1. An individual may file a written complaint with the board setting forth the specific charges upon which the complaint is made. Upon receiving a complaint, the board shall notify the veterinarian or veterinary technician of the complaint and request a written response from the veterinarian or veterinary technician . The board may adopt rules establishing a peer review committee for the purpose of investigating complaints and providing recommendations to the board. A veterinarian or veterinary technician who is the subject of an investigation by the board shall cooperate fully with the investigation. Cooperation includes responding fully and promptly to any reasonable question raised by or on behalf of the board relating to the subject of the investigation and providing copies of records when reasonably requested by the board. Failure to cooperate in the investigative process may be grounds for disciplinary action against the veterinarian or veterinary technician. 2. To pursue the investigation, the board may: a. Subpoena and examine witnesses, records, medical records, copy, photograph, or take samples; b. Require the veterinarian or veterinary technician to give statements under oath; c. Require the veterinarian or veterinary technician to submit to a physical examination, chemical dependency evaluation, or psychological examination by a physician or other qualified evaluation professional selected by the board if there is reasonable cause to believe the veterinarian or veterinary technician is impaired as defined by section 43-29-01.1; and d. Require the veterinarian or veterinary technician to enroll in a treatment or monitoring program approved by the board if the board determines in good faith enrollment would be beneficial to the veterinarian or veterinary technician or to protect the public. 3. After review of the complaint, the response from the veterinarian or veterinary technician, and information obtained in the investigation, the board shall determine if there is a reasonable basis to believe the allegations are true and if the allegations constitute a violation of this chapter or the rules of the board. If the board determines there is a reasonable basis to believe the allegations are true and the allegations constitute a violation of this chapter or the rules of the board, the board shall take appropriate action. If a reasonable basis is not found by the board, the board shall notify the complaining party and the veterinarian or veterinary technician in writing. 4. Unless the board proceeds with a disciplinary action, the complaint, the response, and any records received by the board during an investigation of a complaint under this section are exempt records, as defined in section 44-04-17.1. 5. A veterinarian or veterinary technician shall report in good faith any impaired veterinarian or impaired veterinary technician as defined by section 43-29-01.1. 6. The board may adopt rules as necessary to carry out this section.
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