§8309. Veterinary accreditation program

(a) In general

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) Consultation

The Secretary shall consult with State animal health officials and veterinary professionals regarding the establishment of the veterinary accreditation program.

(c) Suspension or revocation of accreditation

(1) In general

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 who violates this chapter.

(2) Final order

The order of the Secretary suspending or revoking accreditation shall be treated as a final order reviewable under chapter 158 of title 28.

(3) Summary suspension

(A) In general

The Secretary may summarily suspend the accreditation of a veterinarian whom the Secretary has reason to believe knowingly violated this chapter.

(B) Hearings

The Secretary shall provide the veterinarian with a subsequent notice and an opportunity for a prompt post-suspension hearing on the record.

(d) Application of penalty provisions

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.

( Pub. L. 107–171, title X, §10410, May 13, 2002, 116 Stat. 501 .)

Editorial Notes

References in Text

This chapter, referred to in text, was in the original "this subtitle", meaning subtitle E (§§10401–10418) of title X of Pub. L. 107–171, May 13, 2002, 116 Stat. 494 , which is classified principally to this chapter. For complete classification of subtitle E to the Code, see Short Title note set out under section 8301 of this title and Tables.

This title, referred to in subsec. (c)(1), is title X of Pub. L. 107–171, May 13, 2002, 116 Stat. 486 . For complete classification of title X to the Code, see Tables.

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Transfer of Functions

For transfer of functions of the Secretary of Agriculture relating to agricultural import and entry inspection activities under this chapter to the Secretary of Homeland Security, and for treatment of related references, see sections 231, 551(d), 552(d), and 557 of Title 6, Domestic Security, and the Department of Homeland Security Reorganization Plan of November 25, 2002, as modified, set out as a note under section 542 of Title 6.

¹ See References in Text note below.