IVPA praises Michigan Supreme Court ruling pertaining to licensed veterinarians

The Independent Veterinary Practitioners Association (IVPA)—the first nonprofit association committed to uniting independently owned and locally operated veterinarians—commended the Michigan Supreme Court’s ruling to protect licensed professionals, including veterinarians, deeming all disciplinary actions must be based on expert testimony instead of the reviewing board’s assumptions or perceptions.

According to an organizational release, this ruling offers veterinarians with active disciplinary cases the chance to use specialized experts to help defend their license for providing animal care.

“This legislation allows veterinarians to present medical evidence to fairly defend themselves when faced with disciplinary action,” said Jeffrey Powers, DVM, IVPA member and owner of Veterinary Clinics North with 2 Michigan locations, in the release.

“Relying on expert testimony will ensure fair and balanced review of the facts of the case to protect animals, people, and health care providers alike,” Powers added.

The ruling guarantees the state of Michigan will continuously coincide with the more reasoned and appropriate principles applied throughout many states nationwide.

“We’re grateful to have worked with the IVPA to ensure that licensed professionals in Michigan are afforded fair rulings based on reliable and trustworthy testimony from experts,” said Christopher Patterson, partner at Fahey Schultz Burzych Rhodes. “We consider this ruling a win not just for IVPA members, but for the idea that licensing processes should be fair and based on reliable evidence.”

Learn more about the IVPA here.

Reference

Independent Veterinary Practitioners Association commends Michigan Supreme Court ruling as it pertains to licensed veterinarians. News release. September 20, 2021; Independent Veterinary Practitioners Association. Accessed September 21, 2021. [email].