(a) The Board shall:
(1) Examine and determine the qualifications and fitness of applicants for a license to practice veterinary medicine in the Virgin Islands.
(2) Adopt, promulgate, and enforce regulations relating to specific duties and responsibilities; certification, registration, or licensure; and other matters pertaining to veterinarians, veterinary technicians, veterinary technologists, or non-licensed persons consistent with the provisions of this act.
(3) Issue, renew, deny, limit, suspend, or revoke licenses and temporary permits to practice veterinary medicine in the Virgin Islands; and discipline veterinarians, veterinarian technicians or veterinary technologists consistent with the provisions of this chapter and the regulations adopted pursuant to this act.
(4) Conduct investigations of suspected violations of this chapter to determine whether there are sufficient grounds to initiate disciplinary proceedings.
(5) Inspect veterinary premises and equipment, including practice vehicles, at any time in accordance with protocols established by regulation.
(6) Initiate disciplinary proceedings and hold hearings on all matters properly brought before the Board and in connection thereto to administer oaths, receive evidence, make necessary determinations, and enter orders consistent with the findings. The Board may commission depositions and require by subpoena the attendance and testimony of witnesses and the production of papers, records, or other documentary evidence. The Board may designate one or more of its members to serve as its hearing officer.
(7) Bring proceedings to the Commissioner for the enforcement of this chapter or any regulations promulgated pursuant to this chapter.
(8) Bring proceedings in the courts against any person for the enforcement of this chapter or any regulations promulgated pursuant to this chapter.
(9) Upon the approval of the Commissioner, employ full-time or part-time personnel — professional, clerical, or special — necessary to effectuate the provisions of this chapter, and purchase or rent necessary office space, equipment, and supplies.
(10) Appoint from its own membership one or more members to act as representatives of the Board at any meeting within or without the Virgin Islands where such representation is desirable.
(11) Adopt, amend, or repeal all rules necessary for its governance and all regulations necessary to carry into effect the provisions of this chapter, including the establishment and publication of standards of practice and professional conduct for the practice of veterinary medicine.
(12) Establish and publish annually a schedule of fees for licensing and registration of veterinarians.
(b) The powers enumerated in subsection (a) are granted for the purpose of enabling the Board to effectively supervise the practice of veterinary medicine and veterinary technology and are to be construed liberally to accomplish this objective.