The Board requests that mobile veterinarians keep with them copies of their CE records, current renewal certificate, and DEA/DPS Controlled Substances Permits.
The Board offers the following reminders:
- CE records must be maintained for the last 3 renewal cycles and be provided to the Board investigators for inspection upon request. RULE §573.64.
- Prescription labels must contain the species being treated. RULE §573.40.
- Controlled Substances logs must maintain balance on hand at all times. RULE §573.50.
- The log book must also contain the proper information concerning the purchase, identification, and use of controlled substances. RULE §573.50.
- Licensees are required to post a Complaint Information Notice “in an effective way to inform his/her customers… about how to file complaints[.]” RULE §573.29.
- The Board discourages the posting of DEA or DPS Drug Permits because the practitioner’s drug license number is shown on these permits, which could lead to drugs being illegally ordered under the practitioner’s registration number.
- Patient records are required to identify the veterinarian who performed or supervised the procedure recorded. Each entry on the record should include at a minimum the initials of the licensee who performed the procedure. RULE §573.52.
You can view the Compliance Inspection Form used by Board staff when conducting on-site compliance inspections here.
Hire an Experienced Veterinary License Defense Attorney
If you have been notified of a complaint filed against you with the Texas Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners, BERTOLINO LLP can help. We are experienced veterinary license defense attorneys and we know how to navigate the Board’s complaint process. We are prepared to represent you at any legal hearing or proceeding regarding your professional license. Our results speak for themselves.
BERTOLINO LLP represents licensed professionals across the entire State of Texas. If you are facing disciplinary action from a professional licensing board, contact us today or call (512) 476-5757.
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