SECTION 775:10-8-22. Denial, suspension or revocation of an animal euthanasia technician certificate

(a)   Upon written complaint, and after notice and hearing pursuant to the disciplinary procedures as provided for in Section 698.14a of the Veterinary Practice Act, Rule 775:15-1-1 et seq. and Rule 775:30-1-1 et seq. the Board may deny, suspend or revoke the certificate of an Animal Euthanasia Technician and/or impose a penalty upon the certificate holder for:

(1)   Violation of any part of the Oklahoma Veterinary Practice Act or implementing rules;

(2)   Fraud, misrepresentation or deception in obtaining a certificate, or failure to provide accurate information upon request by the Board for initial certification or renewal, reactivation or reinstatement of certification, or during an investigation or disciplinary hearing;

(3)   Conviction of, or entry of a plea of guilty or nolo contendere to, a felony or misdemeanor involving cruelty to animals, moral turpitude or relating to any controlled dangerous substance as defined by the Uniform Controlled Dangerous Substance Act, in this or any other jurisdiction;

(4)   Violation of any laws relating to the administration, prescribing or dispensing of controlled dangerous substances or violation of any federal laws or the laws of any state relative to prescription drugs or controlled dangerous substances;

(5)   Accepting employment as an Animal Euthanasia Technician by, or entering into a contract to perform euthanasia services for, any person or organization other than a law enforcement agency, animal control agency or animal shelter that is recognized and approved by the Board;

(6)   Having a working association with any person, agency or organization practicing veterinary medicine or performing animal euthanasia unlawfully;

(7)   Incompetence or negligence;

(8)   Cruelty to animals;

(9)   Use of advertising or solicitation that is false, misleading, or otherwise deemed unprofessional under the rules promulgated by the Board;

(10)   Representing him/herself as a licensed veterinarian or a d Registered Veterinary Technician, unless licensed or certified as such;

(11)   Fraud or dishonesty in the application for, or in the reporting of the results of, any diagnostic test, or in the reporting of disease in animals;

(12)   Adjudication of insanity or incapacity; or

(13)   Habitual use or abuse of alcohol or of a habit-forming drug or chemical.

(b)   The President or Secretary-Treasurer of the Board may issue a confidential letter of concern to a certificate holder when, although evidence does not warrant formal proceedings, there has been noted indications of possible misconduct by the certificate holder that could lead to serious consequences and formal action.

(c)   In the event it comes to the attention of the Board that a violation of the rules may have occurred, even though a formal complaint or charge may not have been filed, the Board may conduct an investigation of such possible violation, and may, upon its own motion, institute a formal complaint.

[Source: Added at 18 Ok Reg 1379, eff 5-11-01; Amended at 20 Ok Reg 1822, eff 7-1-03]