§ 8309. Veterinary accreditation program

• (a) The Secretary may establish a veterinary accreditation program that is consistent with this chapter, including the establishment of standards of conduct for accredited veterinarians.
• (b) The Secretary shall consult with State animal health officials and veterinary professionals regarding the establishment of the veterinary accreditation program.
• (c)
  • (1) The Secretary may, after notice and opportunity for a hearing on the record, suspend or revoke the accreditation of any veterinarian accredited under this title 1 1 See References in Text note below. who violates this chapter.
  • (2) The order of the Secretary suspending or revoking accreditation shall be treated as a final order reviewable under chapter 158 of title 28.
  • (3)
    • (A) The Secretary may summarily suspend the accreditation of a veterinarian whom the Secretary has reason to believe knowingly violated this chapter.
    • (B) The Secretary shall provide the veterinarian with a subsequent notice and an opportunity for a prompt post-suspension hearing on the record.
• (d) The criminal and civil penalties described in section 8313 of this title shall not apply to a violation of this section that is not a violation of any other provision of this chapter.