If, upon completion of an investigation, the executive officer has probable cause to believe that a veterinarian, a registered veterinary technician, or an unlicensed person acting as a veterinarian or a registered veterinary technician has violated provisions of this chapter, he or she may issue a citation to the veterinarian, registered veterinary technician, or unlicensed person, as provided in this section. 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. In addition, each citation may contain an order of abatement fixing a reasonable time for abatement of the violation, and may contain an assessment of a civil penalty. The citation shall be served upon the veterinarian, registered veterinary technician, or unlicensed individual personally or by any type of mailing requiring a return receipt. Before any citation may be issued, the executive officer shall submit the alleged violation for review and investigation to at least one designee of the board who is a veterinarian licensed in or employed by the state. The review shall include attempts to contact the veterinarian, registered veterinary technician, or unlicensed person to discuss and resolve the alleged violation. Upon conclusion of the board designee’s review, the designee shall prepare a finding of fact and a recommendation. If the board designee concludes that probable cause exists that the veterinarian, registered veterinary technician, or unlicensed person has violated any provisions of this chapter, a civil citation shall be issued to the veterinarian, registered veterinary technician, or unlicensed person.
(Amended by Stats. 2009, Ch. 80, Sec. 11. (AB 107) Effective January 1, 2010.)