The Secretary may establish a veterinary accreditation program that is consistent with this chapter, including the establishment of standards of conduct for accredited veterinarians.

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

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.

(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.

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

(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.

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.)