Veterinarian Representation

Frances Cullen, PC helps to protect your license, your livelihood, your career, and your reputation if you are investigated or accused of wrongdoing by the Georgia Board of Veterinary Medicine.

Under O.C.G.A § 43-50-41, the Georgia Board of Veterinary Medicine, has the authority to refuse to grant a license or sanction a licensee for a wide range of acts of unprofessional conduct, including but not limited to:

• Alcohol and/or Drug Dependence and abuse
• Writing Fraudulent Prescriptions
• Incompetence and/or Gross Negligence
• Arrest or Conviction of a Crime
• Violation of the Georgia Controlled Substances Act (VGCSA)
• Aiding and abetting unlicensed practice
• Obtaining a license as a veterinarian or RVT by fraud, misrepresentation or mistake

When a complaint has been received by the Georgia Board of Veterinary Medicine, it is reviewed, analyzed and then processed. Some complaints against veterinarians or registered veterinary technicians are closed because they do not involve grounds for disciplinary action.

The Georgia Board of Veterinary Medicine (“the Board”) generally does not address fee and/or billing disputes, issues related to general business policies and practices, and personality conflicts, but a complaint about these issues can prompt an investigation by the Georgia Board of Veterinary Medicine, and focus attention on you or your practice, and sometimes begin an inquiry into other related matters.

All cases are opened upon the filing of a complaint.  Complaints can be filed by any member of the general public: a pet owner, an employee or former employee.  Complaints also may be generated by a government agency-the Georgia Drugs and Narcotics Agency (GDNA) or the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA). If the complaint involves a serious violation (for example, gross negligence or drug abuse), the case may immediately be assigned to an investigator employed by the Georgia Board of Veterinary Medicine.

If you are contacted during the investigative process, we highly advise you not to attend any “conference,” ”meeting” or “interview” without experienced and qualified legal representation. While a licensee might be willing to discuss the details of the complaint and wish to provide “their side of the story”, this meeting is not an opportunity to present your version of the facts and, without legal counsel as your witness to the interview, your statements can be interpreted differently than you intended and later used against you in a Georgia Board of Veterinary Medicine action.

Chemical Dependency & Impairment

Throughout her career, Frances Cullen has provided sound and sensitive advice to those seeking assistance in locating the proper facility to obtain help for substance abuse, to those who are currently in treatment, and to licensees who face the difficult ancillary issues that may arise after completion of treatment.  Our office has also assisted countless licensees and applicants from other states who have required advice with reporting a present or past treatment history and/or criminal action to licensing and credentialing bodies.

Frances Cullen, P.C. works closely with treatment providers across the southeast to remain educated on how best to provide sound advice and legal counsel to those who are or have been through treatment and to keep abreast of current treatment options.  Due to her many years working in this field, Frances Cullen has a broad knowledge of other states’ licensing issues and can often provide advice on reporting to other states or provide early attention with regard to other potential repercussions.

Our practice is extremely sensitive to the special needs of veterinarians and other healthcare professionals who have a history of substance abuse or mental illness. Veterinarians and health care professionals with a history of chemical dependency or impairment, or mental health issues, should consult Frances Cullen as these are serious concerns for all boards and regulatory agencies. We can guide you through the difficult and uncertain process to mitigate or minimize licensure problems.

Whether you are first seeking help with a substance abuse problem or have just started treatment for chemical dependency, or have a history of long-term sobriety, we can help you evaluate your options and represent your interests before the medical licensing board.

Any attorney can represent a licensed professional, but you should protect your license and career by selecting an attorney who is highly experienced in Georgia professional license defense. Don’t risk your license and your livelihood, and settle for any lawyer when you can obtain an attorney experienced in Veterinary issues.

Criminal Defense Related to Substance Abuse

In addition to the licensing issues medical professionals face due to substance abuse and/or addiction, they also can be subject to criminal charges. Our firm’s experience allows us to effectively represent healthcare professionals against criminal accusations for writing improper narcotic prescriptions, using controlled substances, or diverting drugs from the workplace.  Frances Cullen, P.C. will work as a zealous advocate on your behalf to provide you with sound legal advice prior to the filing of charges, through the indictment or accusation process, in negotiation with prosecutors, and in fashioning the most favorable plea on your behalf before State or Federal Criminal authorities.

As a former Fulton County District Attorney, Frances Cullen is also familiar with the broad range of criminal laws and can provide a capable defense to other charges of criminal conduct.

Frances Cullen, P.C. has defended numerous health care professionals when State or Federal criminal charges are brought against them and has also worked closely with other criminal defense attorneys to provide solid advice on how best to address potential criminal charges so that the dentist can resume or later return to practice.

Representative Cases

In a case where the Drug Enforcement Agency (“DEA”) learned that a Veterinarian was ordering narcotics for her own use and intervened, Frances Cullen, PC successfully represented the Veterinarian to retain her license and to avoid criminal charges and negotiated a Memorandum of Agreement (“MOA”) to enable her to continue to prescribe controlled substances.

In another case, Frances Cullen, PC represented a Veterinarian Assistant who was accused of a crime by her former employer, help her to maintain an unblemished license.

Contact Frances Cullen, PC

Contact Frances Cullen as soon as possible if you are a veterinarian or other healthcare provider and you are facing a potential investigation or action by The Georgia Board of Veterinary Medicine or if you suspect you may be facing a criminal charge, or you have been subject to investigation or arrest.

Frances Cullen is a former Assistant Attorney General who represented various state licensing boards and in bringing disciplinary action against them. She is therefore knowledgeable about the disciplinary process and will offer you a strong defense in any investigation or with potential action brought by The Georgia Board of Veterinary Medicine.

Don’t risk your license and your livelihood, and settle for any lawyer when you can call Frances Cullen, PC to retain an attorney experienced in both criminal defense and the issues unique to licensed professionals.

Proviso

Due to the professional stature of my clients and the sensitive nature of the issues that are the subject of these matters, client names are not provided for these cases.