Late last year, we brought to your attention the Veterinary Medical Board’s effort to increase fines associated with any harm caused to animal patients – by both licensees and unlicensed persons. Well, that amendment passed with no noted objections, requests for clarification, or further amendments proposed during the statutory regulatory public comment period.
Specifically, as stated by the Office of Administrative Law:
This rulemaking action by the Veterinary Medical Board (Board) amends section 204 of title 16 of the California Code of Regulations , which governs the assessment of civil penalties for violation of the Board’s rules. This amendment reclassifies the existing three categories of citations issued by the Board, including accompanying fines, and adds new rules regarding orders of abatement and public disclosure of citations.
[The Office of Administrative Law] approves this regulatory action [which becomes effective on [October 1, 2016].
Most of the updates enhanced the severity of the existing law to create a greater deterrent effect — as well as greater income for the Board. In addition, it expanded the look back period from 2 to 5 years for purposes of finding repeat offenders.