Section 1500.50  Standards of Professional Conduct

In determining what constitutes dishonorable, unethical or unprofessional conduct of a character likely to deceive, defraud or harm the public, the Board or hearing officer shall consider the following standards as they relate to the person who is the subject of the proposed disciplinary action.  The standards shall include, but not be limited to:

a)         Being convicted of any crime, an essential element of which is larceny, embezzlement, obtaining money, property or credit by false pretenses or by means of a confidence game, dishonesty, fraud, misstatement or moral turpitude;

b)         Wilfully violating or knowingly assisting in the violation of any law relating to the use or dispensing of any medicine or drug as specified in Section 25 of the Act;

c)         Wilfully administering or prescribing illegal drugs for animals;

d)         Wilfully administering or prescribing prescription drugs illegally.  Illegally means:

1)         In violation of the rules governing a competition or exhibition of animals, including but not limited to the rules of the Illinois Racing Board (11 Ill. Adm. Code 509), the American Kennel Club and the American Show Horse Association;

2)         Contrary to State or federal law with regard to food producing animals;

e)         Wilfully preparing or signing false statements in order to induce payment for medical or ancillary services by insurance companies;

f)         Wilfully making or causing to be made any false report to the Division regarding compliance with CE requirements;

g)         Wilfully omitting to make or file any report or record or wilfully making or filing or causing to be made or filed any false report or record pertaining to a veterinarian's practice as required by any State agency;

h)         Failing to possess and apply the knowledge and use the skill and care in treating a condition that is ordinarily used by a reasonably well-qualified veterinarian in the locality in which he/she practices or in similar localities in similar cases and circumstances;

i)          Delegating of patient care responsibility to any individual when the veterinarian has reason to believe that the person may not be competent;

j)          Misrepresenting as to educational background, training, credentials, competence or veterinary medical staff memberships;

k)         Failing to maintain adequate medical records, including but not limited to the following:

1)         Patient identification;

2)         Client identification;

3)         Dated reason for visit and pertinent history;

4)         Physical exam findings;

5)         Diagnostic, medical, surgical or therapeutic procedures performed;

6)         All medical treatment must include identification of each medication given in the practice, together with the date, dosage, and route of administration and frequency and duration of treatment;

7)         All medicines dispensed or prescribed must be recorded, including directions for use and quantity;

8)         Any changes in medications or dosages, including telephonically or electronically initiated changes, must be recorded;

9)         If a necropsy is performed, the record must reflect the findings;

10)         Patient records must be maintained for a minimum of 5 years from the date of the last known contact;

11)         Copies of patient records must be released to the client upon written request;

l)          Failing to properly supervise subordinate health professional and paraprofessional staff under his/her supervision and control in patient care responsibilities; or

m)        Committing of any other act or omission that violates veterinarian's responsibility to a client according to accepted veterinary standards of practice.

(Source:  Amended at 40 Ill. Reg. 2913, effective February 16, 2016)