9 C.F.R. PART 162—RULES OF PRACTICE GOVERNING REVOCATION OR SUSPENSION OF VETERINARIANS' ACCREDITATION
Title 9 - Animals and Animal Products
Authority: 7 U.S.C. 8301–8317; 15 U.S.C. 1828; 7 CFR 2.22, 2.80, and 371.4.
Source: 57 FR 54915, Nov. 23, 1992, unless otherwise noted.
The Uniform Rules of Practice for the Department of Agriculture promulgated in subpart H of part 1, subtitle A, title 7, Code of Federal Regulations, are the Rules of Practice applicable to adjudicatory, administrative proceedings for the revocation or suspension of accreditation of veterinarians (9 CFR parts 160 and 161). In addition, the Supplemental Rules of Practice set forth in subpart B of this part shall be applicable to such proceedings. In any situation where the Administrator has reason to believe that any veterinarian accredited under the provisions of 9 CFR parts 160 and 161 of this subchapter has not complied with the “Standards for Accredited Veterinarian Duties” set forth in §161.3 of this subchapter, and deems such action necessary in order to prevent the introduction into the United States or the spread from one State to another of a contagious, infectious, or communicable disease of animals, or to insure that animals intended or offered for export to foreign countries are free from disease, the Administrator may suspend the accreditation of such veterinarian pending final determination in the proceeding, effective upon oral or written notification, whichever is earlier. In the event of oral notification, a written confirmation thereof shall be given to such veterinarian pursuant to §1.147(b) of the Uniform Rules of Practice (7 CFR 1.147(b)) as promptly as circumstances permit. Such suspension shall have no relevance with respect to the final determination in the proceeding. The Veterinarian-in-Charge shall notify an accredited veterinarian when there is reason to believe that the accredited veterinarian has not complied with the “Standards for Accredited Veterinarian Duties” as contained in §161.3 of this subchapter. The notification shall be in writing, with a copy to the State Animal Health Official, and shall include a statement of the basis for the belief that the accredited veterinarian has failed to comply with the Standards and shall notify the accredited veterinarian if the Veterinarian-in-Charge has arranged to hold an informal conference to discuss the matter. (a) The Veterinarian-in-Charge, in consultation with the State Animal Health Official and the accredited veterinarian, shall designate the time and place for the holding of an informal conference to review the matter, unless the Veterinarian-in-Charge determines that an informal conference is inappropriate. An informal conference is inappropriate only if the Veterinarian-in-Charge decides to dismiss the case based on available facts, or if civil or criminal charges based on the actions or inactions believed to be in violation of the “Standards for Accredited Veterinarian Duties” contained in §161.3 of this subchapter are pending against the accredited veterinarian. An informal conference shall include the Veterinarian-in-Charge or his or her representative, the accredited veterinarian, and any other persons the Veterinarian-in-Charge requests to attend due to their involvement in or knowledge of the possible violation. The State Animal Health Official will be invited to attend each informal conference held regarding activities in his or her State. (b) Prior to, during, or at the conclusion of the informal conference, the Veterinarian-in-Charge may issue a written warning to the accredited veterinarian without further procedure after determining that a warning with appropriate instructions will be adequate to attain compliance with the Standards. (c) If prior to, during, or at the conclusion of, the informal conference, the accredited veterinarian consents, in writing, to the issuance of an order revoking or suspending his or her accreditation for a specified period of time, in lieu of further procedure, the Veterinarian-in-Charge may issue such a consent order without further procedure. (d) If prior to, during, or after the informal conference, but prior to the issuance of a formal complaint, the accredited veterinarian is found not to have violated the regulations, the Veterinarian-in-Charge will issue a letter dismissing the case, and provide a copy of the letter to the accredited veterinarian and to the State Animal Health Official. Prior to, during, or after the informal conference, the Veterinarian-in-Charge may issue a letter identifying actions of the accredited veterinarian that were minor violations of the Standards, instructing the accredited veterinarian in proper procedures, and admonishing the accredited veterinarian to use greater care in performing these procedures in the future. [57 FR 54915, Nov. 23, 1992; 57 FR 60086, Dec. 18, 1992] If a consent order has not been issued, or if, after an informal conference, the Veterinarian-in-Charge has not issued a letter of dismissal or letter of warning to the accredited veterinarian, a formal complaint may be issued by the Administrator in accordance with §1.135 of the Uniform Rules of Practice (7 CFR 1.135).
Title 9: Animals and Animal Products
PART 162—RULES OF PRACTICE GOVERNING REVOCATION OR SUSPENSION OF VETERINARIANS' ACCREDITATION
Section Contents
§ 162.1 Scope and applicability of rules of practice.
§ 162.10 Summary suspension of accreditation of veterinarians.
§ 162.11 Notification.
§ 162.12 Informal conference.
§ 162.13 Formal complaint.
Subpart A—General
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§ 162.1 Scope and applicability of rules of practice.
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Subpart B—Supplemental Rules of Practice
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§ 162.10 Summary suspension of accreditation of veterinarians.
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§ 162.11 Notification.
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§ 162.12 Informal conference.
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§ 162.13 Formal complaint.
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