2013 Maryland Code
AGRICULTURE
§ 2-310 - Standards of conduct and ethics; grounds for refusal, suspension or revocation of license

§2-310.

The Board may refuse, suspend, or revoke any application or license, and censure or place on probation any licensee after a hearing, if the veterinarian or veterinary practitioner:

(1) Is unable to practice veterinary medicine competently due to a physical or mental disability;

(2) Is convicted of a violation of any federal or State law relating to prescription drugs, a controlled dangerous substance under Title 5, Subtitle 4 of the Criminal Law Article, or a controlled substance as defined by 21 U.S.C. § 812;

(3) Is convicted of a felony, or of a crime involving moral turpitude;

(4) Is convicted of violating any provision of this subtitle, any unlawful or fraudulent practice, or any fraudulent, misleading, or deceptive representation or advertising concerning his professional qualifications or the quality of materials or drugs used by him in his professional work or in the treatment of animals;

(5) Has a final judgment entered against him in a civil malpractice case involving gross personal negligence;

(6) Obtains the license by fraud or misrepresentation, either in the application, or in passing the examination;

(7) Is guilty of employing or permitting to practice veterinary medicine any person who does not hold a license to practice veterinary medicine in the State;

(8) Fails to comply with Board rules or regulations after receiving a license;

(9) Is grossly negligent or deliberately cruel to an animal;

(10) Is determined by four members to be professionally incompetent as a veterinary practitioner; or

(11) Is disciplined by a licensing authority of another state, including the suspension or revocation of a license to practice veterinary medicine, for an act that would be grounds for disciplinary action under this section.

§ 2-310 - 1. Penalties in lieu of or in addition to suspension or revocation

(a) Penalty in lieu of or in addition to suspension. -- In lieu of or in addition to suspension of the license, the Board may impose a penalty of not more than $ 5,000 for a first offense.

(b) Penalty in addition to revocation. -- In addition to revocation of the license, the Board may impose a penalty of not more than $ 5,000 for a first offense.

(c) Penalty in addition to revocation -- Second or subsequent offense. -- In addition to suspension or revocation of the license, the Board may impose a penalty of not more than $ 10,000 for a second or subsequent offense.

(d) Disposition of penalties collected. -- Penalties collected by the Board under this section shall be paid into the General Fund of the State.

(e) Rules and regulations. -- The Board shall establish such rules and regulations as are necessary to carry out the provisions of this section.