Robert Wendell's License Was Suspended by the State Veterinary Board
Robert Wendell, a veterinarian, had his license suspended by his state's veterinary licensing board. A license suspension means the veterinarian cannot legally practice veterinary medicine during the suspension period. The suspension was the result of a formal disciplinary action taken by the board after an investigation into his conduct or practice.
License suspensions are different from permanent license revocations. A suspension is temporary — it has a defined end date or conditions that must be met before the license is restored. During the suspension, the veterinarian cannot see patients, perform surgeries, prescribe medications, or engage in any activities that require a veterinary license.
If you were a client of Robert Wendell's practice, you would need to find another veterinarian for your animal's care. If you had ongoing treatment or prescriptions, you may be able to request your medical records and have another veterinarian take over care.
Key Takeaways
- A license suspension prevents a veterinarian from practicing until the suspension period ends or conditions are met.
- Suspensions are temporary disciplinary actions, distinct from permanent license revocations.
- You can find the details of any veterinarian's license status and disciplinary history through your state's veterinary licensing board website.
- If your veterinarian's license is suspended, you should transfer your animal's medical records to a new veterinarian as soon as possible.
- Veterinary boards investigate complaints about conduct, patient care, record-keeping, and violations of state veterinary law.
How Veterinary License Suspensions Happen
State veterinary boards investigate complaints about veterinarians and can impose discipline if they find violations of state law or professional standards. Common reasons for suspension include improper record-keeping, failure to maintain a safe facility, prescribing errors, animal welfare violations, or violations of controlled substance regulations.
The process typically begins with a complaint filed by a client, another veterinarian, or an animal welfare agency. The board then opens an investigation, which may include reviewing medical records, interviewing witnesses, and inspecting the practice facility. If the board finds evidence of a violation, it may hold a hearing where the veterinarian can present a defense.
After the hearing, the board issues a decision. If it finds a violation, the board can impose various penalties: a warning, a fine, required continuing education, probation, suspension, or revocation. The specific penalty depends on the severity of the violation and the veterinarian's history with the board.
Finding Information About a Veterinarian's License Status
Every state maintains a public database or lookup tool where you can check the license status of any veterinarian. These databases are run by the state's veterinary licensing board, which is usually part of the state's Department of Consumer Affairs, Department of Professional Regulation, or similar agency.
To search for a veterinarian's license status, visit your state's veterinary board website and look for a "license lookup," "verify a license," or "disciplinary history" tool. You will need the veterinarian's name and usually the state where they are licensed. The search results will show whether the license is active, suspended, revoked, or expired, and often include a summary of any disciplinary actions.
If you cannot find the information online, you can contact the state veterinary board directly by phone or email. The board's contact information is available on the state's professional licensing website.
What Suspension Means for Your Animal's Care
If your veterinarian's license is suspended, you cannot continue receiving care from that veterinarian during the suspension period. You will need to find a new veterinarian and transfer your animal's medical records.
Request your animal's medical records from the suspended veterinarian's practice in writing. By law, veterinary practices must provide copies of medical records to you or to another veterinarian you designate. Keep copies for your own records and provide them to your new veterinarian so they have a complete history of your animal's health and prior treatments.
If your animal is on ongoing medications or has a chronic condition requiring regular monitoring, prioritize finding a new veterinarian quickly. Your new veterinarian may need to perform an examination before continuing certain treatments or refilling prescriptions.
The Difference Between Suspension and Revocation
Suspension is a temporary penalty. The veterinarian's license is inactive for a set period or until certain conditions are met — such as completing additional training, paying a fine, or passing a re-examination. After the suspension ends and any conditions are satisfied, the veterinarian can explore to have the license reinstated.
Revocation is permanent. The veterinarian's license is cancelled entirely, and the veterinarian cannot practice veterinary medicine in that state. A revoked license can sometimes be reinstated, but only after a significant period of time has passed and the veterinarian petitions the board for reinstatement — a process that is rarely successful.
You can determine whether a license is suspended or revoked by checking the state veterinary board's database. The status will clearly indicate which penalty has been imposed.
How Long Suspensions Typically Last
The length of a license suspension varies depending on the violation and the board's decision. Some suspensions last a few months; others last a year or longer. The board's order will specify the suspension period or the conditions that must be met before reinstatement.
A suspension order may also include conditions the veterinarian must complete before the license is restored — such as completing a course on record-keeping, undergoing a practice audit, or passing a competency examination. The veterinarian must fulfill these conditions before requesting reinstatement.
Once the suspension period ends and any conditions are met, the veterinarian can petition the board to reinstate the license. The board will review the petition and decide whether to restore the license. Not all reinstatement requests are granted.
What to Do If You Were a Client of This Veterinarian
If you received care from Robert Wendell or another suspended veterinarian, take these steps: First, obtain your animal's medical records from the practice. Second, find a new veterinarian and provide them with the records. Third, schedule an appointment with the new veterinarian to establish care and discuss any ongoing health concerns.
If your animal is currently on medication prescribed by the suspended veterinarian, your new veterinarian may need to examine your animal before continuing or refilling the prescription. Some medications, particularly controlled substances, require a current veterinary examination and prescription from a licensed veterinarian.
If you have concerns about the care your animal received while under the suspended veterinarian's care, you can file a complaint with the state veterinary board. The board investigates complaints and can take disciplinary action if it finds evidence of misconduct or negligence.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a suspended veterinarian still own a veterinary practice?
No. During a suspension, the veterinarian cannot engage in any activities that require a veterinary license, including owning or operating a veterinary practice. However, the veterinarian may be able to work in non-clinical roles, such as administrative or management positions, depending on the terms of the suspension order.
How do I file a complaint about a veterinarian?
Contact your state's veterinary licensing board and request a complaint form. Most boards accept complaints in writing, by phone, or through an online form on their website. You will need to provide details about the veterinarian, the practice, and the specific conduct or care you are concerned about. The board will investigate and determine whether a violation occurred.
Can a veterinarian practice in another state if their license is suspended in one state?
Not necessarily. Many states share disciplinary information through national databases. If a veterinarian's license is suspended in one state, other states may be notified and may take similar action. However, each state makes its own licensing decisions, so it is possible for a veterinarian to hold a license in one state while suspended in another — though this is increasingly uncommon.
What happens to my animal's prescription if my veterinarian's license is suspended?
You will need a new veterinarian to refill or continue prescriptions. Your new veterinarian may need to examine your animal before issuing a new prescription, particularly for controlled substances or ongoing medications. Bring your animal's medical records to the new veterinarian to help them understand your animal's health history and current treatment.
How long does it take for a suspended veterinarian to get their license back?
The timeline depends on the length of the suspension and any conditions that must be completed. Some suspensions last several months; others last a year or more. After the suspension period ends, the veterinarian must request reinstatement from the board, which may take additional weeks or months. The board is not required to grant reinstatement and may deny the request.