The Veterinary Medical Board (VMB)

What is the Veterinary Medical Board?

The VMB, or Veterinary Medical Board, primarily functions by receiving and investigating complaints against licensed veterinarians in a state (like California), reviewing medical records, determining if violations occurred, and then taking appropriate actions which could include issuing citations, fines, suspending licenses, or revoking licenses depending on the severity of the violation; essentially acting as a regulatory body to ensure ethical veterinary practice within their jurisdiction. 

Key steps in the VMB process:

• Complaint Filing:

Consumers can file a complaint with the VMB regarding a veterinarian's conduct or treatment of their animal. 

• Initial Review:

The board staff reviews the complaint to determine if it falls under their jurisdiction and if there is sufficient basis for investigation.  

• Investigation:

If the complaint is deemed valid, an investigation is initiated which may include requesting medical records, contacting the veterinarian for a statement, and potentially conducting an on-site inspection of the veterinary practice.  

• Expert Consultation:

Depending on the complexity of the case, the VMB may consult with a veterinary expert to review medical records and assess potential violations. 

• Decision Making:

Based on the investigation findings, the VMB can decide to close the case, issue a citation with a fine, or proceed with formal disciplinary action like a hearing to potentially suspend or revoke the veterinarian's license. 

Important points to remember about the VMB:

• Public Protection:

The primary goal of the VMB is to protect the public by ensuring that veterinarians practice veterinary medicine ethically and competently. 

• Disciplinary Actions:

Depending on the severity of the violation, disciplinary actions can include reprimands, probation, license suspension, or license revocation. 

• Confidentiality:

While the VMB investigates complaints, details of the case may be kept confidential until a final decision is reached. 

VMB TIMELINE

According to information available, a California Veterinary Medical Board (VMB) investigation can typically take anywhere from five to six months to complete, but complex cases may extend beyond a year, with some taking up to two years to reach a final decision. 

Key points about VMB investigations:

• No set timeframe:

There is no legally mandated time limit for the VMB to conclude an investigation. 

• Complexity matters:

The duration of an investigation heavily depends on the severity and complexity of the complaint filed. 

• Potential outcomes:

After an investigation, the VMB may choose to close the case, issue a citation, or initiate disciplinary action. 

 Disciplinary Guidelines

https://www.vmb.ca.gov/forms_pubs/discip_guide.pdf

Public Access to Citations and Disciplinary Actions

https://www.vmb.ca.gov/consumers/disciplinary.shtml

Enforcement information

https://www.vmb.ca.gov/licensees/enfc_inf.shtml

More Information About Filing a Complaint

https://www.vmb.ca.gov/consumers/comp_inf.shtml