After nearly a year of back-and-forth with the state's veterinary medical board, Thoroughbred Daily News reports Dr. Jeff Blea will soon be back at work at the California Horse Racing Board.
Blea had been one subject of formal accusation documents filed by the California Veterinary Medical Board, alleging he prescribed and administered medications to racehorses without proper diagnostics, examination, or properly establishing a veterinary-client-patient relationship per the state's legal requirements. Not long after, Blea's license was suspended and he was placed on administrative leave by the CHRB.
According to the TDN, Blea has reached a settlement with the vet board and will return to work officially on Sept. 21. One of the conditions of the settlement is that Blea must undergo continuing education courses on proper record-keeping, which was at the crux of most of the board's complaints against him.
He will also be on probation for three years.
Blea hasn't practiced medicine on the racetrack since he took the CHRB equine medical director position last summer, and an active veterinary license is not required for the role.
California's veterinary community reacted with surprise and frustration to the allegations made by the vet board against Blea and others, indicating a disconnect between the board's interpretation of its standards and the reality of non-small animal practitioners.
Read the full story at the Thoroughbred Daily News
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