NRS638.142. Mental or physical examination; examination of competency to practice.

      1.  If the Board has reason to believe that the conduct of any veterinarian or veterinary technician has raised a reasonable question as to his or her competence to practice veterinary medicine or to act as a veterinary technician with reasonable skill and safety to animals, it may order that person to undergo a mental or physical examination or an examination testing his or her competence to practice veterinary medicine or to act as a veterinary technician. The examination must be conducted by physicians or other persons designated by the Board to assist it in determining the fitness of that person to practice veterinary medicine or to act as a veterinary technician.

      2.  Every veterinarian or veterinary technician who accepts a license issued pursuant to this chapter shall be deemed to have given consent to submit to a mental or physical examination or an examination testing his or her competence when directed to do so in writing by the Board.

      3.  If the Board directs a licensee to submit to a mental or physical examination or an examination testing his or her competence, the examination must be held and the results returned to the Board not later than 60 days after the Board issues the order.

      4.  The testimony or reports of the examining physicians or other persons designated by the Board are privileged communication, except as to proceedings conducted pursuant to this chapter.

      5.  Except in extraordinary circumstances, as determined by the Board, the failure of a person licensed under this chapter to submit to an examination when directed as provided in this section constitutes a ground for the immediate suspension of the license.

      (Added to NRS by 1985, 1247; A 1995, 1685)