Formal Disciplinary Proceedings

If it is determined that a disciplinary hearing is warranted, the Board issues a Notice of Hearing providing the parties no less than 15 days’ notice before the hearing.    The licensee may personally or through counsel appear and cross examine witnesses, present evidence in his/her defense, assert objections and make arguments. The North Carolina Rules of Evidence generally apply to contested disciplinary hearings.  Many veterinarians or other licensees decide to retain a firm or attorney to represent them at the formal stage if they have not done so already.

Disciplinary hearings generally are conducted before the full Board or by a panel consisting of at least a majority of Board members and are held at the Board’s office. Hearings conducted by the Veterinary Medical Board generally are open to the public.  In all cases heard by the Veterinary Medical Board, the Board typically will issue its decision within 60 days after its next regularly scheduled meeting following the close of the hearing.  An Order issued by the Board may be appealed to Superior Court. Generally, it is much more difficult for a licensee to prevail once the matter reaches the court system on an appeal, even if he or she retains legal counsel at that point.

Licensure Process