(a)
(1)
(A) If upon completion of an investigation the Executive Secretary of the Veterinary Medical Examining Board has probable cause to believe that a veterinarian or an unlicensed person acting as a veterinarian has violated the provisions of this chapter, he or she may issue a citation to the veterinarian or unlicensed person, as provided in this section.
(B) Each citation shall be in writing and shall describe with particularity the nature of the violation, including a reference to the provision of this chapter alleged to have been violated.
(C) Each citation may also contain an order of abatement fixing a reasonable time for abatement of the violation and may contain an assessment of a civil penalty not to exceed five thousand dollars ($5,000).
(2) The citation shall be served upon the veterinarian or unlicensed individual personally or by any type of mailing requiring a return receipt.
(b) Before any citation may be issued, the executive secretary shall submit the alleged violation for review to at least one (1) member of the board.
(c)
(1) Upon conclusion of the board designee's review, the designee shall prepare a finding of fact and a recommendation.
(2) If the board designee concludes that the veterinarian or unlicensed person has violated any provision of this chapter, a civil citation shall be issued to the veterinarian or unlicensed person.
(d)
(1) If a veterinarian or unlicensed person desires to administratively contest a civil citation or the proposed assessment of a civil penalty, he or she shall notify within ten (10) business days after service of the citation the executive officer in writing of his or her request.
(2) Upon receipt of the request, a hearing on the matter shall be scheduled before the board.
(e) Any administrative hearing shall be governed by the Arkansas Administrative Procedure Act, § 25-15-201 et seq.
(f) In addition to the penalties provided in this section, the board may institute legal proceedings to enjoin the violation of the provisions of this chapter or the rules of the board in any court of competent jurisdiction, and the court may grant a temporary or permanent injunction restraining the violation thereof.